MARY JO GUINCHARD

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, alongside her three siblings, Mary Jo earned a Bachelor of Music degree with a concentration in Voice Performance from Southern Methodist University (SMU). Her career as a professional singer and actress led her to New York City and subsequently took her across the country.

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Her career highlights have included La Cage Aux Folles w/Gene Barry (west coast tour), Hello Dolly w/Carol Channing (national tour), Little Me w/Donald O’Connor (regional tour), Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, and The Last Empress (Lincoln Center and Seoul Korea Opera House).

 

While at SMU, Mary Jo joined the Actors Equity Association (AEA) union and has been a member for 43+ years. As a member of the actors union, Mary Jo was elected by her peers as the designated “deputy” for various companies acting as the liaison between the union actors and the show’s producers. This successful experience influenced Mary Jo to eventually run for elected office as a public servant.  In 2015, she became Mayor (and Police Commissioner) of Tuxedo Park.

 

Mary Jo has also been passionately involved in community service and charitable causes throughout her adult life.  She is currently a cantor and a member of an adult choir at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Ridgewood.  In addition, Mary Jo serves as a Member of the Republican County Committee representing Ridgewood.

 

Mary Jo met her husband Claude shortly after her arrival in New York and they married in 1984.  They raised three wonderful children and built their respective careers while supporting each other.  They eventually moved to Ridgewood, where they currently reside.