Our People
Mary Shields
President / Owner
Jeff Costa
Vice President, Design
Sally McCarthy
Art Director
Sheryl Quesnel
Senior Project Manager
Martin Baker
Vice President, Marketing/Strategy/Innovation
Tim Dwyer
Designer
Tom Vacchino
IT Manager / Production
Gail Prescott
Production Artist
Jim Federico
Web Design and Development
Paula Gluck
Finance Administrator
Nicole Meighan
Junior Production Artist
Barnicle & Husk
Common Area Watchmen
Mary Shields
President/Owner
Mary founded the Shields Design Studio as a vehicle to cultivate and apply intelligent design – branding that is not only distinct, but effective because it is aligned with strategic objectives. For more than two decades, her leadership of the Studio has resulted in an impressive client roster in the healthcare, technology, sports & entertainment, non-profit and retail industries. Mary believes that design is a collaborative process and enjoys partnering with her various clients to develop successful design and marketing initiatives. Her style is hands-on, and it enables her to oversee all creative development from concept through production. Her commitment to clients is completely focused on service and consistent customer satisfaction.
Mary excelled as a team leader during her over a decade long collaboration with various divisions of Disney. For three consecutive years, Shields was Disney’s largest external vendor. She was instrumental in branding and development for the first Disneyana Convention (official Disney collector’s convention) and for several thereafter. Shields’ continued Disney involvement included the design of numerous themed programs including new attraction openings (Tower of Terror, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon); movie releases (101 Dalmatians, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Pocahontas, The Nightmare Before Christmas); souvenirs (hard and soft-lines); anniversary and character promotions; participant marketing (Nestles, Coca-Cola); Disney Cruise Lines (maiden voyage of Disney Magic); and theme park retail sales packaging.
Other partnerships have proven to be equally as successful. Mary has served as a strategic partner for ACOM Healthcare. She is Visual Advocate for business development at Blyth Industries. The initiative taken by Mary in the evolution of the new logo and branding for Jordan Hospital in 2001 is strong evidence of her talent in recognizing opportunities to enhance existing marketing plans. With the support of her dedicated staff and her clients’ trust, Mary has the ability to turn her visions into reality.
Mary’s creative endeavors continue outside the studio. Inspired by her relationship with Disney and her desire to further connect with the community, Mary has authored a book that chronicles the adventures of Barnicle and Husk™, America’s Hometown Favorites. Mary created these cat and mouse characters as a means to educate children about the historical significance of Plymouth in a fun and entertaining way. Mary holds a Bachelor’s of Arts and an Associate’s degree in Art Education from Framingham State College and has completed studies at the Massachusetts College of Art and the Boston Architectural Center. Mary is currently on the Board of Trustees of the Jordan Health Foundation.