VICE MAYOR OF BEVERLY HILLS, Mary N. Wells
" Listen with care. Lead with vision. Deliver results."
~ Mary N. Wells, Vice Mayor of Beverly Hills
Mary N. Wells serves as Vice Mayor of Beverly Hills and is widely recognized for her visionary leadership, collaborative approach and commitment to community. A longtime Beverly Hills resident and former President of the Beverly Hills Unified School District Board of Education, she is known for setting long-term direction, leading meaningful change and delivering results. Drawing on her experience in business, education and public service, Wells remains focused on preserving what makes the city exceptional while enhancing the resident experience and strengthening the city's position as a premier global luxury destination for future generations. - Maya Ito
Maya Ito If you were to recommend Beverly Hills to visitors in just one sentence, what would you say?
Mary N. Wells Beverly Hills is one of the most beautiful and safest cities in the world, blending global luxury and hospitality with a uniquely welcoming small town charm. In addition to its rich history tied to film, entertainment and culture, Beverly Hills is home to world renowned hotels, exceptional restaurants and iconic destinations like Rodeo Drive, where many of the world’s most coveted fashion houses and luxury brands have chosen to establish their flagship presence. It is a city that continues to honor its legacy while embracing innovation, creativity and excellence.
Maya Ito What does Beverly Hills mean to you personally?
Mary N. Wells Despite its iconic global reputation for luxury, glamour and elegance, Beverly Hills is my home and home to the residents, families and businesses who are the heart of the city. To me, Beverly Hills represents a community built on history, vision and an enduring commitment to excellence. Generations of residents and civic leaders have carried that legacy forward, preserving what makes Beverly Hills special while recognizing the importance of thoughtfully moving this world-class city into the future. What makes Beverly Hills truly special is the unique combination of a world-renowned destination and a close-knit community that cherishes this beautiful place we call home.
Maya Ito How do you see the key priorities for Beverly Hills over the next few years?
Mary N. Wells As Beverly Hills prepares to welcome visitors from around the world for major global events such as the Olympics and the World Cup, one of our priorities is ensuring that residents and visitors alike experience Beverly Hills at its very best. We continue to invest in public safety, infrastructure and the preservation of the iconic spaces and institutions that define our city. At the same time, we are working closely with our businesses, hotels and community partners to strengthen the visitor experience while protecting the exceptional quality of life our residents value so deeply. Our goal is to continue evolving thoughtfully while preserving the character, beauty and sense of community that make Beverly Hills so unique.
Maya Ito In a city like Beverly Hills, where quality and image are highly valued, governance often involves balancing multiple priorities. Where do you find these trade-offs most evident?
Mary N. Wells In Beverly Hills, the challenge is not choosing between quality of life, public safety, beauty or economic vitality — it is ensuring that all of those priorities are elevated together in a thoughtful and balanced way.cThe reason Beverly Hills is recognized around the world is because generations of leaders made long term investments in public safety, infrastructure, hospitality and community standards. Those decisions helped create an environment where residents feel secure, businesses thrive and visitors from around the world want to spend time here.cMaintaining that balance requires constant attention, thoughtful planning and a commitment to protecting what makes Beverly Hills exceptional.
Maya Ito In the area of public safety, where you have been deeply involved, there were concerns during the pandemic about crime, including some robbery incidents that drew public attention. In that context, how have you approached balancing safety, the city’s openness, and the overall resident experience?
Mary N. Wells Public safety begins with listening to the needs and expectations of residents, businesses and visitors. In Beverly Hills, there is a strong shared understanding that people should feel safe while also feeling welcomed and connected to the community around them. We have continued to invest heavily in our police and fire departments while being intentional about recruiting professionals who understand the culture and values of Beverly Hills. That commitment has helped us maintain a strong sense of safety while preserving the positive and welcoming experience that defines our city.
Maya Ito You previously led the school board—how has that experience shaped your approach to governance today?
Mary N. Wells Serving on the Beverly Hills Unified School District Board during the pandemic taught me the importance of steady, transparent and compassionate leadership during moments of uncertainty. I learned that effective governance begins with listening carefully, communicating openly and making sure people feel heard and respected, even when perspectives differ. That experience reinforced my belief that leadership is ultimately about building trust, bringing people together and making thoughtful decisions that serve the long-term interests of the community.
Maya Ito How would you define your leadership style, and how does it typically manifest in your decision-making?
Mary N. Wells I would describe my leadership style as thoughtful, collaborative and solutions-oriented. I believe in being prepared, asking difficult questions when necessary and taking the time to understand the long-term impact of decisions. I also believe strong leadership requires listening and building consensus. Some of the most meaningful progress happens when people work together with a shared sense of purpose and respect for the community they serve.
Maya Ito Beyond your current responsibilities as Vice Mayor, how do you view the opportunity to serve the community further as Mayor in the future?
Mary N. Wells As Vice Mayor, I am focused on serving the community and continuing the work residents entrusted me to do. Public service has always been deeply meaningful to me, and I remain committed to helping move Beverly Hills forward in thoughtful and positive ways. I also look forward to next year when I will have the honor of serving as Mayor of Beverly Hills and continuing to lead our city alongside my colleagues, residents, businesses and community partners, while introducing initiatives that move our city forward, elevate the resident experience, and preserve the exceptional quality of life that defines Beverly Hills.
Maya Ito As a woman balancing both family and public responsibilities, how do you navigate these roles? Do these experiences influence your public decision-making?
Mary N. Wells I would not be able to do this work without the support of my family. Many of my life experiences have shaped the way I approach leadership and public service, including being a working woman, a widow and mother, caring for aging parents, becoming a stepmother and raising a blended family. I have also experienced different stages of life within our community — and understand the very real pressures created by the high cost of living. Those experiences have given me a deeper sense of empathy, resilience and appreciation for the challenges people and families navigate every day. They continue to influence how I think about community, quality of life and the importance of creating a city where people feel supported, connected and secure.
Maya Ito How do you view the impact of artificial intelligence and social media on people’s lifestyles and the broader information environment?
Mary N. Wells Artificial intelligence is transforming nearly every aspect of modern life, and there is tremendous potential for innovation, creativity and progress. At the same time, it is important that we approach these technologies thoughtfully and responsibly. As social media and AI continue to shape how people communicate and consume information, I believe it becomes even more important to value critical thinking, authenticity and genuine human connection. Technology can be incredibly powerful, but it should enhance our lives rather than replace the human relationships and judgment that remain essential.
Maya Ito How do you see the evolving image of women today? Do you find resonance with the kind of femininity represented by brands like Genny?
Mary N. Wells Women today are defining success and femininity on their own terms, and I think that evolution is incredibly empowering. Women can be leaders, mothers, entrepreneurs, caretakers, creatives and advocates — often all at once — and we move through many chapters throughout our lives. Beverly Hills itself has a strong history of female leadership, and to date we have had ten women serve as mayor. I think modern femininity is about confidence, individuality and strength, while still embracing elegance, compassion and personal expression. The Genny brand resonates because it is understated elegance and modern femininity.
Maya Ito In public settings, how do you use fashion to shape and express your personal style?
Mary N. Wells Fashion is a form of communication and personal expression. In public life, I believe style can reflect confidence, professionalism and individuality while still feeling approachable and authentic. I am drawn to timeless pieces with modern sophistication — fashion that feels elegant, polished and expressive without being overly complicated. Beverly Hills has such a strong appreciation for art, beauty and design, and I think fashion is naturally part of that creative culture.
