On Nov. 2, 2021, the Atlanta Braves defeated the Houston Astros and won the World Series for the first time since 1995. Mary Elizabeth Cox, Auburn College of Human Sciences alumna and Atlanta Braves project manager for guest operations and strategy, made sure the World Series guest experience was unforgettable from first pitch to post-event celebrations.
At Truist Park, Cox helped prepare the VIP pre- and post-game parties and served as a main liaison to the MLB contacts who visited for the Braves’ postseason games. She and the front office team traveled to Houston, Texas for Games One and Two of the World Series, and when the Braves returned to Atlanta after Game Six, Cox helped organize the planning of the championship parade.
“The World Series definitely added hours to our schedules with early days and late nights,” Cox said. “Attending games in Houston with all of my colleagues cheering on the Braves was a remarkable memory. The parade and ceremony were also incredible experiences. I have never experienced anything like it – such an outstanding memory I will cherish forever.”
As the Atlanta Braves project manager for guest operations and strategy, Cox manages projects focused on guest and staff experiences. From getting a hospitality project started to evaluating its success, Cox collaborates with business leaders to improve service excellence for the Atlanta Braves.
In 2016, Cox joined the Atlanta Braves as guest services coordinator and was promoted to guest services senior coordinator in 2019. She moved into her current position in 2020, and throughout her career with the Braves, saw the last season at Turner Field, helped open Truist Park, worked concerts, supported the organization through the pandemic, and executed a full postseason run with the Braves’ World Series win.
“My career at the Braves has been an unforgettable and exciting roller coaster in the best way possible. It has all been more than I ever could have imagined; each challenge and opportunity has made me so much stronger in my career,” Cox said. “The best part of my job is by far the people. I can truly say there has never been a day in my career where I have said ‘I don’t want to go to work today.’ Not many people can say that. I work with the very best of the best. My colleagues are so much more than coworkers – we are truly a family and I am honored to work alongside them.”
Cox learned of employment opportunities with the Braves through the hospitality management program at Auburn. During her undergraduate career, Cox served as the Hospitality Management Student Advisory Board President, an Auburn University Diamond Doll, and as a member of Alpha Omicron Pi and the Auburn University Dance Marathon. She graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management in 2015.
“I am honored to be a third-generation Auburn graduate – something I am overwhelmingly proud of. I have always loved Auburn University and for much of my childhood life, all of my endeavors and accomplishments were another step to get to Auburn,” Cox said. “In my core, I am driven by serving people and creating positive and memorable experiences. As I learned more and more of the hospitality industry at Auburn, I knew it was a world where I would be fulfilled.”
Now that the World Series and its associated festivities are over, Cox looks forward to reflecting on an incredible year and planning for 2022.
For those just starting their education at Auburn, Cox advises students to view everything as an opportunity.
“You do not have to know what you want to do and where you want to be right now. Look at individuals you admire in the industry and their career paths, I can assure you every single path is different. The world is hard enough for you to put extra pressure on yourself at this point; do the best you can do to build your own path,” Cox said. “Remember to control what you can control – your energy is valuable and if you focus on the things you can control and make an impact on, that’s how you influence change. Lastly, enjoy every moment and experience. Every single thing in life is an opportunity to learn and grow, especially the hard things.”
For more information about Hospitality Management at Auburn University, visit humsci.auburn.edu/hosp.
