PICS Employee Spotlight [Get to know Mary Bibro, Human Resources Manager]
At PICS (Partners in Community Supports), a subsidiary of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS), much of our work is behind the scenes. Our Employee Spotlight helps you learn more about our team. This month, get to know Mary Bibro, human resources manager with PICS!
Q. Tell us a little bit about your career at PICS/LSS.
Mary: As the HR Manager at PICS, I lead our HR department and make sure we support the families we serve by helping them stay compliant with state and federal employment laws. I also oversee benefits, training, onboarding and more.
Over the past seven years at PICS, I’ve had the opportunity to grow through three roles—starting as an HR Specialist, then Senior HR Specialist and now HR Manager. It’s been a rewarding journey!
Q. Could you tell us what attracted you to PICS/LSS, and how your vision aligns with the organization’s?
Mary: I’ve never felt more at home or more aligned with an organization’s mission than I do with PICS and LSS. I can confidently say that PICS and LSS truly put the people we serve at the center of everything we do.
My personal vision is that all people are valued and empowered to contribute positively to their communities. I believe PICS shares that vision—not just for the individuals we support, but also for our team members and the broader Minnesota community.
Being part of an organization that shares my commitment to building safe, happy and welcoming communities is truly priceless.
Q. What do you enjoy most about working at PICS?
Mary: I feel incredibly lucky to work alongside some of the best leaders in self-directed services and as part of an amazing HR team that truly cares about the work we do.
PICS has a huge impact on people’s lives across Minnesota. Supporting individuals in directing their own services, making personal choices, feeling safe at home, and becoming strong personal champions is deeply rewarding. Being part of that mission is truly the highlight of my career.
Q. PICS' Shared Values include being trustworthy, compassionate, knowledgeable, collaborative and responsive. How have you been able to implement your own personal values while working at PICS?
Mary: Trustworthiness and compassion are two of my core values, and I’m proud to share those with PICS. It’s important to me that when someone calls, they hear a calm, caring voice on the other end. I also encourage my HR team to be that steady, supportive presence for anyone who reaches out.
Life can be chaotic, so I want every person I interact with to feel heard, supported and cared for, especially when they’re facing something confusing or difficult. Creating that sense of trust and compassion in every interaction is something I take to heart.
Q. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Mary: Outside of work, you will find me doing anything and everything with my partner, Shawn, and our two amazing kiddos, Kieran (10) and Cam (1.5). We love dance parties, going to the park, for walks, watching our oldest son play any sport, and seeing our toddler learn all the new things.
Q. Share a fun fact about yourself.
Mary: I'm a big Disney and musical theater fanatic -- Wicked, Grease, Rent, Encanto, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast are some of my favorites.
Q. Where is your favorite place to be?
Mary: Loon Lake in Pequot Lakes, MN. I spent almost every summer weekend "glamping" in this area with my family growing up, and it holds a special place in my heart.
Q. If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?
Mary: I would love to learn to play the piano.
Q. Do you have any pets?
Mary: Yes! My fur babies are our dog, Ivy, and cat, Sasha.
Q. You're happiest when...
Mary: My whole family is together. Aunts, uncles, cousins and all! Wherever we are, there is sure to be great food, fun and laughter. My family brings me the most joy.
Q. Is there anything we haven’t asked that you want to share?
Mary: Being with PICS is one of the greatest joys of my life! I have made lifelong friendships, and memories, and learned so much in my time here. I just want to share how grateful I am to anyone that is reading this that you care about the team members here at PICS just as much as we care about you. Cheers to you! Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. :)
Here is what some of Mary’s colleagues have to say about her…
“Mary is a wonderful leader who is deeply respected by her team and colleagues. She leads with integrity, builds trust, and consistently motivates her team to perform at a high level. Her caring and proactive nature makes her a strong contributor and a valued presence in every space she enters. Mary sees people for who they are and lifts up all voices, fostering a welcoming and empowering environment. She brings thoughtfulness to every interaction, always keeping the people we serve at the heart of her work. We’re grateful for her leadership and the impact she makes every day.”
“Mary radiates positivity and optimism in everything that she does. She is always willing to lend a hand during busy times. She is quick to respond and will always find answers to any question. Her leadership allows our team to grow individually and as a team. Thank you, Mary, for all that you do!”
“If there is anybody who embodies the spirit and values of PICS the most, it would be Mary. Throughout the years that I have worked alongside Mary, she has been a fantastic leader, peer and inspiration. Her experience and expertise have been an invaluable asset to PICS, and Mary's passion for serving our families and their loved ones drives and inspires her team to provide the highest level of service. I am extremely thankful to be able to work with Mary each day and to have her on our team.”
“Mary has played a significant role in the success of our team. Since I joined PICS, my experience has been both positive and enjoyable. It is Mary's compassionate nature that enables our HR Team to flourish, even amidst our busiest periods. She supports both minor and major changes. I have never felt at ease expressing my opinions and ideas and witnessing them come to fruition.”
”Mary is one of the most GENUINELY NICE people on this planet. She is kind, caring, generous, thoughtful and considerate and she will go above and beyond without question if you ask her, even if it calls for sacrifice on her part. She is an amazing co-worker and an even more amazing PERSON. I'm grateful to get to work with her every day!”
“Mary, I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I appreciate the way you work. You’re not only incredibly dedicated and reliable, but it’s clear that you genuinely care about people. Your kindness and willingness to help others doesn’t go unnoticed—it makes a real difference to PICS and in the lives of those around you.”