
TestingMind
Keynote Speaker
Software Quality Summit
Atlanta — October 2, 2026
Executive Technology Leader | AI Trust & Governance | Consultant & Advisor | Global Keynote Speaker
From software development to enterprise Quality Engineering leadership, I have built high-performing global teams, transformed operating models, and established scalable automation and AI foundations. A process engineer at heart, I now help organizations govern, assess, and scale AI responsibly—turning emerging technology into trusted business outcomes.
Open to executive leadership, consulting, advisory, board, and global speaking opportunities.

Mary Pombares
Executive Leader in Quality EngineeringAI Strategy & Governance AdvisorKeynote Speaker for Global Audiences



Mary Pombares is an executive technology leader with 18+ years in technology and transformation — spanning Quality Engineering, AI strategy and enterprise digital transformation across healthcare, media, financial services and travel.
She partners with CEOs, CIOs, CTOs and boards to make AI adoption responsible and measurable — building governance models, strengthening trust in intelligent systems, and modernizing Quality Engineering at enterprise scale.
Beyond enterprise transformation, Mary advocates for women from underrepresented communities and invests in the next generation of innovators. Through speaking, mentorship, and STEM engagement, she helps women and young people—particularly those from African and minority communities—recognize their place in technology, AI, and leadership.
View Leadership ExperienceBuild responsible AI strategies, frameworks, and governance models.
Ensure reliability, safety, and ethics in AI systems at enterprise scale.
Modernize QA, test automation, and engineering processes with AI.
Drive innovation, operational excellence, and measurable business impact.
Partner with CEOs, CIOs, CTOs, and Boards to accelerate outcomes.
Inspiring audiences worldwide on AI, trust, and the future of work.
Upcoming Engagements

TestingMind
Keynote Speaker
Software Quality Summit
Atlanta — October 2, 2026

How to Test This? Podcast
Guest on Podcast
The Role of the Head of QA and AI Risk | How to Test This? Podcast
Recording September 3

Guest on Podcast with Joe Colantonio
TestGuild Automation Podcast
Date TBA
Past Engagements

The Agentic Quality Summit 2026
Speaker — Scaling AI Initiatives Across QA
The Agentic Quality Summit 2026
2026

TestGuild IRL
Roundtable Expert
Chicago 2026
July 16–17, 2026

Innovate QA Podcast
Guest on Podcast
AI Metrics for Testing with Context QA | Innovate QA Podcast
June 27, 2026
Influential Women — Verified
Honored by Influential Women as an Executive Leader in Quality Engineering and AI-Driven Testing — amplifying the achievements and influence of women who lead, innovate, and inspire.



40+
LinkedIn Recommendations
From former team members, peers, and leaders across Fortune 500 organizations.
Selected recommendations from leaders, peers and team members at Amazon, HBO, NBCUniversal and Universal Parks & Resorts.
Forward-thinking, transparent, and articulate. As Director of Quality Engineering, Mary was instrumental in modernizing our approach to QA, specifically driving 'Shift Left' in order to reduce costs for the business while simultaneously improving the customer experience. She holds a high bar for quality and accountability, but she achieves it through mentorship, coaching, and transparency rather than micromanagement.
Eric Ruttenbur
Software Engineering Executive — Amazon, NBCUniversal, eBay
LinkedIn recommendation · Former colleague
Mary's passion and experience helped HBO as a company focus on what is needed specifically for HBO's many departments and initiatives. She was able to steer the project in a way that would benefit HBO, keeping in mind the strategy for the operational processes once the initial implementation had concluded. She is a very good leader and a true inspiration.
Tam Anderson, PMP
Program Manager, HBO
LinkedIn recommendation · Former colleague
Her strategic vision and ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization were instrumental in the successful adoption of agile practices within the QA department. Mary fostered a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, which resulted in a highly motivated and engaged team that consistently delivered exceptional results.
Leilani Batty, PMP
Digital Strategy & Technology Leader, Universal Parks & Resorts
LinkedIn recommendation · Former colleague
She helped my team cut our testing time by more than 60% by automating the majority of the test cases. She also created the scrum improvement strategy to help boost the team's productivity and deliver a quality product. She is a huge asset to any team.
Rafi Ahmed
Engineering Lead, Digital Payments & Emerging Markets
LinkedIn recommendation · Former colleague
She was able to quickly ramp up the QE organization by nearly ten-fold in a few months by including and trusting her team to accomplish this great goal. She maintains a high standard for QA and delivery by constantly balancing getting things done and doing things well.
Jorge Rivas
Software Development Engineer in Test
LinkedIn recommendation · Former direct report
Mary's passion for process improvement is only surpassed by her concern for the well-being of her direct reports. Engaging and articulate, Mary looks for key challenges and goes after solving those hard problems while others look for low-hanging fruit. Mary is a powerhouse of energy.
Joseph Lupo
Senior Director of Identity Access Management
LinkedIn recommendation · Former colleague
Perspectives shared on stages, podcasts and with executive teams worldwide.
AI Governance
Why responsible AI needs controls, accountability and measurement designed in from day one.
Quality Engineering
How QA shifts from gatekeeper to enabler of safe, fast AI-driven delivery.
AI Strategy
The discipline that separates demos from durable enterprise AI systems.
Share a few details about your keynote, executive advisory need, or transformation program. Every message reaches Mary's team directly.
info@marypombares.com
Atlanta, GA — available worldwide