MARY ANNE FLIPPO
Mary Anne Flippo stands as a testament to the power of dedication, resilience, and pursuing one’s passions. With a background that spans from being an FBI special agent to a thriving attorney at the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of General Counsel, Mary Anne’s journey is an inspiring tale of breaking barriers, finding balance, and making a lasting impact.
Hailing from Mobile, Alabama, Mary Anne Flippo’s journey began with humble roots, growing up in a community that instilled values of hard work and determination. As the first in her family to graduate college and achieve an advanced degree, Mary Anne’s academic achievements marked the beginning of a trajectory that would lead her to remarkable heights.
After law school, Mary Anne found herself at a crossroads – torn between a role as an Assistant District Attorney and the prospect of joining the FBI as a Special Agent. The latter option, though unexpected, intrigued her. “A lawyer friend told me the FBI was recruiting more females at that time, so I applied—never thinking they would even respond! After the interview and hiring process, the FBI called to tell me I had a start date at Quantico the same day the Birmingham District Attorney called to hire me,” she recalls. Mary Anne decided to seize the FBI opportunity, embarking on a journey that would shape her career and life in unforeseen ways.
Her six-month training at the FBI Academy was just the beginning of an exciting career. Assigned to Newark, New Jersey, Mary Anne took on a pivotal role in the Violent Crime squad, smashing through gender norms and stereotypes as the only female on her team. Despite initial doubts, she proved her mettle, participating in early morning door breaches and apprehending criminals. Her experience extended globally, as she worked on transnational organized crime, demonstrating her unyielding commitment to justice.
““I LEARNED SO MUCH, AND THERE IS NO BETTER FEELING THAN WHEN A JURY COMES BACK WITH A GUILTY VERDICT.””
Her path continued to Washington, D.C., where she served on the Attorney General’s Protection Detail, guarding top officials like AG Eric Holder and AG Loretta Lynch. The experiences enriched her worldview, establishing her as a force to be reckoned with in the male-dominated world of law enforcement. “I got to travel the world, and interact with high-level government officials,” she tells us. “I also met my husband in Washington, DC. I spent 7 years with the Bureau, and this prepared me for any challenge!”
Mary Anne’s journey took another turn when she returned to Alabama to practice law, driven by a desire for a slower pace and a chance to be closer to her family while her mother battled a newly diagnosed fight with Dementia. Her time with the District Attorney’s office in Mobile and Baldwin County, where she fearlessly faced courtrooms, paved the way for her eventual transition back to the federal government in 2021, now as an attorney for the SBA. “My days involve a lot of writing, and staying on top of court deadlines! Thank goodness for Excel spreadsheets,” she jokes.
As a key player in the SBA’s Office of General Counsel, Mary Anne’s role revolves around the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) appeals cases – a final recourse for borrowers before escalating to Federal District Court. Handling cases involving fraud and bankruptcy linked to PPP and COVID EIDL loans, her expertise and meticulous approach shine through in each response she drafts. “It is a great feeling after drafting a response to obtain a favorable decision from the Administrative Law Judge. This appeals process is the Borrower’s final step before taking the case to Federal District Court.”
In her pursuit of justice and excellence, Mary Anne has faced the trials of being a woman in male-dominated spheres. “I had to convince my Boss in New Jersey that I was capable of being on the violent crime squad,” she recalls. “He said there are no females on that squad, and suggested I should stick with white collar work since I was an attorney. I had to convince him that I could handle that squad, and the challenge. He reluctantly agreed to assign me to violent crimes. In one of my reviews, I’ll never forget that my supervisor said I was like a duck to water with my team.”
Another instance in which Mary Anne felt the affects of gender bias was during her first years as a prosecutor. “I was so thankful for Ashley Rich, who was DA at the time, for giving me the opportunity. As well as DA Bob Wilters in Baldwin County who has been a tremendous mentor for me,” she says. “I learned so much, and there is no better feeling than when a jury comes back with a guilty verdict. There was one instance that the opposing male counsel in a trial, told me he couldn’t wait until our trial because he was going to win. I told him in the elevator to get ready to lose—which he did!”
Balancing her professional life with personal responsibilities, Mary Anne emphasizes the importance of a strong support network. Her husband’s unwavering support, particularly in the face of her mother’s dementia, has been a pillar of strength. “I’m so thankful for bosses that have understood this difficulty. I’m right down the street from my Mom’s nursing home, so being at home allows me to be with her frequently. This year she has really declined, and I couldn’t have made it through the sadness without my husband,” she fondly shares. “He will go with me to visit, and always makes my Mom laugh. Having that support system is amazing.” Additionally, her connection to the Fairhope yoga community and her role as a yoga teacher provide her with additional sources of solace and camaraderie.
Looking ahead, Mary Anne is excited about her future endeavors. She hopes to one day be back in the courtroom. Her dedication to gender equality and the empowerment of women shines brightly, as she aspires to add more female voices to the county’s legal landscape.
Mary Anne loves her life in Baldwin County after living the fast-paced life of New York and DC. “I love going into a restaurant and running into someone I know. That never happened in the northeast!” Mary Anne, along with her husband and two stepsons, love traveling together. They love visiting 30A, though Mary Anne will always vote for a trip to New York! Mary Anne also loves spending her time volunteering as a therapeutic horseback-riding instructor at DreamCatcher Farms in Silverhill, where she uses her experience growing up riding hunter/jumpers to serve children and young adults on the Autistic Spectrum, with Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome, ADHD, Spina Bifida, and emotional issues like anxiety and coping skills.
Mary Anne’s journey is a beacon of inspiration, reminding us all that adversity can be transformed into opportunity, and that the path to success is often forged through the courage to challenge norms and the determination to make a difference. As Baldwin County continues to thrive under the influence of remarkable women like Mary Anne Flippo, her story serves as a reminder that every individual has the power to shape their destiny and leave an indelible mark on their community.
