Mar Fitzgerald

About Mar Fitzgerald

Mar Fitzgerald is a New York–based community leader and public policy advocate focused on building transparent, accountable systems at the intersection of government, licensing, and neighborhood engagement. As Chair of the Cannabis Licensing Committee for Manhattan Community Board 2, Mar has helped shape how community boards evaluate adult-use dispensary applications, balancing economic opportunity with quality-of-life concerns and public trust.

With experience reviewing some of the earliest retail applications in New York State, Mar brings practical insight into how the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), elected officials, licensees, and local stakeholders interact in real time. She regularly leads workshops and trainings for community boards across the city, breaking down complex regulatory frameworks into clear, actionable guidance. Her work emphasizes fairness, transparency, and community-forward decision-making in a rapidly evolving industry.

Beyond cannabis policy, Mar has served in leadership roles within the Manhattan Democratic Party, Community Board 2’s Equity, Race & Justice Committee, and multiple civic organizations dedicated to strengthening local governance. Her background in public service and electoral administration informs her structured, process-driven approach to policy and oversight.

Mar’s focus is simple: connect community, clarify process, and ensure that new industries serve the neighborhoods they enter.