Architect and community leader Mary Alice Guidry with husband Corey Guidry. Courtesy photo.

By Paula Jimenez

In the ever-evolving Rose City economy, Mary Alice Guidry is a skilled architect and a passionate community leader. Currently, she is the Senior Vice President of the Tyler Economic Development Council (TEDC). Guidry exemplifies commitment to both her profession and the City of Tyler, carving a name for herself through impactful initiatives.

After graduating from West Monroe High School in 2002, Ms. Guidry began her collegiate journey at Louisiana State University that fall. However, in 2005, she made the decision to return home, where she worked alongside her mother at the gymnastics and cheer facility her mother owned. It wasn’t until 2009 that she decided to go back to college, referring to that time as her ‘quarter-life crisis’ – at 25, when she realized she had little to show for her adult life. Her stepfather, who was the head baseball coach at Louisiana Tech University, made it a natural choice for her to apply there.

That is not all.

Initially, Guidry felt uncertain about her career path, although she had always been interested in civil engineering during her high school years. As she explored various majors, she stumbled upon the School of Architecture and was immediately captivated by the student projects she encountered. The program proved to be rigorous, and no one warned her that sleep would become a rare commodity for the next five years. However, reflecting on it now, she is incredibly grateful for that experience. In the fall of 2019, she took a significant step in her career by focusing on obtaining her Architect license, which required her to tackle six challenging exams. Despite the pass rate being around 54%, she dedicated herself to the task and successfully passed all the exams within just nine months, earning her master’s degree in architecture.

“My parents have always been incredibly supportive of my endeavors. Their pride in my accomplishments has been a driving force behind who I am today.”

Mary Alice Guidry – Senior Vice President of the Tyler Economic Development Council.

But wait, there is more.

She first met her husband, Corey Guidry, through their shared passion for architecture. They graduated from Louisiana Tech University. Interestingly, they never crossed paths during their time at school. It wasn’t until they both started working as interns at Fitzpatrick Architects in Tyler, Texas – Corey in 2011 and her in 2014 – that they formed a friendship and uncovered a connection they hadn’t realized before. On the other hand, their bosses, it seems, were not just mentors but also matchmakers, recognizing the chemistry between the two. They got engaged in 2016, married in 2017, and have enjoyed eight wonderful and exciting years of marriage.

“With each passing year, our bond has only grown stronger,” Ms. Guidry said. “Corey is my best friend, confidant, and cheerleader. We balance each other out perfectly.” Their shared success in their professional fields, along with their mutual interests in hiking, gardening, and competitive games, contribute to a fulfilling partnership that flourishes both at work and at home. According to Ms. Guidry, she loves it whenever she has the opportunity to beat her hubby, Corey – because  her competitive spirit really comes alive, and she is fully committed.

Ms. Guidry is quick to credit the right people.

She attributes her success to her upbringing. “My parents have always been incredibly supportive of my endeavors,” she  said. “Their pride in my accomplishments has been a driving force behind who I am today.” Moreover, her unwavering faith in God has also shaped her trajectory and decisions throughout her life. “My faith in God has always been number one in my life.” she says.

“With each passing year, our bond has only grown. Corey is my best friend, confidant, and cheerleader. We balance each other out perfectly.”

Mary Alice Guidry – Senior Vice President of the Tyler Economic Development Council.

After a successful tenure as a Senior Project Manager at Fitzpatrick Architects, Ms. Guidry seized the opportunity to become the Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity of Smith County. “I cherished my job and the wonderful people at Fitzpatrick Architects, but I genuinely felt called to pursue the position of CEO at HFHSC,” she said, “It required a lot of prayer and a significant leap of faith to even submit my application for that role. However, I did, and out of 36 candidates, they chose me.” This position enabled her to fulfill her calling, merging her professional skills with her desire to make a positive impact on society.

She did not stop at HFHSC. She continues  on the road to diverse successes.

Today, as the Senior Vice President of the Tyler Economic Development Council (TEDC), Ms. Guidry plays a crucial role in diversifying the local economy, stimulating job growth and retention. The TEDC is a nonprofit organization founded in 1989.  It has been instrumental in assisting companies that have generated over $1.3 billion in new investments in Tyler, Texas. As a result of their efforts, over 28,000 jobs in Tyler have been attributed to the Council’s initiatives. “At TEDC, we focus on job creation, attracting capital investment, and stimulating economic diversity,” she says. “Our mission is to strengthen Tyler and Smith County, ensuring better job opportunities and improve livelihoods for families.”

Her successful professional achievements does not hinder her public service.

Ms. Guidry remains dedicated to community service. For example, she serves on the Board of Directors for various organizations, including Heart of Tyler, which focuses on revitalizing Downtown Tyler, and the City of Tyler Main Street Program. As a proud alumna of the Leadership Tyler Core Program, she actively engages with initiatives that contribute to the community’s growth.

Her journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. “If you’re looking to follow a path in architecture or economic development, stay committed and be open to opportunities,” she said. As Ms. Guidry continues her career journey, she implements innovative strategies, fosters collaboration among team members, and drives initiatives that lead to meaningful changes in Tyler as well as Smith county.

“If you’re looking to follow a path in architecture or economic development, stay committed and be open to opportunities.”

Mary Alice Guidry – Senior Vice President of the Tyler Economic Development Council.