About our Speakers

Mark Gainey

Mark Gainey has been building successful companies for 20+ years. He currently serves as the co-founder and chairman of Strava, the world’s online platform for athletes. Founded in 2009, millions of athletes worldwide have joined Strava for the competition and camaraderie found in tracking and sharing their fitness activities. Mark also co-founded Kana Communications, an enterprise software firm, in 1996 and served in various capacities, including CEO and chairman. He has offered his expertise to a wide array of companies over the years, joining the boards of Alter-G, BoardVantage, Daum, Clari, and Coaching Corps. Mark holds an AB from Harvard University. But more importantly, he earned a varsity letter while rowing Lightweight Crew.

Mark’s love for running dates back to his childhood, first with soccer, then with a high school cross country team where he was state champion his senior year. He has competed in numerous marathons including Boston, New York and Chicago. He also completed Ironman Coeur d'Alene and the Leadville 100 MTB race. These days you can find him on the trails of Portola Valley, the slopes of Tahoe and the water of the bay, always looking for a new activity to post on Strava!

Mary Babbitt Hammers

An experienced multi-platform broadcaster with deep local and regional roots, Mary spent nearly fifteen years as a news anchor for both KCOY in Santa Maria and KNTV/ NBC Bay Area in San Jose, before several years hosting the nationally syndicated and Emmy Award winning “In Wine Country” on NBC. Currently working in a freelance capacity doing writing and voice-over work for television, Mary also retains a multi-faceted role at local K-8 independent Hillbrook School, while co-hosting the popular “Sip Sip Hooray!” podcast.  

Mom of four (Cole, Luke, Gracie, and Jude), Mary and her husband Chuck make their home in Los Gatos. An enthusiastic recreational runner (and middle school cross country coach when called upon), Mary ran the 2022 Boston Marathon.