Arlington nonprofit BBB National Programs Inc. names executive VP of policy

Mary K. Engle worked for the Federal Trade Commission for almost 19 years.

Published February 3, 2020 by Sydney Lake

Arlington-based BBB National Programs Inc. named Mary K. Engle as its executive vice president of policy, effective Jan. 31, the organization announced Monday. 

The self-regulatory body of the former Council of Better Business Bureaus, BBB National Programs provides self-regulation for companies to address truth-in-advertising, child-directed marketing and data privacy without government involvement. Self-regulation in marketing and advertising sets voluntary rules and standards of practice beyond legal obligations established by the government to prevent ads and marketing from being misleading or inaccurate.

Engle was previously the associate director for advertising practices at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). She led the FTC’s advertising practices division for approximately 19 years. She also previously served as an adviser to members of the Bureau of Consumer Protection, (part of the FTC) which prevents fraudulent business practices. 

During her career, she has won the Meritorious Executive Rank Award from former President Barack Obama for managing U.S. programs and won the FTC Chairman’s Award for the FTC’s 2000 media violence study and report.

Engle earned her bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and her juris doctorate degree from the University of Virginia.