Mary Datcher
FOUNDER OF GLOBAL MIXX
An educational forum for creators learning about the business of entertainment in film, music, digital arts and media.
About
GLOBAL MIXX Founder
Mary L. Datcher is a seasoned journalist, marketing specialist, public relations expert, and political consultant with a career spanning nearly three decades in the music and entertainment industry. Raised in Chicago, she has held significant roles at WGCI FM (Chicago), BMG Distribution, UNI Distribution (Universal Music Group), Def Jam Music Group, and George's Music Room. In 1992, she founded On the Street Promotions and Marketing (OTSP), a firm specializing in field and event marketing programs primarily focusing on the music industry. Under her leadership, OTSP has collaborated with over 300 companies, delivering marketing campaigns, producing national and local events, and managing artist development.
Over the years, OTSP has been important in promoting earlier music projects, including Kanye West, Erykah Badu, Wu-Tang Clan, The Roots, Jay-Z, LL Cool J, and many others.
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In 2004, Mary co-founded the first Core DJ Retreat held in Chicago, which later evolved into the Global Mixx DJ Retreat in 2005, now known as the Global Mixx Music & Film Forum. This forum was established to provide business education and seminars for aspiring professionals and students in the entertainment, arts, media, and film industries.
Mary's expertise extends beyond entertainment, having consulted on projects for political clients such as Commissioner Jerry 'Iceman' Butler, Congressman Bobby L. Rush, Chris Kennedy, and Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr., as well as for corporate clients like Jeep, Nike, Target, Coca Cola, M&M Mars and Diageo brands. In 2012, she expanded her agency's services by forming Global Mixx Media Group, which focuses on branding and field marketing for nonprofit and corporate organizations.
As the former Managing Editor for the Chicago Defender, Mary covered major political races, investigative stories, and community and entertainment profiles that resonated with readers nationwide. In 2018, she co-founded Bronzeville Life, a lifestyle publication by the Chicago Defender Charities.
In 2020, Mary joined Congressman Bobby Rush's staff as District Director, continuing in the same role for incoming Rep. Jonathan Jackson in 2023. In this capacity, she managed district operations, worked with constituents, and collaborated with community groups and business leaders. In May 2023, Mary became the Vice President of Communications at APS and Associates, a full-service public affairs firm, where she manages media relations and community engagement for high-profile clients.