Mara Littman

As the Executive Director of Strategic Operations and Corporate Relations at Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration, Mara Littman leads key strategic initiatives across marketing, career services, student services, alumni relations, corporate partnerships, and executive education. She oversees high-impact events, develops meaningful collaborations, and ensures operational excellence in alignment with the school’s mission.

With 20+ years of experience in marketing, branding, public relations, communications, social media, events, and corporate relations, Mara has worked with mission-driven organizations across hospitality, arts, entertainment, and academia. Her expertise lies in weaving compelling narratives, building relationships, and producing content that resonates.

Mara’s career has been in the business of creating memorable hospitality experiences in dining, arts, and entertainment. Before joining SHA, she led marketing and public relations campaigns for award-winning chefs, citywide festivals, and mission-based arts and nonprofit organizations such as the Cambridge Arts Council, Boston Lyric Opera, and the Boston Center for the Arts. As a writer, Mara’s articles on curated arts and dining experiences have appeared in several media outlets including WBUR, syndicated Wicked Local outlets, and the Boston Herald.

MARA’S MMH EXPERIENCE

Enrolling in the MMH program at SHA was one of the best decisions and educational opportunities of my adult life. Prior to the program, I worked for several years as a marketing, communications, and p.r. professional in arts and entertainment. I’ve always been passionate about connecting artists and “experience makers” with audiences. I believe deeply in the power of the arts as an essential part of our humanity. The desire to make creative experiences part of our everyday lives has been a driving force throughout my professional and personal life.

The idea that art can be found “on the plate” through culinary experiences inspired me to segue my career into dining, another passion of mine. I seized the moment when chefs were emerging from behind the scenes to front and center as artists and entrepreneurs, producing immersive, theatrical experiences through pop-up dining in unexpected venues. As a p.r. consultant for restaurants and chefs, I realized that in addition to marketing expertise, I needed to “speak” the language of hospitality and know how it worked from the inside out.

The one-year MMH program at BU’s School of Hospitality Administration fit all my needs. I was able to design a program with specific courses in data analytics, advanced strategic and digital marketing, revenue management, executive leadership, operations, and corporate restaurant management.

I found a home at BU SHA. The MMH program continues to open doors for me and ignite my passions. My enduring experience at SHA has been and continues to be exceptional.