Mary & Marlene

Purcell-Davis and Barnes have been working together for over ten years now.

posted September 6, 2002

Marlene Barnes and Mary Purcell-Davis are teammates for the 76ers. While you may not hear about them like you hear about the guys on the court, Barnes and Purcell-Davis’ teamwork and camaraderie has had an immeasurable impact on the Sixers organization’s success.

Barnes, the Sixers Basketball Operations Manager, has been with the 76ers family for 24 years after attending the Levitan School of Business. The bulk of her work goes toward aiding 76ers GM Billy King and head coach Larry Brown.

“Basically, I have to make sure I stay on top of everything, everyday,” Barnes said. “My work really generates from Billy (King). Generally, I maintain mail, deal with Billy’s traveling, and act a liaison with all of his and Larry’s responsibilities.”

As the Scouting Manager, Purcell-Davis mainly works with assisting the 76ers’ scouting team and Tony Dileo, the Sixers Director of Player Personnel. As she will tell you, Purcell-Davis’ job is a rewarding one and always keeps her busy.

“Scouts are always on the road, so I’m constantly dealing with all of their travel accommodations,” Purcell-Davis said. “They never stop moving around, so it takes up a lot of my time.”

The two have been working very closely together for over ten years now, stemming from a relationship developed when Purcell-Davis was starting out as a receptionist for the Sixers in 1987.

“We used to work in the same department and have lunch together, but right away Marlene took me under her wing. As we became closer, she became like a mother to me,” Purcell-Davis said.

“I’m a caring soul, and so is she, that’s why we became friends,” Barnes concurred. “Our relationship is amazing. I love Mary, and think of her as one of my children.”

When first meeting the two, one may be surprised they are such close friends. Barnes, while extremely friendly and accommodating, has more of a laid back, calming vibe to her. Purcell-Davis, on the other hand, is so kinetic that one cannot help but receive a bit of an energy boost just being in her presence. However, the two share the same personality core, consisting of compassion and a desire for their jobs.

Despite their contrasting personalities, the two are very close friends.

“I love what I do. It may be stressful at times, but look what I get to do for a living! I’m very, very fortunate to be here,” Purcell-Davis said.

When the workday is over, Purcell-Davis goes home to her husband Joe Davis, whom she has been married to for seven years. Barnes has three children, as well as two grandchildren (seven and two years old) and attributes all of her success to God.

“I’m a devout Christian, so God is responsible for everything in my life. He is my inspiration, which you definitely need in order to work here for 24 years,” Barnes joked.



A sum is equal to all of its parts, and the 76ers family would be much different without two of its most important parts.