"It's nice to be recognised for work over a very long period of time," she said. "I've been involved in strategic projects that have taken a long time to result in change.
"From that perspective it's actually really nice to be recognised for the work you've done with different teams."
In September Mrs Wills became social services manager at Presbyterian Support East Coast.
During her 17 years at the HBDHB, she said she loved working with people who wanted to do the right thing for patients, and their families.
"I get a great deal of satisfaction to see staff develop. They start feeling a bit tentative and not feeling very confident and then as they get more skilled, they become leaders in that field, so it's very satisfying to see people contributing back into the health and social sectors."
She also enjoyed working alongside some "very clever clinicians" who understood how services needed to change, and generously shared this expertise.
"We are very lucky in Hawke's Bay to have some world leading people who work here."
Mrs Wills was nominated by strategic services manager Paul Malan, who said she was known nationally, regionally and locally for her wisdom, tenacity and professionalism.
"Importantly for HBDHB, Mary's leadership has contributed significantly to clinical and financial sustainability through innovation, improvement and service redesign and this is evident in many of Hawke's Bay's proudest achievements."
Mr Malan nominated his former colleague in recognition of the work she had done during her HBDHB tenure, which was often in the background.
"Often the service is recognised, and that's fantastic, but behind every successful service implementation is funding and planning and design and consultation and all of those things which often go unrecognised."
Mr Malan said this was highlighted at the awards, with two winners in other categories having enjoyed "significant input" from Mrs Wills in getting services up and running.
Although her departure from the HBDHB had been a loss for the organisation, it was good to know she was still involved in the sector.
"We know she will continue to have influence across Hawke's Bay and will be fantastic in the role she's in."