Who I am

Mark is a native of Chicago, IL where he worked as a carpenter's apprentice prior to joining the U.S. Navy at age 19. It was the Navy that brought Mark to the Quad Cities, detailed to the Rock Island Arsenal for shore duty at the U.S. Army Joint Munitions Command as the Navy's Liaison for conventional munitions procurement. Meeting his wife during this tour of duty, Mark decided to call Rock Island home after completing his naval service.

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"It just feels like home, it's hard to define... there's a mixture of midwestern charm with can-do grit that is unique to Rock Island."

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Mark studied, and worked in, economic development upon discharge from the Navy. First, as an economic development and finance intern, and then as Development Program Manager for the City of Rock Island. He holds a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Indiana, focusing on economic development and the statistical analysis of tax increment financing (TIF) districts.  He also holds a bachelor's in business administration from Ashford University, and Executive Leadership and Professional Management certificates from the University of Notre Dame. 

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Mark is an active member within the community, and lives with his wife Lauren, and their two daughters, Ainsley and Audie in the Third Ward. He is dedicated to building upon a solid foundation to advance Rock Island as the premier city for the best tomorrow.