President & Founder

(continued)...Xerox where he attained the position of Major Accounts Manager.

During that time, he co-founded and became the first President of Obsidian Inc. The non-profit organization became one of Lehigh Valley's most prominent organizations, ultimately changing the landscape for much of the Valley's African American residents. The organization would ultimately be responsible for the area's first Black Business Directory, six board appointments, five marriages, and the Lehigh Valley's first Black Family Forum. This event hosted executives from nationally recognized businesses, famous authors, and the editor in chief of Essence magazine.

Mark personally joined the board of directors of the Dream Come True organization, dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of seriously, terminally, and chronically ill children. It was a position as a member of the fulfillment committee that he would consider one of his most rewarding in life. He also volunteered each week to tutor in a disadvantaged housing community after receiving an invitation from a Catholic charity.

Mark left the area in 1989 to start a family in the Washington DC metro area. He would marry, father two boys, and spend 35 years in Sales, as a Sales Representative, Major Account Representative. and Sales Leader working for leading organizations like IKON Office Solutions, CareerBuilder.com, and Paychex.

He has won numerous vacations, bonuses, awards for leading top teams. Over 50 sales reps have won presidents clubs awards under his leadership.

 

As a Volunteer, he has coached track at Paint Branch High School and Bishop Ireton High School. He has coached soccer for Premier AC under Sully Hamid. Mark and his wife, Pam helped Sully Hamid to found the soccer club. Mark joined Prince Georges County Rec League to coach soccer after both his sons went off to college . Having only sons led him to coach girls youth basketball, integrate his youth rec soccer team, and coach two young female track runners to national recognition in Silver Springs, MD. He is currently still active as a soccer referee in the Alexandria and DC area.

The opportunity to teach represents a natural transition to a place where Mark has always felt most at home, helping young people to grow.