| Mark grew up in Chicago, came to Beloit in 2005 to attend Beloit College, fell in love with the community, and decided to make his home here. While in college, he served for three years on the City of Beloit Appointment Review Committee (two years as chairman), was involved in several community organizations, and held numerous campus leadership positions. He was also active on many local and state campaigns, and interned for State Senator Judy Robson. Mark graduated from Beloit College in 2009 with a degree in Political Science.
After graduating, Mark worked for U.S. Senator Russ Feingold's 2010 reelection campaign as a field organizer for Rock and Walworth counties. When Russ lost that election, Mark decided to serve Beloit by running for an open seat on the city council, which he won in April 2011. He was reelected without opposition in April 2013.
Mark is currently serving as the President of the Beloit City Council. He served as Vice President of the council from April 2012 until April 2014. On the council, he has served on the Plan Commission, Equal Opportunities Commission, and Appointment Review Committee. In addition, he represents Beloit on the board of Community Action Inc. of Rock and Walworth counties, helping to create pathways out of poverty.
On the City Council, Mark works hard to be responsive to residents with questions and concerns, and helps them get the information and help they need. He has developed a good working relationship with all of his fellow councilors and city staff, whether or not they agree on a given issue. Mark has fought for business recruitment and retention to create jobs and bring residents and visitors to Beloit. He has been a strong supporter of Beloit's public school system, including the ongoing renovations and new intermediate school. He has fought to make sure that tight budgets were balanced in a way that protected critical services and respected city employees. Mark has worked to protect our parks and open spaces and supported efforts to extend bike trails and put solar panels on the roof of city hall. Mark has also led the way in supporting equal treatment for all city employees, spearheading the successful push to extend domestic partner benefits to city employees in same-gender relationships.
Mark works at Beloit College as Assistant Director of Alumni & Parent Relations and Annual Support, where he plans Homecoming and Family & Friends Weekend, supports regional alumni networking events, assists with annual fundraising efforts, helps manage alumni data, and advises the senior class officers.
Mark is an active member of the community, participating in a variety of organizations. He volunteers for the Welty Environmental Center, helps to host the Hands of Faith homeless shelter at his church, United Church of Beloit, and is a member of the Youth2Youth coalition combating underage drinking and drug abuse. He has been an active member of the Lifecourse Initiative for Healthy Families, working to reduce African American infant mortality. He has volunteered at the Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF), participated in the Rock County Homeless Count, delivered Meals on Wheels, and organized work days in the Merrill Neighborhood's Porter Avenue Sharing Garden.
Mark loves to attend community gatherings, especially in downtown Beloit, such as ArtWalk, Holidazzle, and of course, the farmers market. He can often be found downtown at Bushel & Peck's, Bagels & More, or Cafe Fromage. Mark loves the outdoors and enjoys hiking, biking, and camping in his spare time. He especially enjoys Big Hill Park, Riverside Park, Beckman Mill, and the Sugar River as local treasures to get outside and enjoy nature.
In August 2013, Mark became a homeowner in Beloit. |