Mark was asked, “If you could have dinner with four people all throughout history, who would they be?” His response: “Ronald Reagan, Bono, Nelson Mandela, and Michael Jordan. I would like to hear their back stories, and learn why they made the choices they did.” 

And speaking of choices, Mark made a pretty significant one of his own! Mark has a varied background which includes 30 years between human resources and operations management experience with large global and domestic organizations. He has worked in the animal health, financial services, and manufacturing industries. Most recently he served as a key advisor of human resources and workforce services for a $3.1 billion firm with a worldwide workforce of 5,000+ employees in 50 countries.

Then one day he saw a job posting that Children’s Home Society was hiring for a new position—a Chief People Officer. He had always heard of CHS, and its stated mission resonated with him. He wanted to know more. He read the job description, focusing on what CHS would need this person to do.

As Mark considered everything he learned and read, three thoughts came to his mind:

• I have done and can do the things they need someone to do.
• I would be excited to serve within a mission-based organization where impacting children and families who need help is the primary focus.
• I want to do this with them.

Over 100 applicants later, and a number of interviews, CHS leadership decided Mark was the one they wanted, too!

Q&As with Mark

Tell us about your family.
My wife, Shannon, is a 3rd grade teacher at Sioux Falls Christian. Shannon is from central Minnesota, and I was born and raised in northwest Iowa. We met at Dordt College in Sioux Center. We have two kids. Madison will be a junior at Augustana with a biology major, and Isaac just graduated from Sioux Falls Christian. He will be a freshman this fall at SDSU majoring in finance and economics.   

What is the first job you ever had?
I was a farm kid. There was always plenty to do—pitching farm manure, walking beans, baling hay—whatever was needed. 

Who have been your mentors/heroes?
My parents. They instilled in me the difference between right and wrong, and good and bad. By example, they taught me how to treat people, have a strong work ethic, and gave me a foundational belief system. They have played a big role in forming who I am today.  I hope I am doing the same thing for my kids. 

If you had a free day, all to yourself, what would you do?
I would be out in the mountains, somewhere out west, appreciating everything that’s all around me. I would disconnect from the rest of the world. No electronics!

What are your hobbies & interests?
Anything outside! I like hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, and biking. I still enjoy helping out on the farm. 

What are some places you have traveled to?
I have been all over the United States, including Hawaii. I’ve also traveled to Canada and Mexico. Last year, I was in Poland for a business trip.

Is there a place you’ve never been to that you want to see?
There are three places I would really like to see—New Zealand, Australia, and Alaska.

Favorite TV Show:
Seinfeld, King of Queens. I like sit-coms with dry, off-the-wall kind of humor. 

Favorite Food:
Italian is one of my favorite cuisines, but I’ve never run away from a good steak!
And who doesn’t love pizza?

Favorite Movie:
My all-time favorite would be Gladiator.

Favorite Sports teams:
I am a Los Angeles Chargers fan. Also like the Minnesota TWINS. For basketball and football, I really prefer watching college ball.

Your first car:
A 1976 Chevy Impala that I got for $500.

Your dream car:
A big 4-door truck. The more beat-up, the better so I don’t have to worry about it! 

A pet peeve:
I am a bit of a minimalist when it comes to possessions. I don’t like stuff just for the sake of having it. I think people would be happier if they didn’t worry so much about accumulating things.

Why do you want to work for CHS?
It’s about legacy and what you leave behind. When I’m gone I want to be known for how I used the gifts I have been given to make this world a better place.

What do you hope to bring to CHS?
I hope I can bring a viewpoint that opens people’s minds to think differently about their approach to decision-making, teamwork, and collaboration. I would like to be part of creating a culture that welcomes opportunities to get better at what we do so we can serve our clients better.