Mark Criss has served as Executive Director of the City Rescue Mission for over 20 years. His call to the ministry began as a volunteer, serving
meals at the Mission in 1999. Three years later, he was invited to join the Mission’s Board of Directors. An unexpected career change led him to desire to serve in full time ministry. On July 28, 2003, he became the Associate Director of the City Rescue Mission, and in just over a year, he began to serve as the Executive Director.
meals at the Mission in 1999. Three years later, he was invited to join the Mission’s Board of Directors. An unexpected career change led him to desire to serve in full time ministry. On July 28, 2003, he became the Associate Director of the City Rescue Mission, and in just over a year, he began to serve as the Executive Director.Under Mark’s leadership, the Mission has seen tremendous growth. Most recently in 2025, the Mission moved to a new 37,000+ square foot, $10.6 million adult shelter. In 2026, the Mission begins a new chapter at its new location, celebrating 115 years of service in Michigan’s capital area.
Mark received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University in General Business Administration and a Master of Arts degree in Theological Studies from the Baptist Theological Seminary at Liberty University.