Mark has been married to LaRae for 53 years and together they are actively involved in supporting and leading organizations throughout SW Michigan and the state. During Mark’s tenure serving as President of the South Haven Rotary, his club led the district in membership growth; received the Presidential Gold Citation and received the South Haven Community Investment Award in 2020. Mark also serves as President of the Speakers Series of South Haven, President of the South Haven Resource Council, Secretary of the Corewell Hospice South Board of Directors, and Treasurer of the Samaritas Foundation. He serves his community as Chairperson of the South Haven Township Planning Commission. He was named to the Michigan Insurance Hall of Fame in 2010.
His professional career spanned nearly 40 years as an executive with State Farm Insurance Companies serving as Vice President Claims and later as Vice President with responsibilities for operations in Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois. He is a graduate of Augustana University and completed graduate studies at University of Virginia Darden School of Business. He earned the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter Designation (CPCU) and holds the Master Citizen Planner credentials.
Mark and LaRae have two sons and five grandchildren with families in residing in Illinois and North Carolina. Their home in South Haven overlooks Lake Michigan where they are often found enjoying the lake life.