Community Advocate and Activist
In 2007 Mark was first elected to serve as Democratic District Leader in Northern Manhattan. In the 2008 presidential election he was honored to run on Barack Obama’s slate of delegate candidates. In early 2009 he founded New York City’s newest political club, the Barack Obama Democratic Club of Upper Manhattan, which has quickly become a force for empowering community residents to make their voice heard in local politics. Mark is chair of the Traffic and Transportation Committee of Community Board 12, where he has led calls for improved subway and bus service and advocated and has championed the cause of making streets safer for bicyclists.
A trailblazer in Local Economic Development
Mark is founder of Upper Manhattan's first and only community development credit union, Neighborhood Trust. The credit union has helped thousands of local low-income residents obtain loans to start businesses, pay for education, and even become owners of their own homes.
Educator and Non-Profit Leader
Mark began his career as a bilingual science teacher at JHS149 in the South Bronx. He later served as Executive Director of Teach For America-New York, where he oversaw placement and training of hundreds of high-performing teachers in schools throughout Upper Manhattan and the Bronx. Today he continues his education leadership as Executive Director of the Center for After-School Excellence, a non-profit initiative supporting after-school programs in the Northwest Bronx, Upper Manhattan, and around the five boroughs.
Neighbor
Mark lives in Washington Heights with his wife Ivelisse and their two sons, who attend PS187 (look for him on weekends at the Riverdale Soccer League!) . He is an active member of the Hebrew Tabernacle synagogue. Mark earned a B.A. in Physics from Haverford College and a Masters in Public Policy from Harvard University. He is fluent in Spanish. |
