Mark Martin is a dynamic leader with 34 years of executive and management experience in diverse organizations. He has an extensive background in leadership, fund-raising and education.

Mark joined the Smith Group over 10 years ago.  He has lead over 20 campaigns as Executive Counsel and/or Project Manager. Clients Mark has worked with include, but are not limited to: Emporia State University, Emporia, KS; Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, OK; Acadian Baptist Center, Eunice, LA; Cypress Christian School, Cypress, TX; Grapevine Faith Christian School, Grapevine, TX; Loyola College Prep, Shreveport, LA; Pillow Academy, Greenwood, MS; Jesuit College Preparatory School, Dallas, TX; Liberty Christian School, Argyle, TX and Byrd High School, Shreveport, LA. Among his responsibilities, Mark works with the organization’s leadership to implement campaign strategy; guide the enlistment and training of campaign leadership and volunteers; and assist with preliminary visits and solicitations. Mark has conducted almost 3000 solicitations with our clients. As a feasibility study specialist, Mark has conducted over 800 feasibility study interviews and worked with more than 25 different clients. He also assists in communicating the J. F. Smith Group vision as a marketing representative for the company.

Mark says, “Coming into this business almost 15 years ago, I sought and found a true mentor, who is the best, in Jerry Smith.  To serve as a senior leader on Jerry’s team is an honor.  Serving our clients with our philosophy is my passion”.

Mark has over 11 years’ experience in higher education as a professor, department chair and university vice president. He served as vice president of advancement and development for the University of Texas at Arlington.  In his three-year tenure as vice president at UTA, he established a highly cohesive and productive development team supporting 10 college deans. Mark increased the endowment growth at a rate of 20% annually. He expanded the university development board, major gifts program, annual fund, and planned giving programs.

Mark retired from the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel after 20 years of distinguished active duty service including commanding in a wide variety of units around the world.

“Mark is one of the most professional and cordial persons I have ever met. He is definitely an asset to his company. The selection of his company to do the SAU project was a good one. His interview style was pleasant and engaging. Mark is a true professional.”  From an interviewer evaluation of a constituent of Southern Arkansas University