Family, business, and community are the focal points of Mark’s life. He understands clearly that community development is an “ongoing process” that must be worked each and every day, and that this process is a “team game” that requires the efforts of many to achieve community wide success. Over the past 25 years, he has served in a volunteer or appointed capacity in many different areas of the community, with the primary focus points being education, workforce development, economic development, support of small business, and support of Robins Air Force Base. Listed below are some of the areas that Mark has served the citizens of Houston County:
Member, Bonaire United Methodist Church Administrative Council. Chairman, Bonaire United Methodist Church Finance Committee.
“Mark is a faithful follower of Christ and a dedicated Christian to his church. Through his service as Chair of the Finance Committee at BUMC, he has done an excellent job of using his business experience to assist BUMC on a daily basis, especially during the pandemic. I have enjoyed working with Mark on the Administrative Council and have learned so much from his expertise in the business and financial world.”
Tammi Wildes, Chair, BUMC Administrative Council
Member and Vice Chairman, Houston County Development Authority. Immediate Past Chairman.
“I have known Mark Byrd for over eight years. For most of that time, he has served as Chairman of the Board for the Development Authority of Houston County. It is through this lens that I know Mark best. Since 2005, Mark has dedicated countless volunteer hours of service to the work of the Authority and as a result has played a significant role in bringing quality jobs and investment to Houston County. Just in the past eight years, he has been instrumental in orchestrating over 23 industry locations or expansions that have generated over 3,000 jobs and $900,000,000 in new investment in our community.
While his involvement on the Authority Board will be greatly missed, his leadership skills will be of great value to the Board of Commissioners and the citizens of Houston County. Personally, I know Mark to be a person of great integrity with an unwavering sense of dedication to the wellbeing of our community. I am so proud of his commitment and willingness to serve in this capacity. Thank you, Mark!”
Angie Gheesling, Executive Director, Development Authority of Houston County
Trustee, Houston Healthcare Systems Inc.
“Over the past months, Mark has been a strong advocate for our healthcare employees as they have worked tirelessly to care for our community. He has been an outstanding member of the Houston Healthcare board and has attended and contributed at all of our meetings.”
Sonny Watson, Chairman, Houston Healthcare Inc. Board of Trustees
Director Emeritus, Robins Air Force Base 21st Century Partnership. Past Board Member. Past Chairman.
“While serving as Warner Robins ALC Commander, if I needed help from the community, my first call was always to Mark Byrd. From his time as Chairman of the 21st Partnership through today, Mark has been one of RAFB’s biggest supporters. He understands the importance Robins plays to Houston County and to our nation, and without fanfare or attention, he quietly serves the Robins Region every single day. There are some who talk about supporting RAFB, and there are others who through their actions and by giving of their time and talents actually make a difference…Mark Byrd makes a huge difference for the betterment of Robins Air Force Base.”
Brigadier General John Kubinec, USAF, Retired
Member, RAFB Museum of Aviation Board of Governors.
“As former head of the 21st Century Partnership, an advocacy organization supporting Robins Air Force Base and the Museum of Aviation Foundation, a tourism and STEM powerhouse in Middle Georgia, I’m truly grateful for Mark Byrd’s leadership in both organizations. Mark served as a board member of both and was a tireless contributor in time, talent, and treasure. Put simply, Middle Georgia is in a much better position thanks to Mark’s leadership.”
Chrissy Miner, Former CEO, 21st Century Partnership and the Museum of Aviation Foundation
Member, Morris Bank Board of Directors.
“Mark Byrd has been an outstanding board member for Morris Bank. He consistently makes sound financial decisions that the balance the interests of the bask with the interests of our customer base. His depth of knowledge and love for Houston County is unparalleled. Mark has been a strong advocate for our employees, for small business, and for the community as a whole. The same reasons he has been an invaluable board member for Morris Bank will make him an exceptional Houston County Commissioner.”
Ben Hulbert, Market President, Morris Bank
Member, Perry Area Chamber of Commerce Business Council.
“Mark Byrd has played an instrumental role in the Perry Chamber Business Council. This group was formed to have productive conversations and foster relationships between the local businesses and the local government. Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this group. He always has thoughtful input and a diplomatic approach. He understands our community extremely well and we appreciate all he does for the Perry Chamber, the Perry business community, and the community as a whole.”
Dey Palmer IV, Past Chairman, Perry Chamber of Commerce
Past Director, Robins Regional Chamber of Commerce
“The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do. Mark and I have served on the Robins Regional Chamber of Commerce Board, where we were strong advocates for business and many organizations within our community. He displays a can do attitude as well as a commitment to make a meaningful difference in our community. In all aspects, he is a servant leader with a commitment to improve the quality of life in Houston County.”
Steve Williams, Past Chairman, Robins Regional Chamber of Commerce
Past Business Representative, Veterans High School Council
“Serving next to Mark Byrd on the Veterans High School Council for the las two years, I have witnessed first hand Mark’s dedication to the betterment of Houston County Schools. Mark is a strong advocate for students and teachers, and gives generously of his time and resources to improve opportunities available for local students. This is just one more reason that I will be casting my vote for Mark Byrd for Houston County Commission.”
Angel Brown, Chair, Veterans Highs School Council
Past Trustee, Middle Georgia State University Board of Trustees.
Worked to advance the MGA Foundation mission of stewardship, integrity, excellence, philanthropy, education, and advocacy on behalf of Middle Georgia State University. Advocated for expansion of programs at the Warner Campus of MGA, to include strategic workforce development partnerships with Robins Air Force Base.
Past Trustee, Community Foundation of Central Georgia.
Worked to assist the CFCG in achieving its goal of enhancing the quality of life for the people of Central Georgia. Identified resource opportunities and directed investment throughout the Central Georgia community to assist in community development efforts to the benefit of the region.
Past Member, Central Georgia Joint Development Authority.
Served as one of four Houston County members on the CGJDA Board, which developed and executed a plan of action to mitigate the encroachment issue around Robins Air Force Base. Local, regional, and state partnerships developed throughout this process have allowed RAFB to maintain military viability and mission capability by preventing and eliminating incompatible land use contiguous to the installation.
Past Member, Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission Stakeholder Advisory Board.
Appointed by Governor Sonny Perdue. As an advocate for clean water throughout the State of Georgia, the Advisory Board developed the education and certification process for individuals involved in land disturbing activities.