Mark is the Founder & CEO of the Animal Policy Group. A long-time political strategist, government regulatory advisor, corporate executive and former litigator, Mark focuses his advocacy practice on providing high-level strategic advice and services to clients with needs at any level of government, and key trade/industry associations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Since 2004, Mark has specialized in animal health, animal welfare, veterinary and veterinary educational issues and accreditation, developing a cutting-edge practice across these sectors. He currently leads several industry coalitions and initiatives. Mark has guided successful accreditations for a growing list of veterinary colleges, and is co-founder of the Veterinary Virtual Care Association.

He is an adjunct faculty member at Lincoln Memorial, Lewis & Clark and University of Oregon law schools. He is the past Chair of government relations practices at Tonkon Torp, a prominent Northwest law firm and Winstead Sechrest & Minick, a major Texas-based firm.

Mark is the recipient of the 2023 VIS Veterinary Innovation Award and the author of Pet Nation, a book released by Penguin Random House that tells the inside story of how companion animals are transforming our homes, culture, and economy. Mark is a frequent speaker at veterinary medicine and other animal policy-related conferences.

He is an Honors graduate with distinction from Stanford University and the Willamette University College of Law.