As the local Lay Leader of the church, Mark acts as a spokesperson for the laity and, if needed, a conduit for communications and feedback between the congregation and the pastor.

Mark is also involved as a co-chair of the Trustees and as a member of the Endowment and Planned Giving Committee.

Mark has undertaken the required training courses to become a Certified Lay Speaker within the United Methodist Church and may sometimes be seen preaching from the pulpit, where a certain dry British humor may be evidenced.

Mark has been involved in the church for the last 17 years. He lives in Lyons with his wife Christine. They have (between them) approximately five adult children who are engaged in various exploits around the globe (to the extent that can be ascertained).

Mark’s day job is to lead the Discovery Chemistry Research efforts at a small local pharmaceutical company. He obtained a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Colorado State University, and it is not uncommon for scientific themes to find their way into his speaking.