President

Mark has been president of ELA since 2010 after purchasing the agency from its founders, Ed and Maureen Lewi. Mark began his tenure with ELA nearly two decades ago as director of media relations before becoming its vice president of communications and later vice president.

A communications professional with 30 years of experience, Mark has led the agency in growing its blue chip client base and expanding its geographic footprint.

Among the highly diversified clients that the firm represents include the New York Racing Association at Saratoga Race Course, Siena College Athletics, Dunkin’ Donuts, Hannaford Supermarkets, Mazzone Hospitality, Stuyvesant Plaza, the MAAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships, Alpin Haus, the Palace Theatre, Northeastern Fine Jewelry and the Wesley Community. ELA also owns and operates the Northeast Ski & Craft Beer Showcase, among the nation’s longest running consumer ski shows.

The agency provides media relations, media buying and planning, promotional development, sponsorship development, social media management and event management services in its representation. The agency offers media training to both corporate leaders and to student athletes at several high-profile Division I colleges and universities.

Before transitioning to a career in public relations, Mark worked as a television news anchor, managing editor, reporter and producer for network affiliated stations in West Virginia, Michigan, and Upstate New York, including Albany, N.Y.  He joined ELA in April 1999 after a decade-long career in broadcast journalism.

Mark is a member of the 50 Group, comprised of the leading business executives in the Capital Region. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Northeastern New York chapter and on the Community Advisory Board for Wildwood Programs. Mark is a past Board member of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Upstate New York/Vermont chapter and has volunteered his time as a consultant for Saratoga ArtsFest and Special Olympics.

Mark earned his master’s degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Russian studies from Brown University where he was elected a member of the Phi Beta Kappa society. A native of Manhattan, Mark graduated top of his class at Stuyvesant High School, one of New York City’s three specialized public high schools.

Mark and his wife, Brooke, enjoy spending time with their four children, Jacqueline, Ashlyn, Alexander and Nicholas. They also enjoy brief kid-free getaways to Rockport, Massachusetts, and travel to destinations that have included New Orleans, Nashville, San Francisco and St. Petersburg (FL) whenever time allows. Mark is avid sports fan, political and history junkie.

Great moments in Yankee fandom:
Attended only two games in 1983: Dave Righetti’s no hitter on July 4 and the infamous “Pine Tar” game featuring George Brett. And, of course, every one of the team’s (many) world championships since 1977.

Most thankful for:
Our four children and their remarkable ability to (generally) get along.

If I could turn back the clock, I would:
Spend one more day with my dad.

Favorite (and most memorable) promotion from childhood:
Free grandstand tickets to Shea Stadium with four proofs of purchase of Dairylea milk; half-gallon.

Favorite author (s):
David McCullough, David Halberstam. And still enjoy tale of David vs. Goliath.

Favorite Saratoga giveaway:
Saratoga clock. It keeps on ticking.