Mark Ballard is an experienced Emergency Management Specialist currently serving as a Regional Coordinator with FEMA since August 2016, focusing on training and compliance for the National Incident Management System. In addition, Mark has a longstanding role as a Ruling Elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church and operates as an Independent Scentsy Consultant. Mark's prior leadership roles within the Illinois National Guard include Exercise Planner and Force Protection NCO, where contributions were made to homeland security exercises and advisement on security in international settings. Mark's earlier career encompassed product management and marketing roles in various companies, supported by an MBA from Lewis University and a Bachelor of Arts from Illinois State University.