Title: Deputy Director for East Bay Programs
Company: Swords to Plowshares
Location: Oakland, California, United States
Mark Walker, deputy director for East Bay programs at Swords to Plowshares, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in public service.
With over three and a half decades of experience, Mr. Walker has established a successful career in veteran service organizations. He currently serves as deputy director of East Bay programs at Swords to Plowshares, a role he has held since 2019. His prior roles include military and veterans affairs representative at DeVry University in 2019, deputy director of veterans employment and education division at The American Legion from 2009 to 2018, assistant director at The American Legion from 2008 to 2009, and national appeals representative at The American Legion from 2006 to 2008. His experience also includes positions as assistant manager at Jos. A. Bank Clothiers in 2006, associate pastor and co-founder of Grace Church from 2003 to 2005, senior administrative manager at Earl Paulk Institute from 2001 to 2003, teacher and youth director at Cathedral Academy from 1995 to 2003, stockbroker at Chatfield Dean & Company from 1994 to 1995, and inventory management specialist in the U.S. Air Force from 1989 to 1994.
Additionally, Mr. Walker dedicates his time as the co-founder of Palimbo Community Development in the Philippines and Modesta Garden Center, serves as chair of the advisory council for U.S.VETS in Washington DC, as an advisory committee member on homeless veterans for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and as a commissioner on the Commission on Homelessness for the City of Oakland. Laying an educational foundation, he earned a bachelor’s degree in theology from Earl Paulk Institute and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from the University of Saint Francis. He also earned a certificate in transformative leadership during disruptive times from California State University, East Bay.
Throughout his career, Mr. Walker has been committed to supporting low-income, at-risk, and homeless veterans in the East Bay area. He builds partnerships with local government agencies and community organizations to connect veterans with housing, support services, and employment opportunities. His most notable achievement is establishing Swords to Plowshares in the East Bay, where he secured funding from Alameda County to provide specialized employment and training services for veterans aged 60 and above. In light of his undertakings, he was honored with the Jerald Washington Memorial Founders’ Award from the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, the Outstanding Board Leadership Award from U.S.VETS, and the Unsung Hero Award from the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. He attributes his success to his dedication to his profession and his passion for assisting others. Looking ahead, he aims to continue supporting vulnerable veterans and serve as a resource for agencies and individuals who share his mission.
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