Candidate: Mark Allyn Young

Rev. Mark Young has served children and families in Saint Lucie County for twenty years. His service began in 1998 when he moved to the area from Jacksonville, FL to serve First United Methodist Church in Fort Pierce as their full time youth pastor. In 2004 Mark founded Surfside Community Church and continues to serve as the congregation's lead pastor.

Mark believes in serving the local community and does so in various ways. He is in his third year serving as President of the St. Lucie County Foster/Adoptive Parent Association. He serves on the Board of Directors and Finance Committee of Hibiscus Children's Center. He is part of the Child Welfare Network of the Roundtable of St. Lucie County, the Human Trafficking Coalition of the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee, the Quality Parenting Initiative workgroup with Communities Connected for Kids, and has served on a state wide quality foster homes workgroup preparing revisions to Florida State Statutes. This summer, Mark organized and led local youth service projects helping Mission Flights International, Care Net, Treasure Coast Food Bank, and Grace Way Village.

Mark and his wife, Terri, are in their fifth year serving as licensed foster parents. They have three adopted children who help welcome the multiple foster children who find sanctuary in their home.

Mark's education includes an A.A. degree in Secondary Education, a B.A. degree in Social Sciences (concentration in Psychology and Human Growth and Development), and a MDiv. degree from Asbury Theological Seminary. He is a fully ordained minister with the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana).

Mark has served public schools as a program assistant for a local reading tutoring program sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters and AmeriCorps, as well as teaching Junior Achievement to elementary students while living in Jacksonville.

Mark is running for St. Lucie County School Board to continue his service to the families of this community. He loves people and is dedicated to bringing out the best in others. This same passion is what fueled his run for school board in 2014.

Mark is endorsed by the Local Builders PAC.  His greatest endorsement, however, will be from you, when you elect him to the District 3 seat of the Saint Lucie County School Board on August 28.