Mark Brown
Mark E. Brown
DG 2010-11
Mark graduated from Fredericton High School and originally came to Newfoundland and Labrador as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. During his career he served in Lewisporte, Grand Falls, Wesleyville, Fogo, Harbour Breton, Corner Brook and St. John’s. He was presented with his Long Service Medal by future RCMP Commissioner Norm Inkster. After leaving the Force in 1992, he worked in the technology field with the Government of NL retiring in 2013. He then worked as Business Coordinator with Diamond Design, a high end jewelry store.
Following a heart attack in 2000 and as a way to relax, Mark began art lessons with Ed Roche and continues with him today. His original works are in private collections in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia as well as in this province. Passionate about his art, Mark completed several commissions creating memories for many people of their younger days and outport homes. His artwork adorned a Rotary District 7820 Christmas Card to raise funds for Polio Eradication and the print “Sittling Idle” was a fundraising project for his home club. In 2003, his depiction of “Cochrane Street” received the Best in Show Award. In 2007, Mark participated in the “Capital Project” with a piece reflecting The Kirk, Holloway School and the United Church Residence. In 2014, his work was part of “The Way We Were” exhibit in Burin depicting “Collins Cove”. Mark uses his art to support many volunteer initiatives and regularly supports the fundraising of Shallaway Youth in Chorus.
Mark joined the Rotary Club of St. John’s Northwest in 1994 serving as President in 2003-04. He initiated a 3 year club project which his club received Rotary International’s Significant Achievement Award. He served District 7820 as Trainer 2003-06 receiving the Governor’s Citation in 2005 for his efforts. He received a Paul Harris Fellowship from RI President Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammer in 2006 and is now a multiple PHF+7. He is also a member of the Paul Harris Society. He is the founding President of Rotary Leadership Institute Atlantic. He served as Assistant Governor (2006-08) and as District Governor in 2010-2011.
As Governor, Mark worked with future Governors to encourage working as a team over multiple years by striving to set and follow a District Strategic Plan. In 2015, Mark was awarded the District Governor’s Citation for his efforts to evolve the district leadership model.
Mark was also the Founding President of United Way in Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2013 he was awarded the Queens Diamond Jubiliee Medal. He is currently the Chair of Newfoundland and Labrador Crime Stoppers.
Mark journeyed to both India (2008) and Nigeria (2009) to participate in humanitarian projects related to clean water, sanitation, education, health and to conduct Polio Immunizations. Recently Mark was a leader in a project to send a 43 foot container of medical, educational, maintenance materials and clothing to the Tshelanyemba Hospital and Maphisa Village, Zimbabwe.
July 2015