| Biography: |
Born in 1965, the son of a engineer/entrepreneur and theologian, Mark Boyden has continuously strived to be a part in helping to shape the world. He has worked with several volunteer organizations throughout his life starting in grade school, continuing in college, and beyond. He entered cub scouts when he was in third grade, and finding it to be such fun, spent many hours in the scouting program, eventually attaining the highest rank of Eagle Scout. He was a top bicycle racer in the 70s in Texas in his age group, carrying the title of champion for several years, and then became a referee (to get more chicks). In high school, he revived a literary and art magazine showcasing student work. In college, working with the Off-Campus Student's Association along with the Student's Association, Boyden was instrumental in developing services to meet the specific needs of students at the University of Texas, including a tenant hotline and a services directory. Putting himself through school, as owner and proprietor, Mark ran his own small landscaping and lawn-maintenance business to pay the bills. Concurrently, he tried to become a rock-and-roll star. Finally giving up on fame and fortune, he finished his Mechanical Engineering degree. After college, Mark continued to find his spot in the community. While trying to find a job that would allow him to stay in Austin during its upcoming boom years, Mark spent eight years of his life in various aspects of producing a volunteer-run, locally acclaimed, weekly television show, including four years as the manager and producer. More recently, Mark spent his time working with the Boy Scouts as an adult leader and working with the youth group at his church as the youth nurture team leader. After working at Fisher-Rosemount (now Emerson Process Management) for seven years in information technology including a long-term role as the global Internet Strategist, Mark joined Athens Group, an employee-owned, democratically run company specializing in the integration of technology and software solutions. This business model runs similar to a volunteer organization in that the power of the organization is in the hands of the constituency, as opposed to an imposed hierarchy -- at least that was the theory. Later he began to wonder about that, especially after parting paths. Mark continues to invest time in the community by working with teachers in the area schools to educate young people about the opportunities in computer technologies. Having lived in Windsor Park since 1992 – since 1996 as a homeowner – Mark and his family have decided to reinvest in the neighborhood by renovating their house and answering this recent call to serve the neighborhood association. He currently owns and operates Junior's Beer and Wine and theNoise, a technology consulting and web-hosting company. His past and current hobbies and passions include 42, volleyball, canoeing, music, camping, massage, bicycling, skydiving, sailing, family, spirituality, politics, and the outdoors, not necessarily in that order. |
| Quote: |
Senator, when you took your oath of office, you placed your hand on the Bible and swore to uphold the Constitution. You did not place your hand on the Constitution and swear to uphold the Bible.
-- Jamie Raskin, Professor of Law, Annapolis University,
when asked by Senator Nancy Jacobs about citings
from the bible regarding marriage (2006-03-01) |
09/06
