Mark Perna:
Event Organizer and
Audience Endorsements
The Nationwide Impact of Mark Perna's Message
Generational keynote speaker Mark C. Perna is making a powerful impact with real-world strategies to shift the education and employment paradigm. Read what these respected educators, industry leaders, economic developers, and workforce development professionals across North America are saying about their actionable experience with Mark.
Download the endorsements on this page as a PDF document to share with decision-makers and stakeholders.
Event Organizers Unanimously Endorse Mark
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Mark nailed it. The conversations post-Perna have been POSITIVE, EXCITED AND ENGAGED about the next generation of workforce. Instead of pointing fingers in frustration, employers and educators in Ponca City have been coming up with ways to inspire and connect with future workforce. This is the start of a START OF A NEW WAY OF WORKING TOGETHER in our community towards the common goal of economic growth—and it all came from 2 hours with Mark Perna. 100% UNANIMOUS FEEDBACK: fabulous message, presentation and action steps for future growth. Bravo! LIZ LEAMINGDirector at Ponca City Development Authority
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As MINNESOTA'S LARGEST SCHOOL DISTRICT, we start our school year with a leadership workshop and then rally nearly 8,000 staff members around a common convocation message. Mark C. Perna’s HIGH-ENERGY, CONTENT-RICH presentations set the foundation for future success at the individual, school and community level at the onset of the school year. Perna’s effective messaging integrated perfectly with our district statement that “It takes all of us” to have the best possible schools. His presentation provided CONCRETE ACTION STEPS to align individual staff members with a larger district vision, inspiring all of us to ensure students find relevance in their education and are well prepared for their next step in life upon graduation. Cory McIntyreSuperintendent at Anoka-Hennepin School District
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Mark was ENLIGHTENING, ENERGIZING, AND RELATABLE! His insights sparked numerous "AHA moments" for me and the broad cross-section of community leaders who joined us. Mark’s philosophy on engaging with young people—with equal parts of optimism, high expectations, and belief in their potential—has helped INFORM THE ACTIONS WE NEED TO TAKE as a community all pulling in the same direction. Many of the organizations in attendance already want to bring Mark back to keep supersizing everything we’re going to accomplish! Mandi D. MitchellPresident and CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority
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Words can’t express the UNIVERSAL IMPACT Mark Perna had on our entire community. He inspired literally everyone–from middle and high school students to our K-12 staff, community stakeholders, and state representative—to expand, and in some instances change, our thinking about education, careers, and what we can accomplish together. I’ve never witnessed such a COLLECTIVE MIND SHIFT. For the first time, every stakeholder is ALIGNED ON COMMON GROUND and excited to move toward a stronger future! Tim PayneSuperintendent at Ephrata School District
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For 2 fantastic hours, Mark Perna RIVETED OUR AUDIENCE of business owners, corporations, community leaders, economic development, and educators. His message of truly connecting our pipelines was substantive, funny, and FULL OF ACTIONABLE STRATEGIES that people are still talking about. The keynote ended in an enthusiastic standing ovation, but the impact Mark made isn’t over. WHAT AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE! SALLY HARRISONPresident & CEO at Mesa Chamber of Commerce and President of Mesa Industry & Defense Council
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Our audience of school board trustees and superintendents was AMUSED, ENTERTAINED, AND INSPIRED by the power of Mark Perna’s keynote speech at our annual conference. Creating meaningful, productive, cross-generational relationships is key to teaching, learning, and governance, and lies at the heart of what we do as educators. Mark’s compelling presentation on unleashing the potential of Gen Z RESONATED WITH OUR MEMBERS and provided a roadmap for leaders in schools districts and county offices of education across the state. Amy Christianson Chief, Member Services at California School Boards Association
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Mark led our opening plenary with an INCREDIBLY IMPACTFUL MESSAGE that set the tone for the rest of our conference. His insights into the 'Why Generation' really resonated with our audience of economic developers, spurring PRODUCTIVE AND ONGOING DISCUSSIONS. We need to foster economic opportunity in our communities and drive top talent to regions of all sizes—and Mark's strategies were laser-focused on those outcomes. The energy, excitement and passion Mark brought have CHANGED THE CONVERSATION. Nathan ohlePresident & CEO at International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
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Mark’s dynamic message was EXACTLY WHAT WE WERE LOOKING FOR to kick off our 86th annual convention! He not only conveyed valuable knowledge and expertise, but also inspired and engaged our members with his personal stories and experiences. His ABILITY TO CONNECT with the audience on both a professional and relatable level was truly remarkable and will make a powerful impact as we move forward. Mark’s positivity is contagious and set the tone for OUR BEST CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE EVER! DR. JANET POPE Executive Director, Louisiana School Boards Association
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MARK PERNA IS DYNAMITE! His message was transformative and impactful for our wide range of attendees, including CEOs, educators, nonprofit leaders, HR directors, and more who raved about Mark’s presentation. He has helped us reach across boundaries and engage the entire community to truly start shifting our paradigm. Mark’s energy and progressive ideas are EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED to meet the challenges of modern economic development. Cassandra M. Vanhooser Director, Economic Development & Tourism at Talbot County, MD
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Mark Perna’s message on engaging and connecting with today’s students was truly inspiring. With PRACTICAL AND MOTIVATING INSIGHTS, he gave us a fresh vision for partnering with local businesses to equip students for a successful future. His focus on DEEPER COLLABORATION BETWEEN SCHOOLS AND THE COMMUNITY will be immensely valuable as we prepare young people for real-world challenges. Mark's keynote was a game-changer, leaving us all energized and ready to make a difference. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND MARK! Jason Niedermeyer Superintendent at Brunswick City School District
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Over my 26 years as an administrator, I have found it challenging to bring in a motivational speaker who can connect with a diverse audience, from elementary teachers to high school teachers, custodians, and school cooks. Yet, MARK PERNA ACCOMPLISHED JUST THAT. Typically, after these events, someone always asks, ‘Why did I need to sit through that?’ But this time, no one asked that question. I've never had a PRESENTER WHO COULD ENGAGE WITH EVERYONE in attendance the way Mark did. I would highly recommend Mark to any organization looking to create common ground and RALLY EVERY INDIVIDUAL on their team. He changed the game for us! Jim Grubbs Superintendent at Crestview Local Schools
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Mark Perna FIRED UP OUR ENTIRE DISTRICT, including classified staff, with a powerful message of human connection and generational insight. The feedback on his presentation has been 100% POSITIVE, with every staff member walking away inspired both personally and professionally. Mark delivers highly engaging professional development with actionable strategies that everyone can start implementing right away. We highly recommend Mark for any organization that needs to RE-INSPIRE ALL STAFF with a vision for real change! Monty Sabin Superintendent at Moses Lake School District
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Mark Perna’s presentation was spot on for our organization! His REAL-LIFE, ACTION-ORIENTED STRATEGIES have already impacted our mindset and how we connect with employees. One of our goals is to support the holistic development of leaders, this provided takeaways to apply with their family, friends, and community. This was a ZERO-FLUFF, HIGH-VALUE EXPERIENCE—Mark delivered real substance and everyone in attendance was fully engaged in what he had to say. Our time with Mark was 100% WORTH EVERY MINUTE! KIM BARKDOLL Director of HR Operations at Mosaic
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Mark Perna unflinchingly delivered the POWERFUL TRUTHS WE NEEDED TO HEAR in this pivotal moment. It was a wake-up call for everyone in attendance—from educators and employers to economic developers and community leaders. Now it’s time to WAKE UP OUR COMMUNITY to everything our youth can accomplish when we empower their journey. This is just the beginning of our ONGOING PARADIGM SHIFT! KIM KIRBY Vice Chancellor at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
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In his opening keynote, Mark Perna ENGAGED AND PROVOKED THE THINKING of our audience at our School Administrators of Iowa Annual Conference. His fast-paced delivery included research specific to the needs of this generation of students, relevant personal stories, and an introduction to pathways toward career readiness. Attendees have followed up with me to remark on the POWERFUL IMPRESSION he made and their plans to incorporate his ideas into their strategic planning moving forward. Mark’s passion, energy, and enthusiasm coupled with the substance of his message set the stage for THE CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE WE WANT FOR OUR MEMBERS. Dana Schon Professional Learning Director at School Administrators of Iowa
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Mark Perna is one of the best speakers our staff has ever heard. HE INSPIRED ALL OF US to think about how to move away from what “has always been done” to transforming our teaching and learning for our current and future generations. Mark’s POWERFUL MESSAGE around unleashing students’ purpose, passion and performance will continue to drive our work in career pathways in the Owatonna Public Schools. Jeffrey Elstad Superintendent at Owatonna Public Schools
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At our national conference of K–12 superintendents, Mark Perna shared a stirring keynote on not just why we urgently need to shift the K–12 school paradigm, but also HOW TO EFFECT THAT CHANGE. His message laid the groundwork for further productive dialogue around how education must adapt and move forward to CONNECT THE DOTS for our younger generations. Mark’s passion for understanding Gen Z was a rallying call for all of us to learn, reflect, and build a stronger future—together! Dr. Dawn Bridges Executive Director, Suburban School Superintendents
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Mark Perna brought not just dynamic presence, but also REAL SUBSTANCE to the pressing questions we are facing as a community college. Many staff stated that this was the BEST PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WE HAVE EVER HAD. With his vision of human connection and competitive advantage, MARK LIT A FIRE among our campus community. This was the inspiration we needed to move forward in a fast-changing landscape! Dr. Ashlee Spannagel Dean of CTE & Workforce Development at Southeastern Community College
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Mark Perna’s keynote was GAME CHANGING FOR OUR COMMUNITY! In my work with businesses, employers, community leaders, and educators across Gage County, I constantly hear the same things: We need more skilled people, how can we educate and train the next generation, and what will keep our youth here? Mark’s presentation HIT ALL THESE NAILS ON THE HEAD and gave the change-makers in our community the TOOLS AND MOTIVATION TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP toward achieving our goals. We are inspired! RACHEL KREIKEMEIER Executive Director at Gage Area Growth Enterprise (NGage)
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Every year we work hard to bring in the best workforce thought leaders to keynote at the PWDA Annual Conference. This year, Mark Perna blew our expectations out of the water with his ENERGETIC STYLE and TIMELY MESSAGE. Mark’s passionate keynote was perfect to follow the Governor of PA’s speech at the conference. He connected instantly with the audience as he delivered valuable strategies that they can implement in both their professional and personal lives. We recommend Mark as a DYNAMIC, PERSONABLE, AND GENUINE speaker who keeps his audience riveted with truly actionable content. CARRIE AMANN Executive Director at Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA)
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We had the pleasure of welcoming Mark Perna as our keynote speaker at a county-wide, four-school district Professional Development workshop for teachers. The day prior Mark spoke at a parents’ night event and also to the entire staff at the local community college. MARK LIT A FIRE OF INSPIRATION that we are taking full advantage of to catapult local student career exploration efforts. I have often referred to Mark as the “evangelist of education”—he is a dynamic, passionate, compelling speaker and trainer. Do not hesitate to book him—do it now! HE WILL MAKE YOU LOOK BRILLIANT. Della Schmidt Greater Burlington Partnership President and CEO
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Mark’s message absolutely hit the sweet spot for our diverse audience of business, industry, education and community leaders. It was RELEVANT, EXCITING, AND EMPOWERING for everyone in attendance, and we’ve been flooded with positive feedback. Throughout the entire process, from planning through execution, Mark and his team were remarkably proactive and easy to work with. In short, Mark’s dynamic vision couldn’t have come at a better time and we’re THRILLED WITH THE IMPACT he has made here. TAIT STRAND Executive Director of Central Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance
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Mark Perna BROUGHT OUR AUDIENCE TO THEIR FEET with his ENERGETIC, ENGAGING, AND INSPIRING message! His insights will help us move forward effectively in a changing world. Mark knows how to bring the heat and CHALLENGE EVERY PARTICIPANT to forge a GENUINE HUMAN CONNECTION with the young people we serve. Our audience left with valuable tools they can start using immediately to improve their day-to-day interactions and outcomes, and the feedback has been amazing. Thanks, Mark! COLLIN CALLAWAY Senior Policy Director at Arkansas Community Colleges
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Mark is by far ONE OF THE BEST SPEAKERS WE HAVE HAD in Beaumont, TX! He is an event planner’s dream—he comes very prepared, and setup is a breeze. MARK’S MESSAGE RESONATED with our educators, business professionals and community leaders. Thank you for motivating and inspiring our audience members. Our community is ready to CONNECT THE DOTS and put Mark’s wisdom into action! Kristie Young Vice President Economic Development, Greater Beaumont Chamber
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Mark Perna’s high-powered keynote was the capstone of our statewide conference! Afterward Mark led a frank and candid VIP discussion about where the world has changed and how we take action as communities—as well as how we move forward as a state. We had LEADERS AND INFLUENCERS IN ATTENDANCE WHO NOW FEEL THE URGENCY to bring this message to the capital for legislators and the governor to take action. With the powerful momentum Mark has helped create, we will accomplish great things. CATHY LECOMPTE Past President & Event Organizer at Alaska ACTE
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Mark’s presentation provided us with a FRESH PERSPECTIVE on trends in education and how to better connect with students to develop a competitive advantage in a changing world. Every person that attended walked away with new tools and strategies to help all students in their career journey. This was an INCREDIBLE, ACTIONABLE EXPERIENCE! Jon Winter Career and Technical Education Coordinator at Wausau School District
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Our diverse audience was deeply moved by Mark’s DYNAMIC message! Superintendents, principals, counselors, employers, HR folks, economic development, state legislators, and community leaders were all INSPIRED TO RETHINK what we do with young people—and why. It was an extraordinary experience that has created the desire for an ongoing dialogue among all stakeholders. Mark brought our community together and IGNITED THE SPARK we needed. We’re ready to focus, plan, and most importantly, take action! MINDY STALKER Executive Director at Union County Development Association
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Mark Perna delivered an incredible message that brought our education and employment systems together in A WAY I'VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE. We all have a vital role to play in the economic viability of our community—and now, we feel equipped to play it. With Mark’s ongoing involvement, we’re already taking the next steps to TRANSFORM THE WAY OUR COMMUNITY THINKS about education and careers. Thank you, Mark! Cody Snider Market President at Stuttgart Cadence Bank and CEO of Stuttgart Unlimited
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At our recent Education and Industry Summit, Mark C. Perna delivered a THRILLING KEYNOTE THAT RESONATED DEEPLY with both educators and industry leaders. His insights have sparked meaningful conversations about how we can empower the personal and professional growth of our younger generations. We’ve received TRULY OUTSTANDING FEEDBACK, with many attendees expressing interest in bringing Mark back for a larger-scale event. His expertise and engaging delivery make him an invaluable asset to our ongoing efforts in education and workforce development. Trina Goss Director, Business & Talent Initiatives, Go Topeka
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Mark C. Perna thoroughly impressed me with his ability to CAPTIVATE AND CONNECT WITH our staff and city leaders alike. He spoke meaningfully to everyone in the audience, from the Navy base captain to the chief of police, city council members, and the college president. The IMPACT HE MADE WAS PALPABLE, motivating all of us to make a positive difference. Thanks to Mark’s powerful address, this school year is off to an exceptional start. His passion and expertise have set the tone for success, and I wholeheartedly recommend him to any educational institution seeking transformative leadership. April Moore Superintendent at Sierra Sands Unified School District
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Every Superintendent wants an ENERGETIC, THOUGHT-PROVOKING, PARADIGM-SHIFTING SPEAKER to start the year. Mark Perna nailed it! I have never heard such positive feedback following our kickoff event. Mark’s inspiring message not only helped us understand the current generational challenges we face in education and employment, but also reached a personal level by providing more tools for us as parents. Mark shares ‘the why’ in a CLEAR, RELEVANT WAY, applicable to certificated and classed staff alike. We now feel empowered to make major changes in our educational system. Alan PetersonSuperintendent at Merced Union High School District
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Are you trying to figure out how to connect with young people or why they are ‘just not hearing’ what you are saying? YOU NEED MARK PERNA! Mark’s strategies on how to make conversations more productive and meaningful will make all the difference. His dynamic delivery and messaging keeps the audience on the EDGE OF THEIR SEAT—just waiting to hear more! Mark’s message is not just for parents, but also educators from preschool through graduate school and especially appropriate for business owners and managers of all sizes and industries. As an educator with over 25 years of experience as a teacher and administrator, it is without reservation, and with the highest regard that I recommend Mark Perna to any organization. The opportunity to hear Mark’s message is truly an ADVANTAGE TO ANYONE'S PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE. Catherine PusterDirector of Educational Programs at Crestview Local Schools
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I cannot thank Mark enough for getting my staff excited about the work they are doing! Every single person in attendance reached out to me after our PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT session to tell me how excited they were and how much they got out of it. As a department, we have officially shifted our thinking. Mark has made an IMMEDIATE IMPACT here and we can’t wait to implement everything we learned. This is a message we BELIEVE IN! CINDY SYLVIA Director at Durfee High School
Audience Members Love Mark, Too
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Let Mark bring this dynamic, inspiring, and actionable experience to your audience. Contact us below to share your needs, goals, and requested dates. We look forward to partnering with you to make a bigger difference!