Mark Anthony Wright
Birth Place: Chicago, Illinois
Resident of Nashville, TN: 40 years
Education: Nashville State Community College
Business and Career -Over 18 years experience in the construction industry, AAS Architectural Engineering Technology, Co-owner and CEO of Ideas on Paper, Inc. (15) years, Chairman of CME Systems, Inc. (3) years, “ Be a Helping Hand” nonprofit corporation, Executive Director (4) years
Community Involvement
Executive Director, Be a Helping Hand Foundation
Former Chairman of the Board, Be a Helping Hand Foundation
Chairman and President, Historic Buena Vista Association
Chairman, Personnel Committee, NAACP
Chairman, New Level Community Development Corporation
Executive Committee, NAACP
Former Member, Nashville Electric Service Diversity Board
Former Co-Chair, MDHA Scovel Street Advisory Committee
Member CES –Youth about Business (17) years
Mentoring Program, Youth about Business Awarded (8) years
Personal Dedication to Be a Helping Hand Foundation
Mark believes in the mission and vision of Be a Helping Hand Foundation which is to provide affordable accessible construction training to people and link the trainees with viable job opportunities in the construction industry. As volunteer Executive Director and prior to that as Board Chairman Mark has provided financial support for the organization’s operations as well as providing housing project related support. He takes the same approach to “Be a Helping Hand Foundation” as he has to his successful businesses. He operates the nonprofit business by sound business principles and practices. He has worked to put in place systems, processes and procedures to ensure accountability and smooth business operations. Viewing donors as key stakeholders in the organization Mark has worked to establish and maintain close relationships with them by keeping them informed and seeking their input. He has learned the complexity of nonprofit businesses and set goals to work collaboratively with like minded organizations to have greater impact in solving our community challenges.
Personal Accomplishments CES & Associates (Youth about Business)
Working in the early days as one of the original members of “Youth about Business” Mark assisted Sam Kirk, Executive Director, in growing the non-profit youth entrepreneurship training program. Working with Mr. Kirk in designing and developing the Elpizo Center which houses youth run businesses and is the headquarters of CES proved to be a high point. The organization has expanded outside Nashville’s borders into other states and attracted the attention of national corporations. Along with providing over 8 years of mentoring for Youth about Business Mark provided financial support to the organization. Playing a role in the development of “Youth about Business” prepared Mark for the leadership role of Executive Director for “Be a Helping Hand”.
Community Development and Historic Buena Vista Association
Mark moved into the Historic Buena Vista community in December of 2000; Working in partnership with others, Wright & Associates, Mark sought to revitalize the neighborhood by developing 10th Ave. N. with five homes. He served as co-chair of the Scovel Street Advisory committee in administering $600,000 in CBDG funding awarded from MDHA to the neighborhood that was initially spearheaded and proposed by Fifteen Avenue Baptist CDC. The grant provided for decorative signage, median, crosswalks & decorative street lighting which spurred other development. This led to the strengthening of Historic Buena Vista Neighborhood Community Organization which has 47 members. The neighborhood is now a mixed income community that includes low income to upper middle class individuals and families with a strong neighborhood association.
Professional Experience
2006 – Present Executive Director, Be a Helping Hand Foundation (BAHHF) Nashville, Tennessee
I serve as the Executive Director and am responsible for all elements of its operation. My responsibilities are to provide leadership to the Foundation and ensure the mission of BAHHF is carried out effectively. I also provide construction documents for affordable home projects and on-site construction management as well construction financing for affordable home projects.
My main responsibilities are as follows:
Retain and/or recruit quality staff and volunteers to carry out the mission and policies of BAHHF.
Provide support and expertise to the Board of Directors (BOD) and the Executive Committee to assist them in establishing policies and overseeing the operation of the Foundation.
Provide information and support to the Officers.
Communicate to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee all activities, operations, and conditions relating to BAHHF and the BAHHF staff on a regular basis.
Execute the policies and directives of the BOD and Executive Committee.
Prepare Board of Directors and Executives Committee agendas, and make recommendations for action when appropriate.
Assist the Secretary of BAHHF in maintaining minutes of the BOD meetings and other official meetings.
Provide committee chairs with necessary staff, support, and/or assistance.
Develop, implement, and assist in updating a Strategic Plan, based on input from the Board of Directors and committee members.
Work with the Committees to develop an annual budget.
Execute and maintain all contracts, agreements, and commitments as approved by the BOD and/or the Executive Committee.
Maintain complete and accurate records of all assets, funds, and properties with itemized statements and accurate, up-to-date reports on the financial status of BAHHF.
Develop and maintain relationships with related non-profit organizations, including representing BAHHF at industry-related meetings.
