After an intensive search, North Park Main Street (NPMS) announced Mark West as their new executive director. A retired Naval Officer and community volunteer, West and his family have been committed to serving various San Diego County communities for over two decades.
“As a former homeowner and community leader in North Park, it is a dream come true to return and accept the position as executive director. Leading this established, well-loved organization, which consists of an extremely talented staff and board that remains dedicated to supporting arts, culture and entertainment, while preserving the over 100-year history of North Park is a true honor,” West said.
West’s immediate goal is to build upon the achievements of the past that created this vibrant urban core, while remaining committed to creating a pedestrian- and family-friendly destination for shopping and dining that promotes and supports local businesses. He looks forward to working with the entire community of North Park.
Originally from Denver, Colorado, West enlisted in the Navy out of high school and spent the next six years working as a Machinist Mate. In 1996, he was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program and returned home and enrolled at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication.
Upon commissioning, West served in various successful sea and shore tours while enroute to being selected to be the First Operations Officer on the Navy’s newest combatant; the USS Freedom. Mark was early selected for Command at sea, but ultimately decided to retire in 2011 after an illustrious 24-year career.
Following retirement, West enrolled at the University of Colorado Denver and completed his Masters in Public Administration. During that time, West worked on coastal pollution issues in San Diego and in Mexico while serving as the Program Leader for the No Border Sewage Committee for Surfrider San Diego. In 2014, he was selected to be the Chair of the San Diego chapter of Surfrider, leading the largest and most active chapter in the world. West remains committed to the environment and is a recognized leader in energy sustainability and conservation.
In 2016, West was elected to the City Council of Imperial Beach from a field of five candidates who ran for the two open seats. He has also served, or is serving, as the Chair of the Governance and Equity Committee, the Business Roundtable, the International Boundary and Water Commission, the San Diego Regional Airport Authority, South County Economic Development Council, San Diego Association of Government (SANDAG) Bayshore Bikeway Committee, San Diego Community Power, and is the alternate on the SANDAG Executive Committee and the President of the Imperial Beach Arts Bureau. In 2019, Mark was awarded the Legislative Lounge Award by the San Diego Chamber of Commerce.
West is married to the former Megan Montgomery. They have two adult children, and he and Megan currently have two four-legged children. He enjoys surfing, maintaining his historic home, biking, snowboarding, traveling the world, training his dogs, eating good food and reading an occasional book.
“It is thrilling to welcome such an experienced community leader to take the helm as executive director,” said Board President William Lopez. “NPMS will certainly reap the benefits of his years of service and commitment to the community.”
