Having offered years of service and expertise to Serve Virginia, Mark Fero recently concluded his term on the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism (GAB).

Mark first got involved in service and volunteerism in 1988 when Robert Eggar asked him if he wanted to volunteer and help him start the DC Central Kitchen, an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation, which opened in 1989. Mark reflects, “Since then, DC Central Kitchen has became one of the most respected and emulated nonprofit agencies in the world, producing and distributing more than 4,000 meals a day. Its highly successful 12-week job-training program equips former homeless transients and addicts with culinary and life skills to gain employment in the restaurant business. It was there that I learned about gratefulness and the power of service and volunteerism. The mantra that informs my service is ‘the greatest among us are those that serve.'”

Mark’s service journey has continued to provide him with opportunities to support his community, state, and country. “After my service in the military, I joined the ministry and that is where I met Governor Allen,” recalls Mark. “He introduced me to Attorney General Kilgore and they both gave me the opportunity to help them solve social problems using faith working together with government. I realized then I could continue to serve God and impact thousands of lives for the public good by serving the Commonwealth. After twenty years of public service, I still get excited about helping communities in Virginia to feel safe and live free.”

In 2010, Mark was appointed to the GAB by Governor McDonnell. “I was reappointed every year for eight years until we were codified by the General Assembly, making me the longest, continuous serving board member in GAB history,” reflects Mark. “With the new term limits there may never be a member that will serve longer. There are so many aspects of board membership that I love, but my favorite aspect of being on the board is meeting the ever-growing group of young men and women that are willing to serve. They give me hope for the future of the Commonwealth and represent the greatest among us.”

Offering advice to others considering getting involved in service and volunteering, Mark says, “I would say to never underestimate the power of a kind act to change a life or the commitment of a volunteer to make a difference in the Commonwealth. I like the quote of one of Richmond’s natives, [Arthur Ashe], ‘Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.'”