Mark A. Porter is a distinguished security and intelligence executive with over 35 years of experience leading national and international operations across public, private, and government sectors. With an unparalleled background spanning the U.S. Secret Service, the White House National Security Council, and senior state-level leadership roles, Porter is widely regarded as a visionary in the areas of homeland security, threat mitigation, public safety strategy, and crisis response.

Porter currently serves as the Executive Director of Ohio Homeland Security and Deputy Homeland Security Advisor to Governor Mike DeWine, where he leads statewide initiatives to safeguard Ohio’s critical infrastructure, citizens, and cyber landscape. Under his leadership, Ohio developed its first Cyber Fusion Center, an innovative collaboration among public agencies, the National Guard, and private-sector partners. He also oversees the Statewide Terrorism Analysis and Crime Center, ensuring real-time intelligence sharing between local, state, and federal agencies, and has pioneered protocols for behavioral threat assessment and community-based risk mitigation.

Prior to his current role, Porter served as Director of Security for Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew, where he built a comprehensive security infrastructure from the ground up. His innovative redesign of stadium and travel security protocols not only enhanced safety but also generated operational efficiencies and cost savings while elevating the fan and player experience.

Porter’s federal service is most notably marked by a 26-year career in the United States Secret Service, where he held multiple senior leadership positions. As Special Agent in Charge for Ohio, he led over 200 presidential visits without incident and established the second-largest Financial and Electronic Crimes Task Force in the nation. Later, as Director of the Protective Intelligence & Assessment Division, he oversaw global threat investigations and led four strategic branches, including the National Threat Assessment Center and the 24-hour Global Security Operations Center (GSOC).

Porter also served in the White House as Director of the National Security Council’s Terrorism Directorate, where he was appointed by the President to lead the drafting of new domestic security guidelines and represented U.S. interests at international events including the Olympic Games in Beijing, Vancouver, and London. His experience coordinating with the intelligence community, law enforcement, and foreign dignitaries has shaped his reputation as a trusted national security strategist.

Mark holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Franklin University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Finance from Otterbein University. He has further completed executive training at American University and was selected for the Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program at the Department of Homeland Security.

Beyond his professional achievements, Porter is active in numerous advisory roles, including the Ohio Governor’s Homeland Security Advisory Council, School Safety Center, and the Attorney General’s Criminal Justice & Mental Health Task Force. A committed public servant and advocate for children’s safety and organizational integrity, he now seeks to bring his experience and insight to board service, where he can continue to protect and empower communities, businesses, and the public good.

Mark Porter is known for his 360-degree leadership style, unwavering ethical standards, and ability to unite diverse stakeholders under a shared mission of resilience and security. With deep connections in both public and private sectors, and a career built on service, strategy, and results, he stands ready to bring meaningful value to any organization seeking experienced, mission-driven leadership.

Character: Mark Porter exemplifies integrity, public service, and ethical leadership, consistently prioritizing the safety and well-being of others.

Knowledge: With over 35 years in security and intelligence, he possesses deep expertise in homeland security, threat mitigation, crisis management, and cross-sector coordination.

Strategic: He has successfully led the development of state and national security infrastructures, including cyber fusion centers and global operations, through long-term, visionary planning.

Communication: A proven collaborator, Porter excels in building coalitions and conveying complex security strategies to stakeholders across public and private sectors.