Mark Gardner Biography

Mark Gardner Supervisor District 2

Mark Gardner: Community Leader - Servant's Heart

"Family, Faith, and Community are most important to me.  I am married to the former Elaine Starnes. We are blessed with three wonderful children and their spouses; Jonathan and his wife Beth; Kristen and her husband John; Julie and her husband Chris. Most importantly I am Paw to my 8 grandchildren.

I am an active member of Heartland Church in Southaven. I enjoy playing trumpet and guitar, and I have played in church and community orchestras throughout the years.  I am especially honored when asked to play Taps during funeral services for veterans." ~Supervisor Mark Gardner

Education

  • Graduate of Hernando High School
  • A.A.S. Degree - Northwest Jr. College
  • Advanced E.M.T. Degree - University of Mississippi Medical Center
  • Additional Studies Include: Principles of Management, Human Resources, Accounting, and Public Relations

Professional Experience

  • Currently a Broker/Realtor/Property Manager with Bill Sexton Realty and Appraisals
  • 25 years in senior management with Fortune 500 Companies in Telecommunications
  • Member of the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Cable Association
  • President of the Arkansas Cable Association
  • Small Business Owner and Operator in Desoto County
  • Member of the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Cable TV Association
  • Member of the Board of Directors of the Southern Cable TV Association
  • President of the Mid-South Chapter of the Society of Cable Television Engineers (SCTE)
  • North MS Chairman – Mississippi One-Call Damage Prevention Committee

Volunteer Service as a First Responder 

"It was an honor to serve alongside some of DeSoto County's finest for more than 20 years."

  • Director of Southaven Ambulance Service
  • Volunteer Advanced EMT and Firefighter: Southaven & Nesbit Fire Departments
  • Reserve Deputy Sheriff with DeSoto County Sherriff's Department

Community Involvement

  • Past President of the Desoto County Tennis Association
  • Captain of USTA Mississippi Tennis Teams
  • Past Member of Southaven Rotary Club
  • Past Member Republican Executive Committee
  • Member Desoto Republican Club
  • Member of the Board of Directors Nesbit Community Cemetery
  • Member of the Board of Directors Samaritans Food Bank
  • Member of the Board of Directors of the Northwest Mississippi Association of Realtors
  • Active Member of Heartland Church