Mark Gardner Biography

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