Mark Westwind has over 30 years professional and technical experience working with businesses, community agencies and non-profit organizations. Mark was the founding Director of the Contra Costa Software Business Incubator and the founding Associate Director of John F. Kennedy University’s Center for Entrepreneurship. Mark also designed JFKU’s Certificate of Information Management program. As a certified Business Advisor for the Contra Costa Small Business Development Center, Mark has assisted numerous start-ups and early stage companies and has designed and implemented training programs for entrepreneurs and business owners. He is the co-author with Dr. Tapan Munroe (former Chief Economist for PG&E) of “What Makes Silicon Valley Tick?“, a highly praised analysis of the Silicon Valley’s innovation ecosystem.
Internationally, Mark has developed relationships with business incubators and development zones throughout China and in several regions of Spain. He has presented to the Chinese National Business Incubator Association and the Science Parks Association of Spain. He served for four years as the U.S. Associate for Canton Venture Capital Company – a $100 million Chinese VC firm. He has also served as a mentor for the World’s Best Technology Showcase.
Mark’s technical experience includes designing, developing, deploying and supporting data management systems, and implementing numerous websites (including a regional business resource portal), several wikis, and over a dozen customized Salesforce systems. He is a Certified Salesforce Administrator and Consultant.
Mark is also the founder/co-founder of over a dozen community organizations and served on numerous boards including the John Muir Association and, most recently, Sustainable Contra Costa. Mark was a team leader for the non-profit San Francisco Adventure Ropes Course for over 12 years and has been an active Sea Kayaking Trip Leader for over 15 years for Environmental Traveling Companions providing accessible adventures for people with special needs.
- Master of Public Administration – Cal. State University, Hayward
- B.A. in Environmental Studies – University of California, Berkeley
- Certificate in Entrepreneurship – John F. Kennedy University
- Community College Instructor’s Credential – Cal. State University, Hayward
Mark is the founder or co-founder of:
- Digital Safari Innovation Fair
- GreenBizz Project
- Diablo Video Arts
- UC MicroNet
- Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill Farmers Markets
- Project Glean
- James Howe Homestead Park
- Mt. Diablo Beekeepers Association
- California Council for Community Gardening
- Eco-House
- Contra Costa Community Gardening Program
- Diablo Valley Recycling Center
