My name is Mark Higgins and I was recently elected as your new county commissioner.  Some of you have known me for years through my work with various groups and non-profits including Leadership Centre County, the CBICC, Boy Scouts, the local theatre and music communities, Friends of State High School, CVIM, the National MS Society, and the local cycling community.  My wife is originally from State College and, when we moved back nine years ago, we became very involved in the local community.
I live in State College Borough with my wife, son and daughter. My daughter goes to State College Area High School and my son to Penn State.
I have worked for 32 years as a turnaround specialist in industry and, over that time, have saved and created hundreds of jobs at seven different businesses. Turnaround specialists are rare to begin with and most of them are consultants or work for consulting firms.  I work as a full time employee in a management role for the three to five years it takes to turn a company around and make it profitable again.
In addition to the non-profits mentioned above, I also volunteer time mentoring four Penn State student startup businesses. Three of them have won local awards and two have also won national awards.
What ties my business and volunteer work together?  I love helping people solve problems.  I also enjoy talking to people and learning their interests, concerns, and dreams.