Mark J. Scott, PhD

Mark joined the Foundation in January 2022 to lead Oishei’s philanthropic support practice that is designed to strengthen and support the WNY nonprofit ecosystem. He works closely with Foundation staff to enhance the capacity and work of grantee organizations and community partners. He oversees the Foundation’s initiatives in leadership development, network building, and convening, most notably the Karen Lee Spaulding Oishei Fellowship for Leaders of Color, Community Conversations for Leaders of Color, and the Oishei Leader program.

The Niagara Falls native has a strong background in nonprofit leadership and in the development of workforce training programs, most recently serving as Chief Executive Officer at The Culinary Academy of Las Vegas where he led the nation’s largest joint-labor management hospitality training trust. Mark brings a deep skill set in strategic planning, team leadership, strategic financial planning, fundraising, program development, and problem-solving to his role.

Mark also served as Executive Director of Campus Auxiliary Services for the State University of New York at Geneseo where he oversaw two self-supporting corporations that provide a multitude of non-academic campus services including restaurants and concessions, bookstore, vending, laundry, and recycling programs. He was also responsible for more than 650 employees and more than $16 million in top-line operating and investment revenue overseeing corporate support service departments including HR, Facilities, Marketing, Finance & Accounting, and more.

Mark holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and Policy, an MBA from Niagara University, and a BS in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management from Cheyney University in Cheyney, Pennsylvania, the nation’s oldest Historically Black College & University (HBCU).