Mark Friesen believes that the strongest communities are built when people work together with care, trust, and a shared sense of responsibility. For more than 20 years, he has worked in B.C.’s non-profit sector, bringing partners together to support communities and create meaningful, practical change.

Mark’s work has always been grounded in collaboration. He has led initiatives such as a Housing First Innovation Lab in Metro Vancouver and a regional partnership in the Okanagan, and has worked across sectors to turn ideas into action. As Executive Director of Columbia College, he launched the Institute for Equity and Advancement in Education in 2022, expanding access to education for newcomer youth and people with refugee backgrounds.

A key part of Mark’s leadership is his belief that organizations work best when they are guided by clear values and strong governance. During his time at Vantage Point, B.C.’s leading non-profit capacity builder, he supported boards and leaders to strengthen decision-making and accountability. Working with the Crown Agency Board Resourcing Office of B.C., he helped shift governance training toward approaches focused on the public interest.

Mark holds a Master’s degree in Urban Studies from Simon Fraser University, where his research explored governance at the city-region level and earned several academic awards. He has served on the City of Vancouver Election Task Force, chaired the Our Place Inner City Governance Committee, served on the board of the Ripple Coast Society, and currently serves as Board Chair of Vancouver Phoenix Gymnastics.

Mark lives in Vancouver with his wife and three children. When he’s not working, you’ll usually find him reading, swinging kettlebells, or enjoying a good cup of coffee.