Biography of Mark Haggard

Born: Fort Wayne, Indiana

Home town: Ossian, Indiana

Education: Purdue University, BS and Xavier University, MBA

Mark has lived in Cincinnati since 1989.

 

Caracole: What brought you to Caracole?

Haggard: I met Linda Seiter [Executive Director] and Mary Jo McClain [Development Director] at other community events and began to know Caracole. Other friends had been involved with Caracole, and the more I learned, the more I liked the organization. Rock n' Bowl 2005 was the first event I attended, and I was hooked. I was approached about becoming a board member by Jeff Thomas.

 

Caracole: Why do you value community service?

Haggard: I started my volunteer Board of Directors experiences with the Epilepsy Council of Greater Cincinnati, another United Way agency.

I enjoyed serving on the Board and wanted to continue my service with another organization. Caracole has always had a good reputation and provides help and services to people who are in great need, not just without housing, but sick with an insidious disease.

 

I value community service as a way to give back. Through a family tragedy several years ago, I witnessed first hand what it was like to almost have family evicted from housing. My family had the resources to prevent that from happening, and we are fortunate. I recognize that many people are not in situations where family can or even will help in time of need.  

 

Caracole: There are many opportunities to serve in this community. Why did you choose Caracole?  

Haggard: I believe in Caracole because of the unique need it fills in the community. Obviously HIV/AIDS is of interest, and that - coupled with the loss of a job/income, being sick and then facing a lack of housing - and the perfect storm could not get worse. Caracole helps those most in need when they need it most.

 

I am so impressed with the diverse mix of talented, dedicated people on the Caracole Board. Without fail, I am impressed each month with the number of board members who attend the meeting.