Councilman Mark Smith - Ward 3

Biography

Mark A. Smith was born in Hartford Connecticut, where he attended Hartford public schools. He graduated from Thomas Snell Weaver High School in Connecticut before relocating to Cleveland, Ohio in 1980, where he then attended Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland State University, and Dyke College. In 1986 he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management and minor in Marketing. In his spare time, he took online Theological courses, because of his biblical interest. During his college years, he worked part-time in sales, becoming one of the first men to sell women’s cosmetics for Higbee’s Department Store. In 1989, he was hired by United Parcel Service, starting as a driver, and then into management. One of the many positions in his approximately 30-year career at United Parcel Service was to serve as a Congressional Liaison. In that position, he worked directly with Congressman Louis Stokes, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, and Congresswoman Marcia Fudge. In 1994 he and his wife Sondra built a home in Garfield Heights because of three reasons: Location, Location, Location.

In 2005, Mark Smith was installed as the pastor of the Sanctuary Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio. Under his leadership the church has grown immensely, offering computer classes for seniors, esports for the youth, and a monthly food pantry serving over 400 families per month.

Sadly, in 2017, Mark lost his son to street violence and months later lost his wife to illness. He has been quoted, however, stating that despite these devastating experiences in his life “I’m still standing.”

Known for his advocating abilities and a true love for people stating that he "never meets a stranger", Mark is ready and willing to serve his Ward 3 constituents.

Interactive Ward Map

Interactive Ward Map