DGE Mark Odland | District 6360

Mark Odland's professional career spanned 40 years with assignments in eight states, seven household relocations, and ever-increasing challenges and responsibilities including Vice President Claims and Vice President of the Great Lakes Zone for State Farm Insurance Companies.  His years in executive leadership included the challenges of leading the response to major natural disasters; the implementation of new organizational structures; and the responsibility of developing new leadership development programs.

Mark considers his greatest success to be the 52+ year partnership and marriage to LaRae who is the love of his life and constant companion. Together they managed the challenges of multiple relocations and successfully raising two sons who have given them five grandchildren who are in North Carolina and Illinois.

Mark believes in the power of life-long learning and is an avid reader of all thing’s leadership. He has a library of U.S. Presidents, world history, and books on the constantly emerging issues, innovations and ideas shaping our lives. Mark and LaRae are often seen volunteering with their Rotary, their church parish, and their community on many projects, both seen an unseen.

Mark serves as President of the Speakers Series of South Haven, a role he has held for 10 years. He was a founding member of this organization and led it to be the premier Speakers Series in SW Michigan. He also serves as President of the South Haven Resource Council, Chairperson of the Mission Endowment Fund of Peace Lutheran Church, Chair of the South Haven Township Planning Commission, Secretary of the Corewell Health South Hospice Board, and Treasurer of the Samaritas Foundation. He was inducted into the Michigan Insurance Hall of Fame in 2010.
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