Mark Kessler serves as the vice president of innovation and business development for Global Connections to Employment. He leads initiatives in corporate growth, modernization, and strategic acquisitions while cultivating partnerships across national and international territories. Mark focuses on international market penetration with a robust commitment to expanding GCE’s global footprint.

With nearly three decades of experience, Mark has established a commendable track record in business development covering commercial, state, and governmental sectors. His strategic intuition in fostering innovative solutions and leveraging strong stakeholder relationships has been central to the organization’s success. Mark has secured significant contracts that have enhanced employment opportunities for many individuals with differing abilities.

Mark’s oversight extends to comprehensive business development strategies in support of GCE’s mission-centric approach. His profound expertise in the AbilityOne® program, supported by over two decades of dedicated service and network building, has positioned him as a leader in advancing the organization’s objectives. For instance, he was instrumental in pioneering a Mentor-Protégé program in collaboration with a SourceAmerica® and AbilityOne initiative to explore new business avenues and technological solutions for emerging markets and operational excellence.

Throughout his career, Mark has led high-performing teams, steering them toward innovative business models that have significantly influenced the non-profit sector associated with the AbilityOne program. His strategic foresight in organizational development and policy formulation has been recognized at congressional levels. Mark has contributed as a subject matter expert on disability policies and the broader implications for the AbilityOne program.

Mark also serves as the president of Workability International, a prominent non-profit entity dedicated to amplifying employment opportunities for individuals with differing abilities on a global scale. Under his leadership, the organization has evolved into a dynamic platform for advocacy, innovative problem-solving, and removing employment barriers for underserved communities.

Mark is an alumnus of Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, complemented by a minor in Economics.