Mark Russell Martin is the Secretary of State of Arkansas. He was elected to his first term in November 2010 with a promise of secure elections and a more fiscally conservative approach to state government. He was re-elected to a second term in November 2014 with the vision of making Arkansas the best American state to start a business, continuing to build on the successes of his first term. He is a former three-term member of the Arkansas House of Representatives.
A native of Kansas City, Kansas, Martin was reared in the Mississippi River delta country of eastern Arkansas. After service in the United States Navy as a submariner and nuclear technician, He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He since held numerous technology-oriented positions in private industry, prior to the launch of his career in public service. Martin is involved in several professional engineering organizations, is a past board member of the National Society of Professional Engineers.
As Secretary of State, Martin serves as Chair of the State Board of Election Commissioners and the Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission. He is also Chairman of the Board of the Information Network of Arkansas, and the State Board of Apportionment. He has also become a sought-after diplomatic resource, due to his knowledge of engineering, agriculture, and governmental operations. Martin has served on numerous diplomatic and trade missions, working with senior officials in the United States Departments of State, Commerce, and Agriculture on missions to destinations such South Korea, Pakistan, Ghana, China, & Turkey. He also actively participates in international Christian missionary activities.