Meet Mark Perna | Keynote Speaker & Award-Winning Author

As an international expert on Generations Y and Z, Mark has devoted his career to empowering educators and employers to unleash the tremendous potential of today’s young people, both in the classroom and on the job.

After successfully parenting two Millennials as a single father, Mark has become a passionate advocate for bridging the generational divides that are contributing to America’s profound skills gap. Parents, schools, districts, businesses, and state organizations across North America have successfully used Mark’s insights and strategies to connect more effectively with the younger generations.

In his work with educational and business organizations, Mark has pioneered many best practices for achieving more with today’s young people, including the TFS Education with Purpose® philosophy and highly popular Career Tree® strategy, among others. Mark, who interviews frequently on radio shows, television, and podcasts, is often cited as the national expert in education enrollment, retention, and performance.

Mark enjoys inspirational movies, theater, travel, golf, wine, and time with his family — especially the latest Pernas, granddaughters Ellie and Lou Lou. He resides in Cleveland, Ohio.

Dynamic and Motivational Public Speaker

Mark, a graduate of John Carroll University, has many years of experience addressing industry leaders on the topic of expanding their reach in an increasingly global marketplace. Mark delivers more than 70 keynote speeches annually at national and statewide events and spoke at Harvard University by special invitation. His genuine personality and warm sense of humor make him a fun and memorable communicator that people connect with immediately.

He regularly addresses both small groups and massive crowds in his capacity as a generational and performance expert, reaching thousands of educators, employers, parents, and young people each year with his powerful message of change and empowerment.

Speaker

Upcoming Speaking Engagements

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January 27, 2020 Michigan Career Education Conference Grand Rapids, MI

February 6, 2020 Moore Norman Technology Center Oklahoma City, OK

February 20, 2020 Chilliwack School District Parent Night Vancouver, BC Canada

Best keynote speech I have heard in 30 years.

- Stephen Freeman VP at M&T Insurance Agency Inc.

Mark’s session was the most inspiring and engaging experience I have had in a long time to regard to K-12 public education.

- Chad Wyen Superintendent at Mad River Local Schools

This was the best keynote I have ever been to! It was so inspiring the whole way through, provided easily applicable information and left me ready to act!

- Shelley Baudean Grants Specialist

Life changing message. Let me say I feel I’ve learned a new way to understand and speak to my grandkids and the younger generation.

- Terry Strayhand CTE Grants & Accountability LEAD

Absolutely hit the target for students of today and the impact of teaching for their future.

- Missie McKinney Assistant Principal at Dalton High School

Amazing presenter! Mark makes it real. He bridges the gap between education and employment.

- Terry Krezmer Human Resources at Larson Design Group

You know a speaker is great when he inspires you to race back to your office or classroom to start implementing what he said. Mark is that kind of speaker.

- Sally Pestana Kapiolani Community College

Mark Perna — what a change agent! Amazing presentation! Mark shows that we should believe in today’s younger generation and help them open every new door.

- Timothy Reilly Teacher, Author, Global Director at Farmington High School

Buckle up for a fast, furious conversation of motivating younger generations and becoming aware of the issues with employment gaps and the way to fix them. Very exciting conversation with Mark Perna.

- Sadie Fritzler Career Coach at Northeastern Junior College

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Award-Winning Author

Mark, a regular contributor at Forbes.com, has published numerous articles in national publications as a recognized voice in student and employee engagement and success. His award-winning bestseller, Answering Why: Unleashing Passion, Purpose, and Performance in Younger Generations, was written to help educators, employers, and parents understand Generations Y and Z and inspire them to greater performance in all areas of life.

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Regardless of if you are preparing for college, are a parent of teenagers/young adults, are a business owner searching for new talent, are a counselor, or whatever, this book provides amazing insight into how we can help guide our avid learners toward what they’ll be passionate about! (full review)

- Kyndall Bennett

Motivating and focusing students on their future requires energy and “Answering Why” is the fuel we need.

- Cynthia A. Dunigan Amazon Reviewer

Mark Perna has written a clear and practical book on how to help Millennials and Generation Z individuals unleash their passion and discover meaningful work…This is an important book for educators, employers, parents, and students.

- Mitchell R. Alegre Amazon Reviewer/VINE VOICE

Timely book that helps us to understand the “Why” generation!

- Tina Amazon Reviewer

This book is an incredible resource for educators, parents, and employers. The Career Tree system is a game changer for all…I can’t say enough about how this book delivers on insight and solutions!

- Varsity Amazon Reviewer

Very insightful! This is an engaging book that provides insight into what makes Generations Y and Z tick!

- Melinda Barton Amazon Reviewer

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Founder and CEO

Mark is the CEO of TFS®, a strategic consulting and communications firm that he founded nearly 25 years ago to serve the needs of education and workforce development. At TFS, Mark heads an energetic team of talented professionals who share his vision of making a bigger difference. TFS partners with schools, districts, businesses, and state organizations of all sizes across North America to help them experience significant gains in enrollment, engagement, retention, and performance rates.

CEO

Meet Mark

Dynamic and Motivational Public Speaker

Upcoming Speaking Engagements

Award-Winning Author

Founder and CEO

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