Mark A. Vasquez_2016_office_crop

Mark A. Vasquez, ME’88

Running for:

Trustee, Council

Edison, New Jersey

Sr. Manager, Community Engagement & Innovation, IEEE

Professional Qualification:

Professional Qualifications: Certified Association Executive (CAE) with 20+ years of experience in non-profit management. In his long career with IEEE — the world’s largest association for technology professionals – has supported numerous Board-level committees and activities, managed a major product line from a loss leader to a $25 million revenue generator, led several product development and strategic planning efforts, and established relationships with many key partners (entrepreneurs, media companies, educational institutions, government entities, etc.). Recent achievements include collaborations with National Geographic and NOVA, and contributing to IEEE’s presence at SXSW, mostly via social media and multimedia support. Current efforts include a series of virtual conferences for the African technical community and developing a program on ethics in technology (including producing several US and international events). Presented with the award for Outstanding Service to the School at graduation, due to serving on the Senior Council, establishing the school’s first association for Hispanic students, being a freshman counselor multiple times, and more. Previously served on the Alumni Council for two 3-year terms. Has also been a Class Rep and served on the CUAA Events Committee and Art Auction & Casino Night Committee.

Relevant Skills:

Association governance. Non-profit management. Strategic planning. Relationship development. Idea generation. Parliamentary procedure.

Personal Statement:

A main focus of mine at IEEE has been establishing key strategic relationships with both internal and external partners. This has included working directly with scores of organizations and individuals in the spaces of technology and the arts, while also establishing and reestablishing key partnerships with others within IEEE (staff and volunteers). I mention this because I believe strongly in the “union” part of Cooper Union. It is through unity that we will be able to best formulate and implement our goals. In my role as Alumni Trustee, I will work to (re)build relationships so that we can remedy what ails us and continue to excel at what we do well, all while remaining dedicated to the intended goal of returning to Peter Cooper’s original vision – a vision that spoke directly to me as a 15-year-old freshman from the inner city. I will also work to ensure that we continue establishing sound practices in our governance structure. I am honored to be considered for this position and look forward to working with all parties to develop and implement thoughtful, thorough, and contextually impactful plans that will keep moving our beloved Cooper Union toward an even greater future.

Three Bullet Points About You:

  • I believe returning to Peter Cooper’s vision should serve as the context for all discussions on matters that would impact or be impacted by that vision…and the level of progress on returning to that vision should not hijack our opportunities to continue evolving.
  • I care strongly about working together, openly sharing and debating ideas, actively listening, and, ultimately, respecting one another.
  • I care deeply about my beloved alma mater and believe my experience and ability to listen and process things in the context of the big picture can be of help.