| More than 1500 of Charlotte’s babies will be born premature this year, but local business leader Mark Billings is working with the March of Dimes to change this by chairing the 2010 March for Babies. March for Babies, the March of Dimes’ largest fundraiser, helps fund lifesaving research and educational programs aimed at helping moms have healthy babies. Billings, who is president of Presbyterian Hospital, knows how important the March of Dimes mission is
Billings was born in Elkin, North Carolina, and now resides in Charlotte. Mark served as a Medical Services Corps officer in the United States Navy. During his 20-year career, he served in operational roles including ship duty aboard the USS Frank Cable AS-Y0 and overseas at the Roosevelt Roads Navy Base in Puerto Rico and La Madelene, Italy. In 1986 while serving at the Bethesda Naval Hospital, he was selected as the medical representative to join President Reagan during the “State of the Union” address. Mark retired from the Navy in 2004 as a Lieutenant Commander. His last assignment was as the operating officer for the Naval Hospital at Camp Lejeune.
Mark joined Novant Health in 2004 as the vice president of support and professional services for Forsyth Medical Center. In 2005 he became the president of Presbyterian Hospital Matthews. In 2006 his role was expanded to include the growth and development officer for Presbyterian Healthcare. In August 2007 Mark was selected as the president of Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte and chief operating officer for Presbyterian Healthcare – Greater Charlotte Market.
Mark has an undergraduate degree from New Hampshire College that he completed while serving on active duty as an enlisted sailor. Also, he has an MHA degree from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill where he served as president of the student chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Mark commits himself to the economic and medical health of the community by playing an active role in several local and state organizations. Recent appointments include the Charlotte Chamber Board of Directors, 2010 North Carolina Hospital Association Policy Development Committee and the chair of the 2010 Greater Charlotte March for Babies.
Mark is married with four sons – Kyle, Shane, Sean and Cole. He and his family are members of Carmel Baptist Church in Matthews.
Charlotte residents can sign up at www.marchforbabies.org/kickoff2010 and start a team with co-workers, family or friends. Last year, more than 5000 people attended the event, which is scheduled for April 24, 2010.
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