One of our own has been named as a national 2008 Distinguished Public Service Recipient

Mr. Mark Oliver from the St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands was named as one of six 2008 Distinguished Public Service Recipients out of 1.8 million Federal government employees at a ceremony hosted by the National Image, Inc., in Las Vegas, NV, on April 16, 2008. The ceremony was a part of the National Image, Inc., 36th Annual Training Conference and Exposition.

Mr. Oliver is the son of the late Mrs. Ena Marie Petrus Oliver and Mr. Roy H. Oliver and brother of Dr. Denise T. Bennerson of Frederiksted, St. Croix, V.I., and Kevin A. Oliver of Shreveport, LA, and he is also a graduate of Central High School, St. Croix (1980).

The National Image was originally founded in 1972 to address the needs of Hispanic employees in the federal government. Later, the membership saw a need to expand their activities to serve the needs of Hispanics and other employable minorities outside the federal government. The National Image expanded its activities to increase its impact on employment, education and civil rights. Through the Office of the Chairman, National Image constantly works with officials at the highest levels in both the public and private sectors. The Organization helps employers become aware of the needs of the diverse communities, but also of the pool of talent available to help the United States compete successfully in a global economy. National Image has proven its ability to grow and change with the needs of the community. It will continue to be a forward looking, proactive organization to help Hispanics and other communities meet the challenges of the future. Only if minorities are well-informed and well-prepared we will be able to develop our highest potentials to enrich ourselves, our communities and help the United States as a whole to prosper.

Mr. Oliver believes in the mission of the National Image, and has worked on behalf of the organization for a number of years, he was honored. Mr. Oliver is highly respected and admired by the National Image family.

Presently, Mr. Oliver has over twenty-four years of experience with the Federal Government in the areas of small business administration, leadership, community relations and congressional oversight. Mr. Oliver’s performance in these areas accelerated him to senior career positions within the Federal government. As an executive that focuses on growth, he has conceptualized, developed and deployed multiple strategic initiatives that achieved funding objectives and processed improvements to exceed bottom-line needs. He understands the need for high level skills in the areas of mixing culturally diverse and performance issues in an ever-changing environment. He has a track record of gaining consensus among diverse groups by persuading, influencing and securing the acceptance of a shared vision.

He has managed national programs and mandates. His leadership and communication skills are outstanding, and he is considered a chief visionary by many organizations and associations across the nation. He has excelled in dynamic, demanding environments while remaining pragmatic and focused.

Currently, Mr. Oliver is the Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization with the Department of the Interior in Washington, DC. He is responsible for managing the Small Business Program that promotes small business contracting opportunities. He has implemented changes within the Small Business Program to include more involvement from program managers in establishing Department-wide small business goals. He has demonstrated an in-depth understanding of the initiatives and requirements to direct progressive internal marketing tools for small businesses.

Overall, Mr. Oliver has held a number of leadership positions within the Department. Prior to serving as the Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, he served as the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Deputy Assistant for Business Management and Wildland Fire’ Chief of Staff, he was the Director of the Office of Educational Partnerships among many other positions.
Mr. Oliver holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Morgan State University in Baltimore , Maryland and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Southeastern University in Washington , DC . He is presently working on a Project Management Certificate.

Hats off to one of our own! And Congratulations from Homeland Collections Portrait Gallery, LLC.