Santa Clara University

Mark Walker

Mark Walker

Managing Director, Global Community Affairs, Applied Materials Inc.

Mark Walker was appointed Managing Director of Global Community Affairs for Applied Materials in January 2008. He is responsible for the company's corporate social responsibility strategy globally including philanthropy and employee involvement. He also serves as the chief executive for the company's Foundation. Applied Materials has received numerous awards for its leading edge Education Initiative work in Silicon Valley and Austin, Texas.

Previously Walker served as President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way Silicon Valley. In his nearly six-year tenure at United Way, Mark worked closely with the Board of Directors to reinvent the organization through a new comprehensive strategic plan and transition to a Community Impact model that focuses on funding programs with measurable results rather than simply funding agencies that support people in high-needs areas. In addition, Mark helped raise the bar on accountability and transparency for United Way Silicon Valley, initiating policies and practices that maximize the organization's efficiency and improve customer service.

Prior to joining United Way Walker had a twenty-three year career with SBC Communications (now AT&T) in Missouri and San Jose, California. His role as a community relations manager and later as General Manager, External Affairs provided invaluable experience in grassroots lobbying, policy matters at local, state and federal levels, media relations activity and corporate philanthropy. Economic development and education issues were his primary focus areas.

Mark is an active community leader. He serves on the board of directors of Joint Venture Silicon Valley, Santa Clara University's Center for Science, Technology and Society, the Center for Excellence in Nonprofits. He is a member of San Jose Rotary Club, and serves on the leadership council of Destination: Home, a project created to end chronic homelessness in Santa Clara County He also serves on the Tech Museum of Innovation Tech Awards executive committee.