From a very young age, Cameron Park resident Mark Harris knew he was destined to set his own path in life. “Getting out of college, I looked at working for companies, but I always knew I was going to end up working for myself,” he asserts. In his twenties, he took the reins of his family’s jewelry manufacturing business in the Bay Area and after meeting his wife Kathryn, moved to Cameron Park and worked as an investor. He also began volunteering. Although he’d often done community outreach in the past, Harris found his niche in applying his background in finance to support local organizations. He served a full, three-year term as president of the Food Bank of El Dorado County, and volunteered for six, and in 2010 helped found the Cameron Park Community Foundation (CPCF), a nonprofit that provides recreation opportunities and support programs for El Dorado County residents. 

For Harris, it’s about taking his entrepreneurial spirit and using it to help others. “I feel I have some talents I can offer, and it’s my way of tithing...my way of leaving the world a better place than it was when I came into it,” he shares.

On October 15, CPCF will host a Community Showcase to raise awareness about other nonprofits in the area.

 — Amber Foster 

Q&A

Mark with wife Kathryn

A: It’s a long road—enjoy the journey. 

Q: What comes to you naturally? 

A: Seeing the big picture and possible outcomes.  

Q: What’s your biggest pet peeve? 

A: Being late—it’s disrespectful. 

Q: What are you most proud of? 

A: My family

Q: Favorite humanitarian cause? 

A: Doctors Without Borders

Q: Best words of wisdom you’ve received? 

A: To forge a new path is hard, but you are the first one there.