Mark Fernandez, Principal

Mark Fernandez brings 30 years of sales, marketing, and executive leadership to Stonehill, including 24 years in sports and entertainment. Mark joined the organization from Valley National Bank where he served as Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer. At Valley, he was responsible for digital and traditional marketing, e-commerce, corporate communications, social media, content creation, creative development, and community impact. Additionally, he led a complete rebrand for the bank including logo, brand story, mission, vision, values, and the integration both internally through all lines of business and public channels, platforms, and facilities.

He joined Valley through a client engagement with his corporate advisory firm EMF Consulting. EMF offered sponsorship sales and service guidance, assisted organizations in business development and marketing strategies, with a specialty in community engagement as a brand and business growth opportunity.  

During a 10 year tenure as Senior Vice President of the Tampa Bay Rays, he oversaw corporate sales & marketing, ticket sales & service, broadcasting, community relations, and the Rays Baseball Foundation. He was a core leader in reinventing the organization’s brand, creating exponential revenue growth, and transforming the public perception of the team.

Mark came to Tampa Bay after 10 years with the Arizona Diamondbacks where he served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. He joined the team 2 years before they took the field, opened their new downtown Ballpark, and opened a new Spring Training Ballpark and Training Facility, which he was responsible for delivering for both the Diamondbacks and White Sox. He was able to walk across the street when he joined the Diamondbacks from the Phoenix Suns organization where he was Director of Marketing and Booking for America West Arena for 4 plus years. His time with the Suns family included booking and marketing the building. He also had leadership responsibilities in the operation and presentation of Phoenix Arena Sports which the organization’s owned franchises in arena football, indoor soccer and team tennis, along with overseeing the facility’s guest services standards and delivery.

Fernandez credits his early mentors for teaching him by example to be a servant leader. He currently serves on the Boards of the Helios Education Foundation, University of South Florida Foundation, United Way Suncoast, Hillsborough Education Foundation. Tampa General Foundation and Tampa/Hillsborough Homeless Initiative. Mark has Chaired numerous Boards, large fundraising campaigns, and committees. In 2012 Fernandez was awarded the United Way’s Inaugural Advocacy Award for outstanding service as a community leader. He continues to be sought as a speaker and thought leader in the non-profit community.

Mark is a Tampa native having attended the University of South Florida. He and his wife Trudie have three children and live in the Tampa Bay area.