With a strong focus in Strategy, Governance, and Technology/Cybersecurity, Mark A. Pfister is CEO of M. A. Pfister Strategy Group, an executive advisory firm that serves as a strategic advisory council for executives and Boards in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. He is also Chairman & CEO of Integral Board Group, a specialized Board services and consulting company. Mr. Pfister is a 'Board Macro-Influencer' and his success has been repeated across a wide range of business situations and environments. He prides himself on being a coach and mentor to senior executives and directors. In Board Director circles, Mr. Pfister has earned the nickname 'The Board Architect.’
The overarching theme throughout his career has been his aptitude in leadership positions, passionate focus on people, unique governance models, and ability to create value for stakeholders through innovative business strategies and operational excellence. Michael Lorelli, Executive Chairman of Rita’s Franchise Company, has said, “Mark’s unusual combination of excelling at a macro and micro grasp of business, genuine interest in Governance, and ability to coach and mentor a Management Team make him a terrific Independent Director.”
Mr. Pfister is a certified Expert Project Manager and frequently consults on global projects in their initiation phases, as well as programs requiring remedial focus to bring them back on track. He has deep knowledge and experience in entrepreneurship, turnaround management, succession planning, data analytics, and consults in business strategy, structure, development, operations, and raising capital.
Previously, Mr. Pfister was CEO of Pro4ia, Inc., a national consulting and professional services company specializing in a wide range of technology solutions utilizing formal Project Management as a proven and repeatable delivery method. Pro4ia was Citibank's Nominee for Crain’s Magazine 'Entrepreneurship of the Year' Award in 2005. He simultaneously served as CEO of Onit, Inc., a national sourcing company specializing in placements for all levels of technology skill sets. Mr. Pfister was also the National Program Office Leader for American Express. He served as a Licensed Engineering Officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine, holds a B.S. from the State University of New York Maritime College in Facilities Engineering, and completed Harvard Business School's Executive Education Program for Board Directors.
Mr. Pfister is the creator of the ‘Board as a Service’ (BaaS) engagement model, an industry he is credited with inventing. He is a Master Speaker and conducts national speaking tours, lectures, and seminars focused on effective leadership, strategy, Board architecture, professional project/program management, and entrepreneurship.
His popular book, 'Across The Board: The Modern Architecture Behind an Effective Board of Directors,' has influenced a whole new generation of Board Directors.
Mr. Pfister is an experienced CEO and Board of Directors candidate. He is typically the Chair, or a member of the Strategic Planning Committee, Governance Committee, and Technology & Cybersecurity Committee. He currently is the CEO and serves on the Board as Chairman of Integral Board Group, CEO of M. A. Pfister Strategy Group, was Chairman of LIFARS, Board Advisor to Platinum Properties, Board Advisor to Platinum Management, Board Member of Lincoln Hall Boys’ Haven, and was a Board Member of the L.H. Foundation. Mr. Pfister also consults to multiple public company Boards, Committee Chairs, and Board Members.
He holds a Masters Professional Board Certification through the American College of Corporate Directors (ACCD), is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute (PMI), and holds a Certified Cyber Intelligence Professional Board Certification (CCIP) through the McAfee Institute.