Meet Mark

Now a resident of West Hollywood for 20 years, Mark has consistently worked to improve our community, starting with his home within a sixty-unit condominium complex. As president of the HOA, he recognized the building's potential and facilitated extensive improvements that made it safer, more accessible, and more energy-efficient. As one resident put it, "It was the worst complex on the block, and now it has a modern and expanded lobby, a new roof, new windows and balconies, and A/C system." The renovations took vision, effort, persistence, and collaboration. Mark worked with his neighbors to understand their needs, exchange ideas, and rally support. He raised money, handled the remodeling logistics, and ensured that projects stayed on schedule, on budget, and in compliance with building permit regulations. Through this experience, Mark honed his communication, negotiation, community organizing, and budgeting skills, to name a few.

Mark is also deeply invested in improving the cultural and recreational opportunities available to West Hollywood residents. In 2015, Mark joined the West Hollywood Russian Advisory Board. He is actively involved in cultural and art events like International Women's Day, Victory in Europe Day, and the Russian Art Festival. Mark proposed and is currently engaged in the creation of the Virtual Museum of the History of Russian Immigration in West Hollywood. Additionally, finding our community lacked any adult soccer team, he took the initiative to organize a soccer club. For the last few years, the club regularly plays just outside the city limits.

Mark's life, full of trials and turns, geopolitical upheaval, and transcontinental moves, shaped him into a resilient, positive leader. He is adaptive, able to take on new challenges and face unprecedented times. Mark perseveres; he sees a problem and doesn't give up until it is resolved. Mark is ready to address the ever-changing issues confronting the city of West Hollywood.