Mark Khouri, Executive Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, is a seasoned leader with more than two decades of dedicated experience in charity and international development.

In his current role, Mark leads Food For The Poor’s (FFTP) Strategic Partnerships department, a newly established function focused on identifying, cultivating, and opening doors to new mission-aligned partners. His team is responsible for proactively building relationships with high-net-worth individuals, corporations, churches, and strategic networks, expanding the organization’s pipeline of prospective supporters and long-term partners.

Mark brings a partnership-first mindset to this work, positioning supporters not simply as donors, but as collaborators investing in the mission. His team focuses on developing new relationships, creating meaningful points of connection, and ensuring strong, coordinated handoffs to fundraising teams for ongoing engagement and stewardship. In addition, Strategic Partnerships supports complex donor engagement efforts when needed and works to surface in-country partnership opportunities that can further strengthen FFTP’s impact globally.

Under Mark’s leadership, the department operates with an entrepreneurial, highly collaborative approach, grounded in preparation, relationship-building, and cross-functional alignment. His emphasis on listening, clarity of purpose, and disciplined execution reflects his commitment to sustainable growth and long-term mission advancement.

Previously, Mark served as Chief Operating Officer, providing strategic direction for the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustained growth of FFTP’s major operations, including programs and a field-centric role engaging with implementing partners and FFTP’s offices in Haiti, Jamaica, Guyana, and Honduras.

Having been promoted to Vice President in April 2017, Mark’s journey with FFTP began in 2002 when he initially served as Purchasing Agent but quickly advanced to Director of the Gifts In Kind Department. His progressive trajectory within the organization reflects both his operational expertise and his deep commitment to the mission.

A Jamaican-born U.S. citizen and a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance, Mark has called South Florida home since 2001. Together with his wife and three children, he has woven the fabric of his personal and professional life into this vibrant community. Mark’s proficiency in conversational Spanish adds a global perspective to his work, and he enjoys recreational mountain biking, reflecting a balanced and active lifestyle.

“Guided by the transformative teachings of Jesus, my role at Food For The Poor is centered on building meaningful connections with those who partner in our mission. By listening, engaging, and walking alongside them, we create opportunities to serve more families in need. Loving God and loving people, as Matthew 22:37-39 reminds us, is at the heart of our work, and together, we bring hope to those who need it most.”

– – Mark Khouri