Twice a month, we shine the spotlight on a FDEM employee to introduce our followers to the exceptional men and women serving Floridians before, during and after a disaster. Today, it is our pleasure to present Mark Helms.
Mark has recently retired after serving the Division for 25 years – thank you Mark for your many years of service.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
“I was born and raised in Tallahassee. I graduated from Godby High School in 1974, from Tallahassee Community College in 1976 and then from Florida State University in 1978. I’ve been married for 31 years to my wife Sheila. We have two daughters – Amy is 20 and is currently a junior at Florida State, Allison is 26, married and living here in Tallahassee.”
Q: What aspect of your role here at the Division did you enjoy the most?
“By far, I love to interact with the employees throughout the Division. I also enjoy having the opportunity to assist them with human resources related issues. It’s so nice to see employees get hired and then receive promotions as a result of their hard work.”
Q: Now that you’ve retired, what items do you plan to cross off your bucket list first?
“I plan to work in my yard, it’s one of my favorite things to do. And I plan to volunteer more time at my church, Thomasville Road Baptist. I have a Sunday school married couple class for many years and also help with the 2nd and 3rd grade children choir. I also enjoy Florida State baseball and hope to attend more games now.”
Q: Fun fact: Tell us something fun and random about yourself to let others get to know your personality!
“I am color blind, especially with the colors brown/green and blue/purple. I really like to cook. My favorite candy is peppermint – I would always have some on my desk to share. And I really like apples, I eat one nearly every day.”
Florida Division of Emergency Management 