Mark Otter

About Mark Otter

I help organizations build communities that work—the kind that support learning, collaboration, and real-world impact at scale.As Managing Partner of Community Works Collective, I work with nonprofits, education systems, and networks to design communities of practice, learning ecosystems, and recognition systems that break down silos and support distributed leadership. I also serve as President of the Board at Mathkind, where I focus on governance, leadership transition, and long-term sustainability for a global education nonprofit.Previously, I was CEO of Participate, building community-centered platforms that blended social learning, digital credentials, and collaboration to address workforce and learning challenges. I started my career as an educator, and that lens still grounds my work today.Always open to conversations about community-based learning, digital credentials, and how organizations learn together.

Experience

1. President, Board of Directors

   Mathkind

   Jan 2026 — Present · Chapel Hill, NC, US

   Mathkind is a global nonprofit dedicated to advancing mathematics education and supporting educators and learners around the world.As Board President, I focus on: • Governance and board effectiveness • Leadership transition and executive support • Strategic clarity and organizational sustainability • Strengthening the relationship between mission, programs, and operational capacityI work closely with fellow board members, founders, and staff to ensure Mathkind has the structures and leadership it needs to grow responsibly while staying true to its mission.

Education

• Concordia Portland Alumni & Friends

  Master of Education (M.Ed.), School Leadership

  2011 — 2012

• Acadia University

  B.Sc., Biology/Math

  1991 — 1996

• Acadia University

  B.Ed., Secondary Math/Science

  1996 — 1998

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Executive Certificate in Strategy and Innovation

  2014 — 2018