Mark Wiernusz

Mark Wiernusz is the founder and CEO of Pathfinder Executive Coaching, where he empowers leaders to unlock their collaborative and creative potential, professionally and personally.

As a lifelong leader and leadership advisor, Mark brings over 20 years of formal training and experience in the art and science of leadership development. He began his career at the nation's preeminent leadership institution, the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in the top 5% of his class. After his military service, Mark continued his leadership growth by earning his MBA from the Wharton School of Business.

He has a proven track record of success leading high-performance organizations and driving strategic impact across both public and private sectors. Mark knows how to form, lead, and motivate teams and individuals to achieve their best performance. He is passionate about helping others achieve their own leadership goals and potential.

As a Leadership Coach, Mark works with senior executives who want to continue to grow and evolve as leaders at this stage in their careers. For rising and aspiring leaders, he leverages his prior experience and training to provide more guided professional development to those seeking to build their leadership skillset.

Prior to starting Pathfinder, Mark was Managing Director with the District Management Group (DMG) where he led the firm’s consulting teams and client engagements. Mark worked with over 100 public school districts across the country, advising superintendents and their leadership teams on management strategies and educational best practices aimed at reaching better outcomes for students.

“We immigrated to the US when I was in the 2nd grade; English became the third language my young mind had to adopt. If not for the dedicated teachers, reading tutors and academic interventionists who helped me at such a pivotal stage in my childhood, my life trajectory would have no doubt turned out very differently. I wanted to help school districts as they supported students and their learning”

Before joining DMG, Mark was a Senior Engagement Manager for LEK Consulting, a strategic management consulting firm. Mark loved helping his clients tackle their most strategic and complex issues, advising them on strategic planning, organizational redesign, and change management.

“Someone once told me that career transitions serve as periods of incredible personal growth and learning; with the skilled caveat of being able to check one’s ego at the door. I wanted to evolve as a leader, and I learn best by doing and putting things into action. Management consulting gave me access to many new, unique and challenging management issues very quickly – ideal conditions for the professionally curious”

Mark started his professional career as a United States Army officer and helicopter aviator (Pilot-In-Command), where his various responsibilities included training a 2,000+ solider aviation brigade as well as planning and conducting air-to-ground urban combat operations during the Iraq war. Among his military accomplishments, Mark was awarded the Bronze Star and Air Medal for Valor for his actions in support of combat operations.

“I had the privilege of leading some of the most inspiring and dedicated professionals who brought their very best each day. The lessons were all invaluable, most important of which was recognizing that successful leaders never stop evolving their craft”

Mark holds a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School of Business.

He is pursuing accreditation with the Coaches Training Institute as a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation.

He lives in Maine with his wife, two daughters and two golden retrievers. He is an avid skier, aspiring surfer and grill connoisseur.