The Senior Health Foundation exists to support and raise funding for Midwest Geriatrics (MGI).  MGI, a 501c3 non-profit, which operates the Florence Home Healthcare, Royale Oaks Assisted Living, House of Hope Assisted Living, House of Hope Alzheimer’s Care, Gerimed Pharmacy, Unimed Pharmacy, and Empower Home Care.  Mark Kresl is the Director of Marketing and Development for the Senior Health Foundation.

Tell us a little about your business. – We have been serving Omaha seniors since 1906; primarily those in our senior population that are financially disadvantaged.

How did you get started in the business? – After years of volunteering for non-profits in the Omaha and Lincoln communities, I decided to make it my full-time profession.  I wanted to spend my days doing what I was choosing to do in my free time.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Communicating the importance of what we do at MGI.  We offer a home to people who have often spent their lives with little or nothing.  We provide them with a warm and loving home that for many will be their last home.  I can’t think of anything more important or noble than what we do.  My job is to get the people of Omaha to know us, understand what we do, and support our mission.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Though I’ve been fortunate to be recognized throughout my career, it’s my volunteer work that has been most important and led to a career change this past year.

Tell me a little about your family. – I have been married to my wife, Paula, for 31 years.  We have 2 children; Ashley, 25 and Adam, 22.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Becoming involved with Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln.  I have done glamour photo shoots with patients at Madonna for 5 years. My involvement with them is what got me interested in non-profit work, which eventually led me to MGI and the Senior Health Foundation.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – A photo shoot or a round of golf.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I had a small role in a feature film called Lovely, Still.

What are you the most proud of? – My two wonderful children.  I love who they have grown up to become.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.  Never take your eyes off of your destination.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Involved.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? – To be at two places at once.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Photography, though I have been able to incorporate that into my work here and there.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – The Lords of Discipline by Pat Conroy.

What is your favorite movie? – Casablanca or Lovely, Still (for obvious reasons!).

What is your favorite TV show? – Husker sports.

What is your favorite local restaurant? – Blue Sushi.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Will Rogers.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Via email at Mkresl@shf.org or visit www.omahaseniorcare.org.