Mark Ballam

Mark Ballam serves as managing director for San Diego State University’s Center for International Business Education and Research (SDSU CIBER).  He is responsible for the overall strategy and implementation of the SDSU CIBER program and oversees administration and management including budget, resources, advocacy, and communications programs.  He also directs the development of research and training activities, manages the day-to-day operations, as well as outreach initiatives.  The SDSU CIBER program also supports the International Business program at San Diego State University which is ranked 8th in the nation by U.S. News and World Report’s 2014 America’s Best Colleges. Since his arrival at SDSU, he has been instrumental in raising more than $3 million in grants and gifts.

 

Mr. Ballam came to San Diego State University in 2005, after serving eight years as associate director of the Georgia Institute of Technology CIBER.  Before Georgia Tech, he had a twelve year career in the banking industry.  Most recently, he held the position of Vice President with SunTrust Banks in Orlando, Florida.

 

A native of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Mark Ballam earned his B.A. degree in International Relations from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts.  He attended North London PolyTech in London, England, and worked as a law clerk with Aaronson & Co., Solicitors.  He earned his MBA from Georgia Institute of Technology.

  

In addition to serving on the board of directors of the WORLD TRADE CENTER San Diego, Mr. Ballam serves as president of the Consortium for Undergraduate International Business Educators (CUIBE) and, in 2013, he became president-elect of the Association of International Business Education and Research (AIBER).  In 2009, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke nominated Mr. Ballam to the San Diego & Imperial Valley District Export Council (SDIDEC).  In 2010, he was elected to serve on the National District Export Council Steering Committee.  Mr. Ballam serves on the Advisory Committee for Southwestern College’s Small Business Development and International Trade Center.  He is a member of the Academy of International Business, Scholars Without Borders, and Phi Beta Delta, the honor society for international scholars.