About Mark
In September, 2015 Mark Newgent and his family made Irvine their home. Immediately Mark saw some issues that need to be addressed. He began engaging with the IUSD board and publicly speaking to bring awareness to school safety/security, special needs families, fiscal responsibility and issues for the public at large. Behind the scenes Mark has been actively engaging with IUSD administrators to propose updates to the IUSD safety/security plan. Mark has been building relationships with the Irvine City Council incumbents/candidates to facilitate joint planning between IUSD and the City of Irvine. Mark is a team player who brings valuable experience, knowledge and leadership from decades of government service.
Mark grew up in a very impoverished area of northern California. Growing up, most of the time he and his older brothers lacked basic necessities such as electricity, transportation to school, food and clothing. At the age of 16, Mark found himself alone and homeless until he graduated from high school. Then at 17 years old, he immediately enlisted in the US Army as an Infantryman. After initial training and U.S. Army Airborne School at FT Benning, Georgia, Mark was assigned as an assistant gunner in the elite 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg North Carolina.
In 2000, Mark attended Cavalry Scout Reconnaissance Advanced Individual Training (AIT) and was subsequently assigned as a Scout Squad Leader at Fort Irwin, California. Two years later, Mark attended Military Police AIT and was assigned as a Military Police Customs Squad Leader in the 560th Military Police Company, Mannheim Germany. Mark moved to Hawaii in 2005, and was assigned as a Military Police Squad Leader at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and later in 2008, assigned as a Military Police Platoon Sergeant at Fort Shafter, Hawaii.
In 2009, after 13 years of enlisted service, Mark received a very rare and prestigious Presidential Direct Commission as a Second Lieutenant and served as a Military Police Platoon Leader in the 368th Military Police Company. In 2011, Mark graduated from Military Police Basic Officer Leader Course and earned a Bachelor of Science in Management. In addition to serving as a Platoon Leader, Mark served as an Operations Officer, Logistics Officer, Anti-Terrorism Officer, Aide-De-Camp and security advisor for several US Army Generals. Mark achieved the rank of Captain, and was selected for a prestigious Command position of a large military unit. He subsequently served as the Company Commander 740th Combat Support Company. Mark is now retired from the US Army and continues to advocate for the people of Orange County.
Since moving to Irvine Mark has served as an Irvine Investment Advisory Committee Member, Advising the city on over 1 billion of city assets. He also serves on the current Irvine Mayor’s Advisory Committee and as a Orange County Commissioner on the Waste Management Commission.
Over the past 20 years, Mark has several deployments, received numerous accolades and awards. Including an award for heroic achievement for thwarting a terrorist plan and was credited for "many lives saved and protected". Two years later, on the same project, Mark was given an achievement award from the Commanding General which it was stated that Mark’s security plans were considered the gold standard for US Army Pacific and also a commendation from the US Ambassador to Indonesia, “significantly enhanced security and safety of all participants, as well as solidified a critical relationship with key Indonesian security forces” -Scot A. Marcial, US Ambassador.
Mark currently resides in Irvine with his wife Tanya and two children. Mark is currently running for Irvine City Council.
