Mark Gundersen

A financial professional with a background in private credit and small business funding, Mark Gundersen planted roots in Summit with his wife, Lucy, their young son, John, and golden retriever, Archie, because of the City's unique combination of close-knit neighborhoods, a vibrant downtown and small-town charm.

Since settling in Summit, Mark has integrated himself into the fabric of the community. Mark currently serves on the City’s Economic Development Advisory Committee, where he is focused on finding new avenues of growth for Summit’s local businesses. In addition, Mark is a member of the Summit Downtowners’ Association, has served as a volunteer head coach in the Summit Softball & Baseball League and is a frequent patron of Summit’s downtown establishments with his family.

Mark graduated from Williams College in 2004 with a B.A. in economics and Certificate in Spanish, and received an MBA from Harvard Business School in 2011. While a student at Williams, he spent a summer in Nicaragua facilitating microloans to local farmers and business owners, which ignited his passion for deploying capital to help businesses and communities grow.  Mark began his career in investment banking and is currently co-owner of a financial firm focused on funding small and mid-sized businesses.  His diverse life and educational experience also includes stints as an intern for former Congressman Mike Ferguson (R-N.J.) and as a carpenter’s assistant on a large job site.

A graduate of nearby Bernards High School, Mark was a member of the Mountaineers’ 1998 Group I cross country state championship team, President of the National Honor Society, Vice President of the Student Council and a drum major in the school’s marching band.

Mark’s decision to run for Common Council is a derivative of several of his passions and strongly held beliefs. If elected, he plans to use his financial background to advocate for fiscal responsibility and champion Summit’s local businesses. In addition, as a father of a young son, he hopes to help build on the strides made by the current Council in combating crime and preserving public safety in town. Finally, he will seek to ensure that Summit continues to prioritize responsible development in the coming years.

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