Mark A. Pryor is a New York native who was raised in Harlem and the Bronx. Mark attended Syracuse University and graduated in 1990 with an AB in Sociology and Marketing. While at Syracuse, Mark was a standout athlete for the Men’s Varsity Track & Field team. He served as the team’s captain and was the 800 meter and 4x800m relay record holder for the Orangemen. While at Syracuse, Mark was also active in the school community serving as the President of Terminate Apathy on Syracuse Campus (TASC). Since graduating, Mark has maintained close contact with many of his Syracuse Alumnae including, Derrick Coleman, Rob Moore, Rodney Dumpson, Keith Owens, Duburne Reid, Lisa Williams, Vincent Loffredo and Herman Harried.
After graduating from Syracuse, Mark competed professionally from 1990 until 1997. During that time, Mark competed as a member of NIKE Atlantic Coast. As a professional runner, Mark set career best records in the 800m (1:47.68), the 1500m (3:43.89) and the 1600m (4:02.98). Mark’s performance as a professional enabled him to qualify for the 1992 U.S. Olympic Trials (800m) and compete as a member of the 1993 U.S. Olympic Sports Festival Team (East).
Outside of his life as a professional runner, Mark also has a wealth of experience in the business world. From 1990 to 1993 Mark was an Account Manager for United Way of America responsible for corporate fund-raising and fund distribution in Norfolk, VA and Central Maryland. After leaving United Way of America, Mark was a Systems Analyst for the State of Maryland, Department of Human Resources. While working for the State of Maryland, he developed and instituted statewide management of Medical Assistance Problem Resolution (MAP Unit). Mark served as a liaison to the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene for the Department of Human Resources. He also served on the Governor’s Task Force for Medical Assistance for Illegal Immigrants. Most recently, Mark served as the Manager of the Medicaid Unit for Prudential Healthcare. While at Prudential Healthcare, he was responsible for resolving over 1.2 million unpaid Maternity KICK payments. He also developed reporting tools for government mandated reporting of Managed Care Organization activities. In 2003, Mark was responsible for Provider contracts with Aetna US Healthcare’s Mid-Atlantic region.
In 1996, Mark started World Express Athletic Management, LLC to address the need for reputable management within corporate sports and grass roots areas. As the founder of World Express, Mark utilizes his corporate experience as well as his days as a former professional athlete to address the needs of today’s athletes to capitalize on their talent and worth. His hands-on approach and honesty guide him in the management of his athlete’s career development. Mark’s passion for sports and a level playing field for those involved have lead him to his current position. He credits Track and Field with affording him a college education through an athletic scholarship and, because of this, he is determined to give back to the sport.
Along with his professional life, Mark is equally devoted to his personal life. He is the father of four children: Canaan (12), Gabrielle (10), and twins Mark and Gregory (9). Mark believes that personal relationships are an important foundation to grow from and has maintained his lifelong friendships with Chris Michel and Greg Michel whom he has known for 29 and 32 years respectively.