IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Mark Madsen has been selected for the role of Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at College of Eastern Idaho, bringing a wealth of experience. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Spanish Language and Study of the Americas from George Mason University and a Juris Doctor degree from Brigham Young University.

Mark's career includes substantial contributions in Washington D.C. from 1984-1999, where he focused on defense and foreign policy, including work on Ronald Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative. He traveled extensively in Central America, countering the expansion of the Soviet/Cuban empire, and served as an international election observer for presidential elections in Panama 1988 and Guatemala 1990. He also testified before a US House Congressional Committee on his experiences in Panama.

In 2004, Mark entered the political arena, serving three terms on the Utah State Senate. He played a key role in creating Utah’s International Relations and Trade Commission, working to preserve state sovereignty and expand Utah's global business presence. As its first Senate Chair, he traveled across four continents, building cultural bridges, opening foreign markets, and attracting Foreign Direct Investment. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Senator Madsen has been a speaker domestically and internationally, sharing his innovative work in building constructive relations among subnational governments.

College of Eastern Idaho is confident in Mark's ability to be a valuable team member, recognizing his leadership skills and significant contributions aligning with the mission of the community college.