Mark McDonough is the engineering group leader at the Southern Research Station (SRS) in Asheville, NC. He manages the station’s engineering program, including the construction and maintenance of complex facilities over a 13-state area from East Texas to the Atlantic seaboard. He also manages the SRS safety and fleet programs. Mark is recognized for his leadership in sustainable operations and products, implementation of valuable engineering strategies, and management of one of the largest capital improvements programs in research.

Mark has exhibited leadership and innovation in incorporating sustainable buildings at the SRS. His initiative in identifying opportunities and executing sustainable construction projects that increase energy and water efficiency in research and development facilities led to the Forest Service’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver-certified laboratory. Mark also has been recognized for sustained excellence in technical competence and engineering service. He has provided engineering and safety program leadership and support for timely implementation and accounting of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act projects.

Mark served on the team that developed the new Forest Service Facilities Condition Assessment process and trained dozens of Forest Service engineers in these procedures. He has consistently delivered one of the largest capital improvements programs in research over the last 3 years. Mark volunteered to initiate and oversee a national contract for research to conduct energy audits of covered facilities in order to maintain compliance with the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. This consolidated contract enabled research to complete the reporting requirements on time and at a significant cost savings. Mark became the first certified energy manager in research and development. He serves on the Natural Resource Management Building User Board and the Washington Office Sustainability Working Group.

Mark feels fortunate to have a staff of dedicated professionals in the SRS engineering group and the unwavering support of SRS leadership and Washington Office research and development leadership. He would like to share this award with them.

Mark received a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VA Tech). He is a licensed professional engineer in North Carolina and a LEED accredited professional. Mark served 6 years in the U.S. Army before beginning his Forest Service career in 1995 as a forestry technician at the Blacksburg Ranger District. He subsequently accepted a position as a civil engineer trainee for the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Mark became assistant station engineer at the SRS in 2001 and station engineer in 2009. He lives in Weaverville, NC, with his wife Ann (also a Forest Service employee) and belongs to the Weaverville Lions Club.