Throughout his life, Mark Lewis has preferred to reach for the hand of God, and, in so doing, has attained goals and continued to move forward in a corporate reality he says rarely recognizes the accomplishment of Blacks.

"God let me know at an early age that I did not have to set limits...that I could do anything I wanted to do," states the young professional.

It is this belief in himself that has enabled the accomplished Lewis to make great strides within Pittsburgh’s corporate community and also within the African-American community.

The ambitious certified public accountant has always believed in himself, and that belief has been the basis of an upward movement in a most admirable career.

Prior to his appointment as president and CEO of the POISE Foundation, his impressive resume lists employment with firms such as PriceWaterhouse Cooper and Ernst & Young. However, a desire to make a difference and give back to others played a huge role in his accepting the position at POISE.

His educational, accounting and business background prepared him for the task at hand—a task Lewis accepts with the same passion he exhibits in every facet of his life.

And with that passion comes a strong commitment and a deep belief in POISE, as well as the African-American community.

POISE was founded in 1980 by the late Bernard H. Jones Sr. Its mission was "to develop and enhance the participation of African-American philanthropists in the economic and social development of the Black community of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County."

POISE became the first foundation in southwestern Pennsylvania that was started and controlled by African-Americans.

Jones, who was a mentor to Lewis from an early age, assisted in opening doors for the young CPA.

POISE is a catalyst for change and growth in the community.

After Jones’ in 2002, Chairman of the Board Paul Patton credits "God for providing a successor, in the person of Mark Lewis."

Patton, a retired colonel in the United States Air Force, was instrumental in recommending Lewis for the position.

"The foundation," he states, "is very blessed and honored for his willingness to serve. He is very thorough, calm and is adept at applying the skills and knowledge he has obtained throughout his professional career. He understands the vision and stands firm in his belief that the POISE Foundation is here for the duration."

Currently, Lewis and his staff, volunteers and the board of directors, are in the planning stage of increasing the visibility of the foundation as they continue to move forward "through adjustment and revamping," Lewis said.

He is excited about the future of the POISE Foundation. It is that positivity that he carries to every project, determined to make a change and strengthen the educational, economic and cultural opportunities for Blacks.

Through successful leadership, his vision includes efforts to help eliminate cultural biases and discrimination, ensuring human rights to each individual.

"While change comes slow," the confident CEO is a firm believer that "with age comes a lot of wisdom."

He says he believes in the "energy of young people," and notes that "when those two come together...that wisdom and that energy will make a big difference."

Lewis said that "when a certain sector of society remains down and there is no opportunity, that region is only as strong as how well that sector is doing."

He is an active board member of Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania, Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management and Urban Youth Action.

He is also proud of his ownership in Recycled Resources, Inc., a company he says "brought five Christian men together."

Lewis’ passion for providing jobs within the Black community keeps him involved with organizations developed through his church, which includes Deliverance Inc. and Deliverance Development.

As an active member of Deliverance Baptist Church of Wilkinsburg, he is excited about the holistic approach as a means of providing hope for the people of Wilkinsburg.

That determination and dedication is also instilled in his three daughters, Alexandria, 15, Victoria, 10, and Kristina, 7.

Lewis says his wife, Michelle "has been a big part of my success through her encouragement and faith in what I do. Her ability to manage the family and the household has been invaluable."

Positive role models have been instrumental in his life, and he credits his mother, Margaret Lewis, with "providing a strong work ethic" as well as a "family deeply rooted in strong Christian faith."

He is most appreciative and is quick to acknowledge the guiding hand of his predecessor.

A graduate of Penn Hills High School, Lewis received his Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting from Michigan State University.