Leadership Team

Mark L. Petersen | President and CEO

Petersen began leading Mentors International as President and CEO in 2007. A graduate of Weber State University, he worked for a total of 27 years in higher education administration at Weber State and Dixie State College (DSC). He served as the Executive Director of Public Relations and Marketing for 17 years at DSC. He was then appointed by DSC's president to open the new Dolores Dore Eccles Fine Arts Center there as Executive Director of Cultural Arts. Petersen has won numerous awards from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations, has served as the council’s president, and was honored by that council as National Communicator of the Year. Petersen’s focus has been to bring Mentors’ partner organizations to profitability as quickly as possible to enable Mentors to lift more families out of poverty.

Adriano Oliveira | Director of International Operations

Oliveira began his position at Mentors International as Program Director in 2007. Before that, he worked for several years establishing and maintaining Mentors' overseas programs.

Originally from Brazil, Oliveira holds a master's degree in organizational behavior from Brigham Young University with a certificate in global management. Oliveira brings to Mentors a successful 20-year career in international business where he worked with a variety of countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia. His passion for programs that are focused on poverty alleviation, combined with his international involvement, have paved the way for his life-long commitment to service.

James Marsden | Director of Fund and Corporate Development

Marsden has been an entrepreneur for most of his career and has been involved in the creation and development of new business ventures for over 20 years. Prior to working with Mentors International, Marsden spent ten years working in business development in the health care industry. He then founded Fertile Earth Corporation and served eight years as chairman of the board and EVP of business development for that organization. Most recently, he became securities licensed and is a registered representative within the securities industry. Marsden graduated from LDS Business College with a degree in business administration.  He also has a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s degree in business administration from Redding University.

David H. Stump, MNM | Director of Finance and Administration

Stump's financial experience has come from serving as Vice President of Finance and Controller for the international headquarters of Children's Miracle Network (17 years). He was part of a leadership team responsible for increasing annual fundraising from $89 million to $240 million during his tenure – over $2 billion in funds raised altogether. His role in the nonprofit industry has allowed him to wear many hats that have contributed to his overall business acumen. Stump currently serves as Treasurer on the board of the Children's Medical Charities of America. Stump received his Bachelor of Art degree in Finance from Utah State University. Additionally, he holds a masters degree in Nonprofit Management (MNM) from Regis University, graduating with Honors.

Shannon Willardson | Development Coordinator

Willardson joined the Mentors International Team in August of 2010. Prior to coming on board, she sold real estate for Re/Max Results and Keller Williams Real Estate.  Willardson graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Family Therapy from Brigham Young University, completing extensive course work in entrepreneurship and nonprofit management as well.  Her passion for service began at an early age & has grown through the years, particularly as she has lived in other parts of the country and of the world.    

Lauren Kwasniewski | Office Manager

Kwaniewski began working with Mentors in September of 2008. Initially she started as an intern, assisting with Gala preparations and contributing significantly to the smooth execution of the event.  Shortly thereafter Lauren was brought on as a full-time employee and just a year later was promoted to Office Manager, where she continues to assist heavily in the planning and execution of all of Mentors' fundraising events.  Lauren will graduate in May of 2012 with a Bachelors of Science in Mass Communications.  She plans to then pursue a Masters Degree in Dietetics. Lauren’s thoughtful nature and passion for service as well as her work ethic and aptitude for event-planning make her a valuable asset to Mentors team.