Richard D. Marks, Ph.D.
Executive Director

Dr. Marks has earned a Ph.D. in Psychology and Counseling as well as a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling, a Master of Arts in Religious Education, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Dr. Marks is also a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

In addition to serving as a State Commissioner for the Florida Commission on Marriage and Family Support Initiatives, he has also worked in mental health and faith-based organizations for over 20 years. Prior to becoming the Executive Director, he established and developed The Center for Family Ministry for the 26,000 member First Baptist Church of Jacksonville. Dr. Marks also served as an Assistant Professor of Counseling at Regent University and maintained a private practice conducting individual, group, marriage and family therapy. 

He is a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy as well as a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. He is active with the Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couples Education and has been a keynote and seminar speaker at the annual Smartmarriage conference. Dr. Marks has co-authored a guide for Christian marriages with Dr. Lori Gordon titled: Christian PAIRS. PAIRS has been endorsed by the State of Florida as the marriage education program to be implemented statewide by the Fatherhood Commission. Additionally, he has been on national television and radio shows such as COPE, Life Perspectives, and the 700 Club. Dr. Marks is a trainer for nationally recognized educational relationship programs such as PAIRS, Family Wellness, PREP and Christian PREP, Compassionate Parenting, Intimate Life Ministries, Prepare Enrich, Relationship Enhancement, PEERS as well as the 7 Habits for Healthy Marriages/Families.