Executive director

biography

Florida State Guard Executive Director Mark Thieme was appointed on October 27, 2023, by Governor Ron DeSantis. 

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As the Director of the Florida State Guard, Director Thieme oversees operations, mission alignment, administration, personnel, training, procurement, and all other functional components of the Division of the State Guard.

Director Thieme has over 35 years of experience in public service, including more than 15 years of executive leadership and senior operations management throughout his career in the United States Marine Corps (USMC).  He enlisted in the USMC in 1987 as an infantryman and was selected for his leadership abilities to earn a commission as an infantry officer in 1994.

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Prior to his appointment, Director Thieme served in command and leadership roles of increasing size and complexity, demonstrating his competency to lead large-scale, cross-functional teams in dynamic environments.  He successfully launched a nascent civil-military organization focused on enabling and assisting local governments in crisis management and emergency response. The scope of responsibility included talent management, resource prioritization, operations analysis, culture management, partnership expansion, and mission-driven training adaptations.

For his dedication and service, he received numerous awards such as the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

Director Thieme holds a Master of Business Administration from Tulane University, a Master of Strategic Studies from the Marine Corps University, and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of South Carolina.

Further exemplifying his commitment to serve, Director Thieme volunteers as an Advisory Board Member for CarePossible, a non-profit created to increase accessibility to mental health care for veterans, military families, and low-income communities.

Director Thieme intends to lead the Florida State Guard to become a cornerstone of statewide crisis and emergency response, prepared to protect and preserve the life and property of the people of Florida from all threats to public safety through rapid deployment of ground, maritime, and air capabilities in partnership with state and local agencies.