2026 Guest Speaker

Mark Whitacre

Mark is Vice President of Culture & Care and Executive Director of the t-factor initiative at Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.

On Thursday, December 3, we look forward to continuing our tradition of gathering to celebrate the season, to pray for our nation and leaders, and to be instructed and inspired by our gifted keynote speaker. Mark Whitacre has been engaged with the faith-at-work movement for the past 20 years. Mark serves as Vice President of Culture & Care and Executive Director of the t-factor initiative at Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc., and has worked with Coca-Cola Consolidated since 2019. Coca-Cola Consolidated is a faith-friendly, publicly traded (NASDAQ) company with an official purpose statement: “To honor God in all we do, by serving others, pursuing excellence, and growing profitably.” Mark had served as National Director and then COO of Christian Business Men’s Connection (CBMC) from 2013 to 2019. Mark was also the COO and Chief Science Officer from 2006 to 2013 at Cypress Systems, Inc., a California faith-based biotechnology company where Mark still serves on Cypress’ advisory council.

After completing his B.S. and M.S. degrees at Ohio State University, Mark earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry at Cornell University. He worked as an executive for some Fortune 500 companies, including Ralston Purina (now Nestle), Degussa (now Evonik), and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM). At the age of 32, he was recruited by ADM as its President of the Biotech Division. Mark has extensive international business experience, having lived in Germany for four years working for Evonik at its world headquarters in Frankfurt.

Mark and his wife Ginger have been married for 46 years and have three adult children.

You’re sure to be blessed and encouraged by his story and in gathering with fellow business and community leaders at this annual, must-attend event.