Mark Fenton, keynote speaker 

Mark Fenton is host of the PBS television series "America’s Walking," a consultant to the University of North Carolina’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, and an instructor in the walkable community workshop series of the Washington D.C.-based National Center for Bicycling and Walking. He’s a contributing editor to Health magazine and has written numerous books, including The Complete Guide to Walking for Health, Weight Loss, and Fitness and Walking Through Pregnancy and Beyond (with his wife Luisa).

Mark is a vocal pedestrian advocate and recognized authority on public health issues and the need for community, environmental, and public-policy initiatives to encourage more walking and bicycling. He consultants on the creation of more walkable settings, and serves on the boards of the national pedestrian advocacy organization, America Walks, and the East Coast Greenway Association. He addresses groups on topics ranging from transportation and planning, to safety, advocacy, and public health.

Mark is an entertaining, persuasive and knowledgeable walking advocate, and one North America’s foremost experts on its favorite exercise. A champion race walker and coach, Mark represented the U.S. in several international competitions from 1976 to 1990.  He also coached the team at the 1995 World Championships in Beijing. 

Certain that he must practice what he preaches, Mark still walks as often as he can - usually with his wife and two children – for fun, transportation, and to stay in shape for hiking, cycling, orienteering, kayaking, and cross-country skiing.