The Current is proud to welcome Mark Schwartz to its board of directors. Schwartz worked as a teacher for 12 years before transitioning to tech marketing. He grew up in Swampscott and moved to Marblehead a few years ago with his wife and two daughters, ages 4 and 9 months. The Current newsroom interviewed Schwartz last week.
Current: What prompted you to join the Current’s board?
Schwartz: I’ve always been passionate about civics education and about helping people understand not just what’s happening in their community but how to make sense of information and why trustworthy sources matter. We see every day what happens when civics disappears from classrooms and when people lose confidence in the news.
Local journalism plays an important role in strengthening a community, and the Current takes that responsibility seriously. Being part of an organization committed to factual reporting and civic health feels like exactly the kind of work I want to support. And honestly, I’ve been a news junkie and media nerd for as long as I can remember, so I’m really excited to be part of this world.
Current: Tell us a little about your work experience.
Schwartz: My background is a mix of teaching, tech and marketing, which sounds a little random on paper but actually fits together pretty naturally. Teaching shaped how I work with people, and tech gave me the chance to build campaigns and launches in a fast-paced, creative environment.
These days, my main job — and my favorite job — is being a stay-at-home dad. Getting this time with my girls is something I’m incredibly grateful for.
Current: What do you think about the Current’s nonprofit, independent mission?
Schwartz: What I like most about the Current is that it’s fearless. It’s not beholden to a corporation, a political party or anyone’s agenda. The Current publishes reporting, op-eds and letters that sometimes make people on all sides uncomfortable — and honestly, that’s healthy. If people are reacting, it means they’re paying attention. It means they care.
As for what I look forward to reading most? It changes week to week. I love staying informed about the big issues — the 3A debate, how the Tedesco property could factor in, the recent piece about the nonprofit interested in the Coffin School — all of that matters. But honestly, the stories I look forward to the most are the ones that make me smile — the people doing great things, the people doing hard work, the people trying to make this a better place. We need those stories just as much as we need the serious reporting, and I love that the Current gives us both!
Current: What are you looking forward to the most about being on the Current’s board?
Schwartz: I’m especially interested in getting involved with the marketing and development side. That’s where a lot of my background is, and it’s the kind of work I genuinely enjoy — helping people understand the value of local journalism and finding creative ways to bring more voices, readers and supporters into the mix. The Current is already something to be proud of, and I’m excited to help it grow and reach even more people.
