Mentor Spotlight: Mark McCann

We’re thrilled to shine the Mentor Spotlight on Mark McCann, Managing Director, Head of Originations, Housing Investments, at J.P. Morgan. In his role, Mark leads the effort to source, underwrite and close Low-Income Housing Tax Credit investments across the Single Investor Fund, Multi-Investor Fund, and Structured Housing platforms. He also leads the Alternative Investments acquisition team, which invests in Historic Tax Credit and Low Income Housing Tax Credit transactions. Mark joined the firm in 2000 after previous roles at the Illinois Housing Development Authority, Heller Financial, and the Chicago Housing Authority. During that time, he has always been involved in the acquisition and underwriting of LIHTC transactions. 

Mark holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (History and Urban Studies) from Northwestern University and a Master of Regional Planning degree (Housing and Community Development concentration) from the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill. He lives in Oak Park with his wife, Debbie, and has two college-age daughters.

Mark’s first LINK Mentee recently graduated, and we’re thrilled that he has signed on to continue his mentoring journey with a new Scholar. We recently had a chat with him about his mentoring experience with LINK.

Q: Why did you feel that it was important to come back in the Mentor capacity? 

Having witnessed the growth of my first LINK Scholar over the three and three quarters years we’ve known each other, I was very excited to sign up again. The opportunity to volunteer and mentor means a lot to me since so many people were kind to me in my youth and young adulthood. I believe those who were fortunate enough to have that support should give back.

Q: If you could give any LINK Scholar one piece of advice, what would it be? 

I’ll offer two pieces of advice:

1. 1. Trust in yourself, your value, and your worth…even when it is hard. Whether by virtue of your gender, age, wealth, or race, it can be easy to doubt yourself. Recognize that emotion, and try to move beyond it. You have great value…today and into the future.
      
   2. Having established your worth, make the most of it. Push yourself to be the best you can possibly be. Gratification and payoff won’t be immediate, but the harder road—the road of diligence and effort and living up to your best loved ones’ expectations—will benefit you immeasurably.

       

Q: What are some things from your own experiences throughout high school, college, and into the workforce that will help you to be able to support your Scholar?

It is not hard to remember my own insecurities and discomfort when I was that age. Like all adults, even old ones, our formative years are never far from our mind. But, I had the fortune to see those insecurities fall away and become the person I am today. If I can be part of someone’s journey, that will be very rewarding.

Q: What do you think makes a Mentor/Mentee relationship successful?

Communication. Just being there. Letting each other know that you care for each other. Not obvious in the first meeting or two, but a relationship where each party makes the effort to be present will be a successful one.

Q: What are your hopes for your Scholar over the course of the next year and beyond? 

My hope for my Scholar in the next year and beyond is that they recognize their intrinsic value and celebrate their senior year of high school while readying themself to make those tentative first steps to adulthood. Of course, landing at a college or university that fits them well will be the best case result!

Mark, thank you so much for the time and effort you’re investing in LINK and your Scholar! You’re making a difference, and we are so grateful!

If you’re interested in becoming a LINK Mentor, visit linkunlimited.org/be-a-mentor/ or email Simon Jeffrey, Director, Recruitment & Engagement, at sjeffrey@linkunlimited.org.