Mark Anthony Thomas began his public life as a teenage writer and poet, establishing a voice that would guide a career spanning literature, film, journalism, and economic leadership.

He is the author of two poetry collections—As I Look (2000) and The Poetic Repercussion (2004), the latter earning national recognition with a spot on the Poetry Foundation’s National Contemporary Poetry Best Sellers List (2006), the Los Angeles Black Book Expo’s Poetry Book of the Year Award (2005), and a Georgia Author of the Year nomination (2005). His words, often rooted in place and human resilience, have been performed at more than 200 events nationwide, commissioned by public officials, and adapted for stage and screen.

Building on this foundation, Thomas expanded his creative expression through cross-disciplinary collaborations and cinematic storytelling. His projects include Jazz Synchrony with the Georgia Ballet (2006), the award-winning short film In This Shop (Getty Images Global Mishmash Award, 2012), the documentary Folded Whispers (2022), and his forthcoming trilogy of short films beginning with In Need of Seawater (2025).

In parallel with his creative work, Thomas became a pioneering voice in public discourse as Publisher and Executive Director of City Limits (2009–2013), overseeing award-winning investigative journalism on the economic forces and urban development challenges shaping New York City. This experience—navigating the intersection of data, storytelling, and civic change—set the stage for a decade of senior leadership in economic development across Los Angeles, New York, and Pittsburgh.

Since 2022, Thomas has served as President & CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee, where he has led the organization through a historic transformation—merging with the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore, UpSurge, and B Local—and launched an aggressive multi-year agenda to drive inclusive economic growth, innovation, and regional competitiveness.

Thomas holds an MBA from MIT, an MPA from Columbia University, and a BA from the University of Georgia. He serves on the boards of the International Economic Development Council, Camille A. Brown Dance Company, and as Chairman of The Red & Black Publishing Company. Recognized nationally for his ability to bridge the creative and economic spheres, he continues to shape the intersection of cultural production, urban vitality, and transformative civic leadership.