Mark Raymond, Jr. is the founder and CEO of The Split Second Foundation (SSF). Based in New Orleans, SSF is a nonprofit healthcare startup dedicated to promoting the holistic wellness of individuals with disabilities. Their mission is to deliver comprehensive care, resources, and education to those affected, fostering resilience and enhancing their quality of life. From fitness programs designed to improve mobility and strength to mental health services offering counseling and emotional support, SSF addresses all aspects of well-being. The dedicated team of professionals provides personalized care, guiding individuals through case management, resource navigation, and advocacy. SSF strives to create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
In 2016, a shallow diving accident damaged Mark's vertebrae by the base of his neck and he lost the ability to walk. His new disability and lack of support ultimately pushed him to advocate for millions of others by transforming the split-second that led to his injury into a life filled with awareness, hope, and action. He founded SSF to make people aware of a growing population of individuals impacted by disability, advocate for their rights, fund cutting-edge research, and provide clear-cut steps to immediately improve their quality of life.
Mark has a deep-rooted history of serving the community. He has played a vital role in advancing various efforts across the Greater New Orleans area and beyond. From renaming historic streets and landmarks in New Orleans to creating a more accessible and robust rehabilitative health infrastructure in the Gulf South, Mark’s aptitude for cultivating relationships and driving coordinated, healing-centered change has been vital to the advancement of those most disadvantaged. He also serves on several federal, state, and local boards and commissions to represent and advocate for people with disabilities. Notably, he serves as Chairman of the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) New Orleans Board of Commissioners, responsible for overseeing the administration, operations, and maintenance of the agency.
