Mark Baric grew up in western Pennsylvania as the eldest of seven children in a Croatian immigrant family, an experience that shaped his strong work ethic and deep appreciation for community. After attending parochial schools, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Clarion University and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. 

His academic path led him to Wall Street and later into entrepreneurship as the cofounder of Seer Technologies. Seer became the largest tech IPO in the Triangle when it went public in 1995 and was subsequently acquired by Level8 Technologies. Following his work with Seer, Mark held leadership roles at Virtus Entertainment and has continued to support the growth of numerous Triangle-area companies, alongside a strong commitment to civic engagement. He chaired key Diocesan efforts to establish St. Michael School in Cary and St. Mary Magdalene Catholic School in Apex—both opening in 2000 and now serving approximately 500 students each from pre-K through eighth grade.

Mark also helped launch a downtown Durham food pantry that has operated for the past two years, offering essential support to local families. His work reflects a balance of business leadership, community involvement, and a dedication to expanding educational and social impact across the region. He has been honored by Pope Francis with enrollment in the Order of Saint Gregory, one of the highest distinctions awarded for extraordinary service to the Catholic Church.