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Mark Parkinson is a native Kansan who grew up in Wichita and now resides in Olathe. Mark's family has its roots in Scott City, where they still own a farm.

Born in Wichita, Parkinson attended Wichita Public Schools and graduated from Heights High School, before going on to graduate summa cum laude from Wichita State University in 1980. He graduated first in his class from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1984. Parkinson then entered private practice, going on to form his own law firm in 1986, and served as president of the Johnson County Bar Foundation.

Parkinson was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives in 1990. Two years later he was elected to the Kansas Senate. While in the Legislature, Parkinson was known as someone who bridged party lines. He worked to strengthen Kansas schools and enhance local control.

In 1996, Parkinson's career path focused on a new passion: helping enhance older Kansans' quality of life through first-class elder-care retirement facilities. His company's assisted living facilities have received national recognition for their design, and the business has been named as an outstanding business in Northeast Johnson County.

In 2006, he was elected as Lt. Governor having joined Governor Kathleen Sebelius' ticket for office. Parkison became Governor on April 28, 2009 completing the unexpired term of Governor Sebelius following her appointment to the office of U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Parkison and his wife Stacy are parents to three children: Alex, Sam, and Kit. They belong to the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood.