Mark A. Growdon 

Co-founder and President of the Birdfoot Festival, Mr. Growdon holds a M.S. in Geophysics from Indiana University, a B.A. in Physics, and a B.Mus. in Flute Performance from Lawrence University and Conservatory. Mr. Growdon lives in the Reno/Tahoe area of Nevada where he works as a Realtor®. Prior to real estate, Mr. Growdon spent 13 years in the energy industry working for Chevron as a geologist and petrophysicist in the Gulf of Mexico area from New Orleans and Houston.

His musical career includes performing and leading various chamber ensembles and symphonic groups at an amateur and pro-am level. Most recently, he served as the Associate Conductor for the Houston Concert Band until relocating to Reno in 2018.

Mr. Growdon and his wife, Dr. Martha Growdon, love living in Reno and exploring the Sierra Nevadas with their seven-year old twin boys. One highlight last year was taking the boys on their first successful camping trip to the Grouse Ridge Wilderness area.