Ambassador Erwin has served on the boards of over thirty-five civic, charitable, and educational organizations. He was an Adjunct Professor at the Business School of Winthrop University for several years. He received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Winthrop University as well as the “Order of the Long Leaf Pine” from the Governor of North Carolina. Mark was also ordained as a Minister of the Methodist Church. Over the years he has been awarded several honorary knighthoods. An author, his books include Life’s Lessons: Lines of Wisdom from a Faithful Stream, and Headed Home: Providences of Laughter, Love and Joy, both of which he co-authored with renowned artist Bob Timberlake, and The Practical Ambassador: A Common Sense Guide for United States Ambassadors, which became part of the curriculum of the Foreign Service Institute at the State Department. His memoir, An Unlikely Journey is based on his personal story of overcoming early disaster to pursue a life filled with adventure and success. Mark’s newest release, The Powers: 12 Principles to Transform Your Life from Ordinary to Extraordinary will provide readers with insight into recognizing the powers within them and how to use these powers to achieve extraordinary results in their chosen paths. The book also provides many examples of ordinary people who have harnessed their own powers to achieve the extraordinary. He and his wife, Joan, maintain a residence in Charlotte, North Carolina. They have two daughters, Jennifer and Melissa and four grandchildren, Della, Lila, Virginia and Thomas Erwin Highsmith. When not working, Mark is an avid golfer and also enjoys world travels.