Mark Fernandez was named senior vice president/chief sales officer in December 2005. He oversees the Rays corporate sales and marketing efforts, broadcast operations, community relations efforts, the Rays Baseball Foundation and team merchandising operations. Under his leadership, Rays corporate sponsorships have grown in record numbers, the team's TV and radio networks have greatly expanded throughout Florida and the organization has become deeply entrenched in the Tampa Bay region.

Fernandez also serves in a similar capacity for Sunburst Entertainment Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Rays which serves as a vehicle for the franchise to invest in new sports and entertainment-related business opportunities.

A native of Tampa, Fernandez owns 20 years of experience in professional sports. He joined the Rays from the Arizona Diamondbacks where he served as senior vice president of sales and marketing. Previously, he spent two years as the Diamondbacks vice president of community affairs and executive director of Arizona Diamondbacks Charities, followed by four years as the team's vice president of corporate sales. His initial tenure with Arizona was a two-year stint representing both the D-backs and the Chicago White Sox in the development and construction of Tucson Electric Park. Mark also spent five years with the Phoenix Suns organization as director of marketing and booking for America West Arena.

In April 2009 Fernandez was elected to the board of directors of the prestigious Helios Education Foundation. He also currently serves on the board of directors for the United Way Suncoast, University of South Florida Foundation, Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Tampa/Hillsborough EDC, Downtown Tampa Partnership, Junior Achievement of West Central Florida, Rays Baseball Foundation, Clear Channel Tampa Bay Advisory Board, the Junior League of Tampa Community Advisory Board and the Tampa Bay Partnership, Chair of the CEO Direct program, Class VIII. Mark was honored in 2010 as the inaugural recipient of the United Way's Advocacy Award for his outstanding service as volunteer community leader. In 2011, Fernandez chaired the United Way's Tocqueville Society fundraising efforts and in 2012 he will assume the role of Campaign Chairman for the United Way Suncoast.

He and his wife, Trudie, have three children: Grace, Jamie and Eden.