Mark Kennedy Shriver

Early Life and Political Career

Mark Kennedy Shriver was born on February 17, 1964, in Washington, D.C. He is the fifth child of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver, and a nephew of President John F. Kennedy. Mark attended the College of the Holy Cross before earning a master's degree in public policy from the University of Maryland School of Public Affairs.

He entered electoral politics in Maryland, winning a seat in the Maryland House of Delegates in 1994. He served as a state delegate until 2002, becoming known for his work on children's issues, education, and social welfare policy. In 2002, he ran for the Democratic nomination for Maryland's 8th congressional district, a competitive primary race he narrowly lost. The defeat marked the end of his formal electoral career.

Advocacy, Writing, and Save the Children

Following his time in the Maryland legislature, Mark channeled his public service instincts into the nonprofit sector. He became a senior executive at Save the Children, one of the world's leading organizations working to improve the lives of children in the United States and globally. As Senior Vice President, he has overseen major domestic and international initiatives focused on early childhood development, literacy, and access to health care.

In 2012, Mark published 'A Good Man: Rediscovering My Father, Sargent Shriver,' a deeply personal portrait of his father that drew wide praise for its honesty and emotional richness. The book explores Sargent Shriver's faith, character, and legacy — and examines what it means to follow in the footsteps of a figure of such moral stature.

What political offices did Mark Shriver hold?

Mark Shriver served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 1994 to 2002. He ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Congress in 2002, after which he shifted his focus to nonprofit leadership.

What is Mark Shriver's book about?

'A Good Man: Rediscovering My Father, Sargent Shriver,' published in 2012, is Mark Shriver's memoir about his father, Peace Corps founder and public servant Sargent Shriver. It explores his father's faith, values, and the lessons Mark drew from his life.