MARK ACKERSON
2022 AD LEGACY AWARD WINNER
Nominated By:
Tom and Pam Cabanski
Nomination Letter:
It is with great pleasure that we nominate Mark Ackerson for the 2022 Adolph DeGrauwe Legacy Award.
Anyone involved with the Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps and reading this knows Mark Ackerson. For over 30 years, Mark has been an integral part of the Corps. Beginning as a member of the Color Guard in 1983 and aging out at the end of the 1984 season, he then was a member of the 1985 Winterguard performing the “Lover Boy” show. Unable to say good-bye to the Corps he loved, Mark volunteered and assisted Don Warren and the Corps Director in whatever capacity was needed. He became Housing Coordinator and Tour Manager, a member of the Board of Directors, Assistant Director, and finally Director, all while juggling and manipulating his flying schedule with Northwest Airlines (which later merged with Delta Airlines).
One of Mark’s many strong points is communication. He understands the importance of communication with Corps members, staff, management, volunteers and the Board of Directors. During his tenure as Assistant Director and Director, he was never more than an e-mail or phone call away and was ready to answer any and all questions – even when oversees on a layover during his flying schedule.
Mark established the team management format that is currently utilized in the operation of the corps. He knew the importance of delegating the various responsibilities of on-the-road operations in areas such as financial management, medical, staff coordination, staff and volunteer transportation among others. This format included year-round communication among all departments.
Mark has been an invaluable asset to the Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps, leading up to the current strength of the Corps. His years of service to the corps has bridged several generations of marching members.
