Mark Reading-Smith became ReThink Media’s Executive Director in October 2023 after previously leading ReThink’s Security & Rights Collaborative from 2009-2014. He returns after nine years at the Sikh Coalition, the nation’s largest Sikh civil rights organization, where he built and ran their communications department before managing the organization’s education, policy, community empowerment, and civic engagement programs.
Mark began his career in investigative journalism, reporting in-depth on issues ranging from money in politics to the Iraq War. After becoming ReThink’s third hire, he was promoted to Senior Managing Director, where he managed campaigns to combat Islamophobia, racial profiling, and surveillance, while also pushing for the closure of Guantanamo and ending U.S. torture policies. During this time, he managed and supported rapid response for community partners in the wake of the 2012 Oak Creek gurdwara shooting and 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
At the Sikh Coalition, Mark worked with colleagues and community activists to organize and deliver lasting impact through landmark litigation, legislation, and narrative-change communications work. During his time there, his innovative leadership helped to increase Sikh media exposure by 400 percent, double the full-time staff, and increase the organizational budget every year he was there.
Born in London, Mark holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Philosophy and International Relations from Michigan State University. He lives in the Bay Area with his wife and daughter, and can typically be found cheering for Arsenal on Saturday mornings.
