Mark French, founder of Leading Authorities speakers bureau, 64

Mark French, founder of the speakers bureau firm Leading Authorities, publisher of CEO Update and a National Press Club member since 2006, died May 3. He was 64.

French founded Leading Authorities in 1990 and grew it into a leader in the speaking, video, and production company industries. Clients include former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and elections analyst Charlie Cook. He was also publisher of CEO Update which covers trends, careers and best practices in the associations industry.

Prior to starting Leading Authorities, French had worked on membership and development at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (1979-1987), where he helped raise funds needed to restore the Chamber's headquarters. He served on the Chamber's board of directors from 2004 to 2016.

Before joining the Chamber he was senior vice president of development at the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and executive vice president of the ATA Foundation.

Pollster Peter Hart praised French for "the devotion, pride and humanitarian way he ran his business. He set an example of what it means to be a friend in a town where friends are hard to find."

French suffered a major stroke in 2015 but made a determined comeback that earned him a "Victory Award" from the National Rehabilitation Hospital. He produced a documentary, "A Teachable Moment," about stroke prevention, awareness and treatment.

In a recent Facebook posting he wrote that one should "take nothing for granted. It can all change very quickly. Savor the time with family and friends...."

A tribute at his firm web site said: "As Mark’s colleagues, we knew we worked with someone who had our backs in a time of need, someone who loved his family above all else, and someone whose love of adventure and travel was infectious. We mourn our loss, but we are committed to celebrate Mark’s life, and embody that entrepreneurial spirit and zest for incredible experiences."

Tony D’Amelio, CEO of D’Amelio Network Speaker Management, said French was "A good and kind man – I will miss him so much. I am speechless. RIP Mark French.”

French served on the board of Bright Beginnings, a child and family development center helping underprivileged children and their families. He also was a member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), the Metropolitan Club, the City Club and the Economics Club of Washington, DC.

He was born in Istanbul, Turkey, where his father was a foreign service officer. He was a graduate of Loyola Marymount University, where he also earned an MBA, and was an avid traveler and skier.

Survivors include his wife Carol, children Brian and Lauren, and grandchildren Kirsten and Preston.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 14, at 11 a.m. at St. Bartholomew’s Church in Bethesda. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday, May 13, at Pumphrey's Funeral Home in Bethesda and 10-11 a.m. on May 14 prior to services at St. Bartholomew's.