Mark Mandala was a proven leader throughout his life. Following his elections as Junior Class President, Senior Class President and Student Body President at Downey High School, he was selected as one of five varsity cheerleaders at the University of Southern California (USC) and served there on many service organizations. After his studies at USC, he was a 33-year veteran for the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), becoming President of ABC owned television stations and ultimately rising to the post of president of the network in 1986. As president he oversaw sales, affiliate relations, affiliate marketing services, sales development, network operations, program administration and public relations. He possessed the traits of intelligence, a solid work ethic and an incomparable sense of humor.