Chief Operating Officer, Northwood Health Systems
by Rob Pichardo
In a business world filled with uncertainty and at times cruel intentions, there stands an individual who is the epitome of a kind leader; a person who wakes up every morning with a mission to make a difference. Mark Games is a genuine leader and embodies what it is to be a West Virginia Young Gun.
For over 17 years, Games has changed the lives of men and women throughout the Mountain State through his beneficial work with Northwood Health Systems. “I actually began with the company when I was in college,” says Games. “I provided direct care to residents in several of our group homes, then moved to a supervisory role.” He later went on to manage several Northwood homes and the billing and collections department before becoming director of operations.
After years of experience, Games is now the COO of Northwood Health Systems and holds a variety of responsibilities that aren’t usually given to an individual as young as Games. His duties include managing Northwood’s clinical operations, consisting of more than 300 employees working in residential, day treatment and outpatient service programs. He is also chairperson for the Continuous Improvement System, director of the strategic planning process and the company’s chief compliance and chief privacy officer. Carrying such a work load and responsibility could intimidate anyone, but Games takes the impossible and turns it into success.
A graduate of West Liberty and West Virginia University, Games credits a strong role model as the key to his professional success. “I’ve been lucky enough to have a great mentor for the better part of my career in Mr. Pete Radakovich,” says Games.
“Mr. Radakovich is our president and chief executive officer at Northwood. When he came to Northwood, he really taught us how to apply business principles to a non-profit organization so we can improve the way we meet our charitable mission. He’s been my mentor since 1997 and has made all the difference in my professional development. He has generously given of his own personal time to act as my mentor, providing me with the benefit of his decades of diversified business experience. He has also exemplified a superior work ethic and dedication to Northwood’s mission.”
Games’ work ethic can also be accredited to another great role model—his hard-working father. “My father had an incredible work ethic as I was growing up. His work ethic had a tremendous influence on me.” In regards to hard work, developing a strong work ethic is Games’ key advice to other young professionals. “Work ethic is definitely important. You have to be willing to put in the time, energy and effort it takes. Sometimes that means making sacrifices in other areas such as personal recreation. What I see in younger professionals these days is an unwillingness to demonstrate the work ethic necessary to be successful in today’s business environment. In order to be successful, they must develop a strong and constructive work ethic.” When asked to describe his own work ethic, Games answers, “It’s simple…you must do whatever it takes.” It’s this mantra, “Whatever it takes,” that personifies both the true essence of a leader and the true character of Games.
Games has come a long way since his first job as a bagger at a local grocery store in his hometown of Moundsville, West Virginia. So far, in fact, that on top of his leadership responsibilities at Northwood, he has also become the president-elect of the West Virginia Behavioral Health Providers Association, where next year he will lead the association into the future.
Even with all of his accomplishments, Games is still a humble leader that hasn’t let his successes cloud his inspiration for helping others. “Northwood is a non-profit organization serving many of the poor and indigent in our community,” Games says. “From my personal point of view that is a Christian responsibility. That is the biggest driver in my life—it is my primary motivation.”
On top of his career, Games spends his free time with his supportive wife, Lisa, and two boys, Joshua and Caleb. As a Christian for over 25 years, Games also continues to give to his community through participation and service at the Hillview Terrace Church of Christ.
When asked to explain how he got where he is today, he graciously replies, “It’s all about having a desire to serve and glorify God and having the right mentor and work ethic. Those three things, combined with the support of my family and the grace of God, have really guided me to where I am today.”
Photography by Rick Lee
