IN MEMORIAM: MARK PERLBERG

Mark Perlberg, a longtime PEO industry leader and former NAPEO board chair, passed away on March 11 at the age of 68. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, leadership and profound impact. Known for his wisdom, integrity and humility, Mark was a natural leader who brought out the best in those around him.

“Mark considered himself ‘a student of the game;’ he understood the PEO world as well as anyone (if not better). He had an amazing ability to cut to the chase, and to orchestrate sincere, fruitful discussions even when the subject was sensitive or contentious. His intelligence and interests spanned much more than just business. We could talk about a Shostakovich symphony as naturally as we could a thorny legal issue – sometimes in the same conversation,” says Kerim Fidel, Director of Legal with Paychex.

Mark served as the president and CEO of Oasis Outsourcing from 2003 to 2018. His exceptional business acumen helped Oasis grow into one of the largest PEOs in the country. During this time, he served on NAPEO’s board of directors and chaired the board during the 2013-2014 term. He embraced his role as leader and guided NAPEO into a new era.

Mark Perlberg

“There’s an old saying that if you have no enemies, it means you’ve never accomplished anything. Mark would be the exception to that rule. He was brilliant and wise – not the same thing – funny, compassionate, generous, and with enormous integrity. And he was universally beloved by all who knew him,” says Vensure Chief Growth Officer Pat Cleary.

“He took on every thorny issue at NAPEO: Balancing the voices of large and small members, UI, and the new dues structure; issues that would make the bravest of souls run for cover. Mark happily volunteered and steered everyone toward consensus through his sheer wisdom and intellect,” adds Cleary.

Rising state unemployment insurance was a particularly tricky subject to tackle.

“There was a very wide disparity in the room about how to approach the issue. Mark managed the process through multiple weeks and multiple meetings and, at the end of it, we had found our group identity and consensus and NAPEO had an actionable plan for moving forward that everyone could back,” says Abram Finkelstein.

“I believe that the best legacy for Mark is for each of us to try to emulate his approach to treat each other fairly, with honor and respect and to always try to pay it forward,” adds Finkelstein.

His wisdom, kindness and calm demeanor helped steer the PEO industry through challenging times, and his impact will continue to be felt for many years to come.

Mark’s industry peers recognized his many contributions to the industry by awarding him the Michaeline A. Doyle Award, our industry’s highest honor, in 2015.

Business was only a portion of Mark’s life. Those who knew Mark also understood his lifelong passion was theater. He was an accomplished director, playwright and theater patron. For more than fifteen years, he served on the board of Palm Beach Dramaworks and was chairman for six years. Above all, though, Mark loved his family. He is survived by his wife of 45 years Diane, his three children, five grandchildren, his parents and his sister.

Mark’s leadership and vision set a standard for excellence and will remain an inspiration to all who had the privilege of working with him.

“The outpouring of stories and reflections on Mark’s life makes one thing clear: our industry has lost a great leader and an even better person,” says NAPEO President & CEO Casey Clark.