Mark Freid, Executive Director at Winter Park Institute, with his family

Dads to Know: Mark Freid, Executive Director at Winter Park Institute

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As the new executive director of the Winter Park Institute, Mark Freid is helping shape meaningful conversations that strengthen the community across Central Florida. A Winter Park resident for nearly 30 years, Mark and his wife, Steph, chose to raise their three children in a city known for its commitment to learning, the arts, and civic engagement — values that continue to influence both his family life and professional work.


Under his leadership, the Institute focuses on intergenerational programming that brings families, students, seniors, and lifelong learners into shared dialogue.

What inspired you to pursue a career in marketing and eventually become executive director of the Winter Park Institute?

Mark Freid: I was raised by a psychologist and an artist, so curiosity, conversation, and seeing the world from multiple perspectives were part of everyday life. That foundation still guides me today and informs my vision for the Winter Park Institute: Creating welcoming, accessible programs that invite people of all ages to think deeply and engage with ideas that shape how we live together.

I became a writer and producer after studying International Relations at Tulane University. Studying abroad during my junior year at Tulane felt like a natural extension of how my parents raised me, to stay curious and open.

What is the most fascinating thing you’ve learned in the past year, either at home or at work?

Mark Freid: I keep coming back to compassion, community, and curiosity. I have a lot of hope for the future. When you really look around, there’s so much we have in common, regardless of background or perspective.

Early in my career, I realized how powerful it is to be surrounded by creative people. If we stay curious and keep having real conversations, we can grow together in meaningful ways.

What do you hope your kids will remember as they step into adulthood?

Mark Freid: While living in Louisiana, I took a trip home to Florida and was introduced to my wife, Steph. We started our marriage in Louisiana, but knew we wanted to raise our family back in Florida, close to family.

We’ve been married for 30 years and have been living in Florida for 28. We raised our three children, Jacob, Sophie and Joseph, in a community that values schools, libraries, and being good neighbors. I hope our kids remember seeing those values lived out every day. As young adults, they’re already putting those lessons into practice.

At home and at the Winter Park Institute, we try to create space for curiosity, dialogue, and new ideas, building a community that feels welcoming and thoughtful.

How do you unwind as a couple and as a family?

Mark Freid: We walk a lot, around the Rollins College campus and along the lakes. Movement is important to me, especially for mental health. I exercise every day, and that’s something we passed on to our kids.

We also love going to the Enzian Theater for movies and spending time together. Between raising three kids in their twenties and helping care for parents in their eighties, we’ve got a lot going on.

What have been your favorite parts of raising a family in Central Florida?

Mark Freid: Our kids went to the same elementary school and made lifelong friends there. My wife is a Rollins alum, and we sent our children to the Rollins Child Development Center, which was such a nurturing environment.

Those early years were shaped by genuine people, neighbors, teachers, and students who became part of our family’s story. Seeing other kids who were caring and curious reinforced those values beyond our own home.

What’s next for the Winter Park Institute?

Mark Freid: We had an exciting event featuring Condoleezza Rice on April 13, fitting our 2026 theme focused on human flourishing, how we live well together. And we’re working on more community-based programs.

After many years of nonprofit board leadership, I saw this role as an opportunity to help make the Institute even more open and accessible. I hope people come to trust that if the Winter Park Institute is hosting an event, even if they don’t know the speaker, it will be thoughtful, valuable, and worth their time.

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Images courtesy of Mark Freid | Originally published in the May/June 2026 issue of Orlando Parenting Magazine

Born and raised in the land of sunshine and dreams come true, Dani is a proud Orlando native. She loves sharing her hometown with others from the theme parks to Florida's natural beauty. With over 15 years of experience, Dani is thrilled to serve as our Managing Editor at Orlando Date Night Guide, Orlando Parenting, as well as Tampa Bay Date Night Guide.