Mark Karras was raised in Nashville, Georgia in Berrien County and graduated from Berrien County High School in 1978. He received his BS degree from Auburn University in 1984. He also received an MBA from Valdosta State University in 1986 and a BBA in Accounting from Valdosta State University in 1995. Mark is the owner of KM Ventures LLC, a property development company involved in the development of affordable multi-family housing communities in Georgia.



Mark is an owner and developer of numerous affordable multi-family housing communities in rural areas in Georgia. He was president of a local property management and development company for more than 15 years. Mark has more than 20 years experience in the design, development, construction, and management of conventional and affordable apartment communities in Georgia and Florida. Mark is past president and board member for the Georgia Council For Rural Housing and Development.

Mark has been married to his wife, Patti, for 28 years, and they have lived in Valdosta since 1985. They have two children, Maggie and Carter, who both graduated from Auburn University. Mark and his family are active members of First Baptist Church of Valdosta.