Mark Hammond
Resilient Leader | Veteran | Aspiring VP
Hailing from New Lenox, IL, Mark Hammond brings a wealth of leadership experience and determination to his MBA journey at the UC San Diego Rady School of Management. A former U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y helicopter pilot, Hammond thrives in high-pressure environments and excels at motivating teams to tackle challenges with optimism and grit.
One of his earliest accomplishments was earning his Wings of Gold. “I first started thinking about it in high school, and from that point, it took nine years to get my Wings of Gold, which is a gold badge you receive upon completion of flight training. Becoming a Marine Officer is a marathon, requiring years of schooling and rigorous training. Once I was commissioned, it took another three years of school to become a Marine Aviator,” he said.”Throughout all the ups and downs, I kept my eyes on the eventual payoff. It’s something I will always remember when I think about setting a goal and following through with it."
For his next mission, Hammond set his sights on an MBA. Drawn to the Rady School for its beachside location, sunny weather, and proximity to “the best beers, best tacos, best hiking, and 300 days of sun a year” he also saw value in its close ties to San Diego's thriving biotech and defense sectors. Rady’s young energy and focus on continuous improvement made it the ideal fit.
While at Rady, Hammond made an immediate impact. As Team Lead for the Rady Action Project, the program’s MBA capstone, he led a team of six on a project for Intel. They conducted deep research on artificial intelligence, delivering insights that impressed both Intel and Rady faculty. “It was a demanding but rewarding experience that showcased our ability to tackle complex challenges and deliver real value. It was also super interesting to research the technology of the moment and our future,” he said.
An Internship Turns into a Full-Time Role
Hammond also credits Rady’s strong military and veteran network for helping ease his transition from military service to civilian leadership. “Rady alumni have provided the best networking opportunities—they’re always willing to talk, share experiences, and lend support,” he said.
After an internship with Cubic Defense Applications, Hammond accepted a full-time role as Deputy Program Manager. Looking ahead, he’s focused on rising to a senior leadership position, with aspirations of becoming a Vice President - and the kind of boss people want to work for. That goal reflects the values instilled through his military service, Rady education, and dedication to excellence.
Reflecting on his time in San Diego, Hammond calls the city the perfect backdrop for personal and professional growth. “Rady’s strength in entrepreneurship pushes students to be creative and driven and to be leaders who will redefine the business world for the better,” he said.
