Mark Doyle (Oak)

Oak grew up in Southern Indiana and attended Indiana University. After graduating, he planned to move to New Orleans, but a visit with his brother in the Bay Area changed his course, and he decided to stay. Seven years later, he married and relocated to Boise, Idaho. After 22 years there, a new job brought him to Vancouver, Washington, where he now lives with his wife and son. Professionally, Oak has a background in IT project management, risk assessment and mitigation, training, and employee development.

Oak first learned about Burning Man from his 14-year-old son and decided to experience it for himself in 2009, joining his older brother for the adventure. He quickly fell in love with the playa and the welcoming community he found there. These days, he helps lead Baggage Check, a camp at both Burning Man and SOAK. He is also in his second year on the Pacific Northwest board of directors, serving on the programs committee and acting as liaison to the Portland Burner Barn, a workspace and storage facility for the SOAK regional.

Burning Man has become a meaningful part of Oak’s life, and he plans to keep returning for as long as he can. As he likes to say, “If it didn’t kill me last year, I need to try again.”