Mark Mertel, founder, 1996: Mark Mertel is Chairman of Diversified HealthCare Services, Inc. (DHS).  Mark leads the DHS senior management team and is responsible for the strategic planning and development of industry partner relationships.  He believes the DHS mission statement; “To create innovative strategies and processes, increase our partners’ profits, and make a significant difference in peoples’ lives” best defines his responsibilities. Graduating from Alfred University, with a B.A. in business, Mark spent two years in the U.S. Army as a 1st Lieutenant.  Mark started his insurance career as an agent with Penn Mutual, in 1973.  His highly successful career has included owning a benefit consulting firm, a benefit communication company, a third party administrator, and a general agency, in addition to the current family of DHS companies that he heads.   Mark founded Diversified HealthCare Services, Inc., in 1994, as the corporate headquarters for all of the DHS companies. Today, the DHS family of companies is comprised of: ARG National, a general agency distributing group benefit products and services; Wholesale Benefits Club, Inc., a national discount club for quality health care products and services; and Partners Rx Management, LLC, which is a prescription benefit management company.  Mark credits superior strategic plans, supported by operational and service excellence for the successes of these companies.  Mark believes, that one of the most important missions of the DHS Companies is to give back to the community.  DHS accomplishes this goal by supporting organizations that help people achieve their full potential.  mark.mertel@askt.org