About Blakhart

With over two decades of experience spanning public and private sectors, Mark Ridings brings a rare blend of technical expertise, leadership, and creative vision to Blakhart Consulting. His career in Information Technology has ranged from hands-on roles in help desk and network security to executive leadership as CIO and IT Director for major state agencies. Mark has managed multi-million-dollar IT operations, led disaster recovery and cybersecurity initiatives, and provided technical strategy for large-scale digital transformations.

At the same time, Mark has maintained a strong presence in the creative industry. As owner of a long-standing IT & media consultancy, he has delivered photography, video production, and digital content solutions for clients seeking professional-grade storytelling and branding. His unique ability to bridge the gap between tech infrastructure and visual media enables him to deliver holistic solutions that are both innovative and effective. His client projects have taken him not only throughout the United States but also internationally to  locations like London, Budapest, Montreal, and Acapulco. 

Mark holds certifications in Network+, Security+, and he’s a Certified Scrum Master and Certified Agile Leader. He is also an alum of multiple executive leadership programs, including Tennessee Government Leadership and the Tennessee Government Executive Institute. Mark is a frequent advisor and leader on statewide IT councils, and his leadership philosophy is grounded in servant leadership, lifelong learning, and mission-driven problem solving.

Whether designing a secure IT infrastructure or producing high-impact visual content, Mark and the Blakhart team are ready to support organizations with tailored, results-driven solutions.