Mark DiOrio grew up on Long Island Sound in the town of Norwalk, Connecticut. At an early age, Mark obtained his USCG Master Operators License and piloted a ferry boat that ran from Connecticut to Long Island. In addition, he piloted private yachts, tour boats, and tug boats. Mark also helped organize New England's first in-water boat show and was involved in the Madison Square Garden Boat Show working for such premier yacht makers as Luhrs and Hatteras.

Mark later attended the University of Connecticut where he received degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Material Science and played varsity lacrosse. Upon graduation, Mark turned down the opportunity to build submarines at Electric Boat in New London, Connecticut, and migrated west to the Silicon Valley of California where he learned to manufacture semiconductors. Mastering his trade, Mark traveled the world setting up semiconductor factories and related technology companies using both private and venture-backed funding.

After taking a Swiss-based technology company to IPO, Mark started his own technology company, which focused on microelectronic IP development. Amassing a myriad of technology patents and then licensing many of these patents to companies such as AMD, his company ultimately became acquired. This opportunity left Mark with the ability to return to his "roots" and pursue a career in ocean conservation.

Mark learned to dive in the Monterey Bay where he earned his SLAM certification. He has lobstered in Long Island Sound and "quo-hogged" in Narragansett Bay. Today, most of Mark's leisure time is dedicated to playing golf on the Monterey Peninsula.

Mark is married to Mara Kerr and they reside happily together in Carmel, California, with their two dachshunds and a cairn terrier.