Meet Mark Pilon, A Talk it Out NC Ambassador

Arriving at a State Prevention Convention in Raleigh, Mark Pilon expected to interact with like-minded professionals and other advocates passionate about preventing underage drinking in North Carolina.
He did not expect to run into a former student, who shared that they were now pursuing a career in prevention themselves, thanks to Mark’s influence years earlier. Mark reflects on this moment, saying, “Teens listen, even when you think they aren’t. They hear more than you give them credit for.” This student is just one of the many whose lives have been influenced throughout the years by Mark’s prevention efforts.
As a full-time prevention specialist and Talk it Out NC ambassador, Mark has dedicated his life to helping North Carolina students thrive, free from the risks of underage drinking and addictive substances. With a heart for community service and a passion for empowering families, Mark works to create environments where young people can grow, succeed, and reach their full potential.
The Journey to Prevention
Mark’s own path is a testament to the fact that sometimes life takes you in a direction you never could have predicted, setting you on a course you never imagined but were meant to follow. Becoming a full-time prevention specialist wasn’t in the cards for Mark when he began his professional career. Instead, he started in construction management and then enlisted in the military. In 2010, the National Guard of Charlotte assigned him to an anti-drug task force.
This was an unexpected assignment, but the task force gave Mark a taste of the life-changing nature of substance prevention efforts. The experience he gained in this role equipped Mark to embark on a new career in the non-profit sector.
Making a Difference
In 2021, Mark became a Talk it Out NC Ambassador in partnership with the ABC Commission. Talk it Out NC Ambassadors help families realize the benefits of open conversations using up-to-date facts. Based in Sylva, North Carolina, Mark serves Jackson County, Haywood County, and the westernmost seven counties of North Carolina. His job involves working with three primary audiences: the broader community, teens, and parents. As an Ambassador, Mark reaches hundreds of students directly through school presentations and up to thousands through community-wide events. While these numbers are extremely impressive, Mark measures his success differently. He says, “Regardless of how many people you come into contact with, if you only impact one person, that in itself brings success.”
Working With Communities
Prevention specialists like Mark spend their days fostering meaningful connections with the community and collaborating with local governments to address the challenges of underage drinking and substance misuse. Mark works closely with schools, businesses, and civic organizations to create a unified front of prevention. By supporting community initiatives, managing communication campaigns, and developing resources, he builds trust and engagement among diverse groups.
Working With Teenagers
One of Mark’s favorite parts of being an Ambassador is visiting public schools and discussing underage drinking directly with teenagers. “There is a social norm about alcohol use, and people believe it’s a rite of passage,” he says. Social media is a large factor in normalizing underage drinking. Talk it Out NC conducted a survey in 2023, discovering that 2 in 5 students see their friends posting with alcohol on social media.
When Mark speaks to students, he doesn’t use scare tactics or mandates. He’s found that students respond better to hearing, “Here’s information” rather than simply, “Don’t do it.” He encourages students to have meaningful conversations with their parents. According to our survey, 93% of students believe that talking with their parents can help stop underage drinking.
Part of Mark’s presentations involve ensuring that teens understand how alcohol affects them and the dangerous risks they are more likely to undertake if they’ve been drinking. He says, “How I look at it is that it only takes once. One mistake can have a devastating impact to an individual, to a family.” Those impacts include loss of life, committing or being victim of a crime, damage to health, and damage to future educational and financial prospects.
Working With Parents
Teens are only half of the equation. Mark also works with North Carolina parents to help them guide their children towards abstaining from underage drinking. He says, “I’m trying to encourage adults to have conversations about the risks and consequences of drinking alcohol under 21. There is undeniable evidence that fostering genuine, strong relationships among families delivers better results in the long run.”
Research shows that parents are waiting too long to have a conversation with their children about underage drinking. Mark says, “As parents, we have the advantage of investing so many years in guiding our children even before they reach the teenage years.” While many parents talk about alcohol with their 12-year-olds, almost two-thirds of students have already tried alcohol by this point. Talk it Out NC recommends that parents start the conversation with children as young as eight years old.
Dedication for Change
Mark Pilon’s journey proves that one person, with dedication and a heart for service, can make a lasting difference in their community. Through his work as a Talk it Out NC Ambassador and prevention specialist, he has reached countless teens and parents, planting seeds of change and inspiring healthier choices.
Mark’s diligence reminds us that even the smallest actions—like listening, educating, and fostering open conversations—can transform lives. One voice, one conversation, and one moment of connection can shape a brighter future for generations to come. To learn more about starting the conversation with your child, explore our website resources.