Rear Admiral Mark Skinner is a native of Houston, Texas. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in June 1977, and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1979. Initial squadron tours included Patrol Squadron 23 and Patrol Squadron 31, where he served as an FRS Instructor Pilot.

After graduating from Test Pilot School in 1985, he reported to Force Warfare Aircraft Test Directorate where he was recognized as Directorate Test Pilot of the Year in 1986. He then served as the Communications Officer in USS Ranger and as Maintenance Officer in Patrol Squadron 6.

In 1992, after serving as Current Operations Officer in Patrol Wing 2, he attended Naval Postgraduate School. He graduated as a Conrad Scholar and was awarded the Department of the Navy award for excellence in financial management and the Rear Admiral Thomas R. McClellan award for excellence in administrative sciences. He served as Executive Officer for Patrol Squadron 47 and subsequently took command in 1994. He then reported to Combined Task Force 72/57 as Operations Officer, directing VP forces participating in Operations Vigilant Sentinel/Southern Watch and PRC-Taiwan Contingency Operations.

After completing the Defense Systems Management College Program Manager Course, he joined Naval Force Aircraft Test Squadron as Chief Test Pilot and assumed command in 1998. Following command, he was selected as Program Manager for a Chief of Naval Operations Special Project. He then served as the Acting Deputy Program Executive Officer for Air ASW, Assault and Special Mission Programs.

In 2004, Rear Admiral Skinner was selected to flag rank and was named Commander, Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division and Assistant Commander, Test and Evaluation, Naval Air Systems Command. He assumed his current position as Program Executive Officer, Tactical Aircraft Programs in October 2007.

His awards include the Legion of Merit (3 awards), Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (2 awards), Navy Achievement Medal, and other unit deployment citations and ribbons.