OEDA Staff

David R. Zak

President & CEO

David Zak serves as the President & CEO of the Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA), where he works to advance economic development across Ohio through professional development, advocacy, and collaboration. With nearly 30 years of experience, David began his career at the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD), focusing on Foreign Direct Investment, where he covered the Cleveland and Eastern Ohio regions. He later served as Chief of the Business Services Division during the establishment of JobsOhio, helping to shape the state’s economic development strategies.

David has also led local economic development organizations in Fairfield, Clark, Seneca, and Crawford Counties, where his leadership contributed to Site Selection magazine recognizing those regions with top micro and metro rankings 12 times. Over his career, he has been involved in creating 17,000 jobs and securing $1.8 billion in investment locally, as well as 40,000 jobs and $8 billion in investment statewide. A dedicated educator, David is a past instructor for the Economic Development Institute and continues to teach for the Basic Economic Development Course. Recognized with three state and national awards for innovation, David is committed to fostering growth and opportunity across Ohio.

dzak@ohioeda.com
419.912.1150 (cell)

Mark Barbash

Director, Ohio Economic Development Institute

Mark Barbash is the Director of the Ohio Economic Development Institute (OEDI), where he leads the professional training and development of Ohio’s economic development practitioners. With over 30 years of experience across local, state, and federal government, as well as nonprofit and private sectors, Mark has held leadership roles such as Chief Economic Development Officer for the State of Ohio and Director of Development for the City of Columbus. He is a nationally recognized expert in economic development, specializing in small business, real estate, and development financing, and has received the prestigious Fellow Member designation from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

As an adjunct instructor at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University, Mark teaches public budgeting and finance, earning the Outstanding Undergraduate Instructor Award in 2023. He also serves as a Senior Executive in Residence at Ohio University. Mark’s contributions include consulting on strategic planning, training programs, and project financing, while developing and delivering professional development courses nationwide. A strong advocate for the arts, he is the president of the Board of the Short North Stage and a board member of other nonprofit organizations. Mark holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and resides in Bexley, Ohio, with his wife.

mbarbash@ohioeda.com
614.774.7599 (cell)

Sharon Erichsen

Client Membership Coordinator, Bennett Association Management

As Client Membership Coordinator at Bennett Association Management, Sharon Erichsen brings more than 12 years of experience working with state, international, and national trade and professional associations. She helps manage the memberships of OEDA’s more than 600 members and assists investors with membership-related items, ensuring a seamless and supportive experience. Sharon provides administrative, event, membership, and communications support, drawing on her extensive background in customer service across both office and retail settings. Her expertise helps foster strong relationships and enhances the value OEDA delivers to its members and investors.

sharon@bennett-management-llc.com
866-986-4041 x103 (office)

Brittany Hardgrove

Events Director, Bennett Association Management

As Events Director at Bennett Association Management, Brittany Hardgrove brings nearly a decade of event management experience with associations and other non-profit organizations. She plays a key role in supporting OEDA’s signature events, including the Annual Summit and Leadership Forum (Spring Event), ensuring they are expertly planned and executed. Brittany holds a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), a globally recognized certification of excellence in the events industry. Her expertise ensures impactful and seamless experiences for OEDA’s members and attendees.

brittany@bennett-association-llc.com
866-986-4041 x107 (office)

Mandy Aquilina

Managing Director, Bennett Association Management

Mandy Aquilina, JD, serves as Managing Director at Bennett Association Management, LLC, where she plays a key role in supporting OEDA’s operations and ensuring a seamless partnership with Bennett. With over 20 years of experience in association management, Mandy assists OEDA with various initiatives, including governance, board coordination, and event planning. Her deep expertise and leadership help align Bennett’s resources with OEDA’s mission, providing customized and professional support to advance economic development in Ohio. Mandy holds a Juris Doctor degree from Capital University Law School and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Psychology from Eastern Michigan University.

mandy@bennett-association-llc.com
866-986-4041 x104 (office)

Erika Levine

Bookkeeper, Bennett Association Management

Erika Levine serves as Bookkeeper at Bennett Association Management, where she assists OEDA with bookkeeping and financial matters. With over eight years of experience in bookkeeping for small-business service-based industries, Erika brings precision and expertise to financial administration. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a bookkeeping certification from Columbus State, and is also a QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor. Erika’s attention to detail ensures transparency and accuracy in OEDA’s financial operations.

erika@bennett-association-llc.com
866-986-4041 x106 (office)