OEDA is powered by a dedicated team of leaders and partners who guide the organization’s strategy, training, communications, and operations statewide.
DAVID ZAK
David Zak is the President & CEO of the Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA), leading statewide efforts in professional development, advocacy, and collaboration. With nearly 30 years of experience, he began his career at the Ohio Department of Development, working in Foreign Direct Investment, and later served as Chief of the Business Services Division during the formation of JobsOhio. David has also led economic development organizations in Fairfield, Clark, Seneca, and Crawford Counties, earning 12 Site Selection magazine micro and metro rankings and contributing to 17,000 jobs and $1.8 billion in local investment, as well as 40,000 jobs and $8 billion statewide. An educator and past Economic Development Institute instructor, he continues teaching for the Basic Economic Development Course and has earned multiple state and national awards for innovation.
419.912.1150
MARK BARBASH
Mark Barbash is the Director of the Ohio Economic Development Institute (OEDI), leading professional training for Ohio’s economic development practitioners. With 30 years of experience in local, state, and federal government, the nonprofit sector, and private industry, he has served as Ohio’s Chief Economic Development Officer and as Director of Development for the City of Columbus. A nationally recognized expert in small business, real estate, and development finance, he holds the Fellow Member designation from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Mark teaches public budgeting and finance at The Ohio State University’s John Glenn College and serves as a Senior Executive in Residence at Ohio University. He is active in the arts community as president of the Short North Stage board and as a member of several nonprofit boards.
614.774.7599
AMANDA MILLER
Amanda Miller is the Marketing & Engagement Manager, leading communications, marketing, and engagement to advance OEDA’s mission. She brings more than a decade of public, private, and nonprofit experience, most recently serving as Workforce Development Manager for the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corp., where she strengthened talent pipelines and helped increase countywide TechCred participation by 77%. Her background includes BR&E outreach, SiteOhio authentication work, and securing over $3 million in community funding across Ohio. She also played a key role in Van Wert Forward, a $110M downtown revitalization initiative, and has led marketing efforts in sectors ranging from architecture and design to manufacturing. Her expertise in rural development and strategic communication supports economic growth statewide.
419.910.1182
OEDA also partners with Bennett Association Management, LLC, a Columbus-based firm that provides essential membership, financial, and operational support. Their expertise strengthens OEDA’s internal operations and enhances the value delivered to members across Ohio.
MANDY AQUILINA, JD
Mandy Aquilina, JD, is the Managing Director at Bennett Association Management, where she supports OEDA’s operations and strategy and partnership with Bennett. She brings more than 20 years of association management experience, assisting with governance, board coordination, and event planning. Mandy’s leadership helps ensure smooth operations and strengthens the support OEDA provides to its members. She holds a Juris Doctor from Capital University Law School and a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University.
Office: 866.986.4041 x104
SHARON ERICHSEN
As Client Membership Coordinator at Bennett Association Management, Sharon Erichsen brings more than 12 years of experience supporting state, national, and international associations. She manages OEDA’s membership operations and assists investors with membership needs, ensuring a seamless experience. Sharon also provides administrative, event, and communications support, drawing on her strong background in customer service. Her expertise helps strengthen relationships and enhance the value OEDA delivers to its members.
Office: 866.986.4041 x103
ERIKA LEVINE
Erika Levine serves as Bookkeeper at Bennett Association Management, where she supports OEDA with its bookkeeping and financial processes. She brings more than eight years of experience in financial administration for service-based small businesses and is a QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor. Erika holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a bookkeeping certification from Columbus State. Her attention to detail helps ensure accuracy and transparency in OEDA’s financial operations.
Office: 866.986.4041 x106
OEDA is here to support your work, your community, and your career in economic development. Reach out anytime — our team is ready to help you find the resources, relationships, and opportunities you need to move Ohio forward.
The organization provides excellent educational opportunities, information, and the ability to network with other professionals, which is critical for the development of effective economic development leaders in the State of Ohio.
Susan Crotty
Economic Development Director, City of Painesville
OEDA has been an outstanding resource from the beginning of my career in Economic Development. I would not be where I am today without OEDA.
Julie Needs, OhioCED
Executive Director, SOD Center, Inc.
OEDA efficiently and effectively provides me with the news and information I need to help me be a better and more successful economic development professional.
Charles Bichara
Director of Economic Development, City of Middleburg Heights
Joining OEDA when I stepped into the private sector was one of the best decisions I made as an economic development professional. The content and professional development opportunities are unlike those of any other professional organization, and I feel I am getting a valuable return on our investment.
Catey Scanlon
Director of Economic Development, inSite Advisory Group / Welty Enterprises