The OEDA team is led by David Zak, President & CEO, who brings nearly 30 years of experience in economic development. David is responsible for guiding the organization’s strategic direction, operations, and member engagement.
Supporting OEDA’s mission is Mark Barbash, Director of the Ohio Economic Development Institute (OEDI), who oversees education and professional development initiatives for Ohio’s economic development professionals.
OEDA also partners with Bennett Association Management, LLC, a Columbus-based firm founded in 2017. The Bennett team includes Sharon Erichsen (Membership), Erika Levine (Finance), and Mandy Aquilina (Operations). Their collective expertise provides vital operational and logistical support, helping OEDA deliver exceptional value to its members across Ohio.
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 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)
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David Zak, President & CEO
dzak@ohioeda.com
419.912.1150 (cell)
Mark Barbash, Director
Ohio Economic Development Institute
mbarbash@ohioeda.com
419.774.7599 (cell)