News Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21, 2007

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced the appointments of Mark Barbash as Chief Economic Development Officer and William Graves, Director for Community Development for the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD).

"To propel Ohio's economy forward, it is extremely important that we have the strongest leadership team assembled," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as director of the Ohio Department of Development. "I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mark and Bill to these two key positions for the department. Their extraordinary skills and entrepreneurial spirit will be vital to our Turnaround Ohio plan."

As Chief Economic Development Officer, Mark Barbash will oversee the divisions of economic development, international trade, technology, minority business, urban development, travel and tourism, and community development. Barbash has served as the Director of Development for the City of Columbus since 2000. He has also served as Executive Director for the Columbus Countywide Development Corporation and was Deputy Director for the Ohio Department of Development's Economic Development Division from 1985-1989. Barbash is a nationally recognized trainer for economic development professionals, assisting such organizations as the International Economic Development Council, the National Development Council, The National Business Incubation Association and the Economic Development Institute. A Wisconsin native, Barbash holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A high resolution photo of Mark Barbash is available by clicking here.

"There is no one more qualified than Mark to provide the leadership, vision and creativity that is necessary to facilitate new job growth and economic expansion in Ohio," said Fisher. "I am honored to have Mark join our team, and am grateful for his commitment to serve our citizens and collaborate with the business community."

"As Development Director for seven years, Mark Barbash has been an effective leader in advancing my strategies for economic development and neighborhood revitalization," said Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman. "While we will miss him in City Hall, I congratulate the Strickland-Fisher Administration for an excellent choice to help move the Turnaround Ohio plan forward."

William Graves most recently served as the Housing Administrator for the City of Columbus where he oversaw the Housing Finance, Homeowner Services and Acquisition Relocation/Lead Safe Columbus programs. Graves rejoins ODOD as the Director of the Community Development Division where he will oversee areas of community service and programming, housing services, neighborhood revitalization and energy efficiency. Graves began his career at ODOD in 1982 as a Development Specialist. Graves additionally served the Department as Assistant Deputy Director of the Community Development Division from 2000 to 2004 and was a manager in the division's Office of Housing and Community Partnerships from 1993 to 2000. Graves holds a bachelor's degree and three master's degrees from The Ohio State University. A high resolution photo of William Graves is available by clicking here.

"Bill has been a champion for the growth and prosperity of Ohio's communities for many years and it gives me great pleasure to welcome him back to ODOD," said Fisher. "I am confident that the individuals and families served through our department's community programs will benefit significantly from his leadership."

"The City of Columbus and our residents will certainly miss the community dedication and advocacy that personifies Bill Graves," said Mayor Michael Coleman. "However I am confident that Columbus will still have an ally in Bill, as he works to strengthen communities across this great state."

For more information about the Ohio Department of Development and its programs and services, visit www.odod.state.oh.us.