News Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2007

Columbus, OH -- Chief Economic Development Officer Mark Barbash today announced the appointment of Christi Mash as the Regional Economic Development Director for the Marietta region. Mash will be responsible for directing economic development efforts and establishing an agenda for continued growth for Perry, Hocking, Morgan, Athens, Meigs, Washington, Noble and Monroe Counties in Southeast Ohio. She will serve as a liaison between the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) and state government with local business leaders, elected officials, and economic development groups to meet the economic, business, and community opportunities throughout the region.

"Christi's background of working closely with businesses, communities, legislators and constituents in Southeastern Ohio are a strong foundation for her position with the Department of Development, where she will be coordinating local and state efforts to boost economic development and growth in the region," said Barbash. "Christi is a longtime resident of Southeastern Ohio and has demonstrated a strong commitment to the region through community service and work on the local level. Her personal and professional dedication will be valuable to our work to spur economic development and enhance the quality of life available to residents of Ohio's Appalachian region."

Prior to her appointment, Mash was District Field Representative for Congressman Ted Strickland, where she coordinated the congressman’s agenda for the district and briefed him on issues of importance to the area. Working closely with staff in the district and in Washington, D.C., Mash managed proactive legislative discussion meetings for constituents, organized events and represented the congressman at district functions and meetings. Mash also managed casework and referrals to respond to the requests of constituents.

As Victim's Advocate for the Meigs County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Mash acted as a liaison between victims of crime and the prosecuting attorney, walking victims through court proceedings from the beginning to the end of a case, and testifying on behalf of victims and victims’ families. She also organized preventative and public awareness events for office programs and managed public relations for the office.

Mash will also serve as Governor Strickland's Regional Director for the region. In this role, Mash will act as an advisor, representative and liaison for the governor and state agencies on state and local issues concerning the eight county region in Southeast Ohio (Perry, Hocking, Morgan, Athens, Meigs, Washington, Noble and Monroe Counties).

Mash holds an Associate Degree in Accounting from Hocking College. A photo of Christi Mash is available by clicking here.

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Media contacts: Melissa Ament at (614) 466-6619 or Kelly Hassett at (614) 466-4133