Press Room >> 2009 Press Releases 

 GOVERNOR APPOINTS MARK BARBASH
INTERIM DIRECTOR OF DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT
 

Columbus, OH – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today appointed Mark Barbash interim director of the Ohio Department of Development. Barbash was appointed to replace Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher, who resigned his position as director today to pursue a U.S. Senate seat.

“Mark is tremendously qualified to fill this important role.  He is a skillful economic development strategist who is nationally-recognized as a leader by his peers,” Strickland said.  “Through his service the past two years as the state’s chief economic development officer, Mark understands better than most Ohio’s economic strengths and opportunities.”

Barbash, 59, was appointed chief economic development officer for the Ohio Department of Development in March 2007 by Lt. Governor Fisher. In the position, he served as a chief architect of economic development strategy for the Strickland Administration, and supervised programs and projects for the state of Ohio in technology, economic development, global affairs, community development, travel and tourism, and urban affairs.

In 2008, Barbash received the designation of “fellow member” of the International Economic Development Council, in recognition of his long career in economic development. He also serves on IEDC’s Board of Directors.

“Through the establishment of the 10-year strategic plan and his commitment to encouraging innovation and opportunity in Ohio, Lt. Governor Fisher laid a strong foundation for the state’s long-term economic prosperity,” Barbash said.  “I look forward to continuing our important work to keep and grow Ohio jobs and leverage investments to strengthen Ohio’s position in the global economy.”

Prior to joining the Strickland Administration, Barbash served as director of the Department of Development for the City of Columbus from 2000-2007. Responsible for a wide range of economic and community development activities, he managed the city’s programs for economic and neighborhood development, housing, social services, building and zoning codes, planning and downtown development. From 1991-2000, Barbash served as executive director of Columbus Countywide Development Corporation, a non-profit small business lender and one of the largest non-profit small business lenders in the nation. From 1985-1989, he served as deputy director of the Ohio Department of Development.

He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1971. He is married to Mary Carter Barbash, and has a daughter, Rachael Elizabeth Barbash.

Barbash was officially sworn in as interim director today shortly after 7 PM. 

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