A highly skilled communicator experienced in media relations, marketing and public affairs, Mark Rickel joined Lesic & Camper in November 2007 to execute media relations and grassroots strategies that generate public awareness on issues ranging from health care reform, tax policy, education and law enforcement safety.

Mark assists in the day-to-day communication activities for the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, a national campaign to promote disease prevention to media outlets and elected officials. Mark led the execution of a strategy to generate media coverage on law enforcement safety for a manufacturer of fire suppressing panels for police cruisers. Mark assisted in building an event around the launch of a network that will bring more science and technology based education to Ohio schools. He has also worked with media outlets across the state to monitor state tax policies and developed outreach strategies within the public pension industry. Most recently, Mark worked with a coalition of consumer advocates, legislative and community leaders as well as local business groups on the successful “Yes on Issue 5” statewide ballot campaign.

Prior to his work for Lesic & Camper, Mark served as the Senior Media Manager for the National Federation of Independent Business, leading the media relations activities in its 12-state central region to promote policies that benefit small business growth. Prior to this position, he served as chief spokesman for Ohio Governor Bob Taft. In that role, he managed the media relations activities with statewide and national news outlets to promote policy initiatives and to address various issues and crises.

Mark previously served as the marketing director for the Ohio Lottery Commission,  where he successfully led the effort to enhance the organization’s brand, establish promotional relationships to maximize budgets and increase sales by engaging new segments of the market.

As marketing director of the Ohio Department of Development, Mark managed the state’s marketing/branding activities to retain and attract business investment. While there he initiated a grass-roots campaign to build awareness and loyalty within the Ohio’s corporate community. He also led the effort to identify promotional opportunities for a new initiative to reinvent Ohio’s economy by investing in growing technology sectors.

A graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism/Public Relations, Mark began his career in media relations at the Ohio House of Representatives, served as spokesman for a congressional candidate in New Hampshire and as a press assistant to former Ohio Governor George Voinovich. In addition to his work in public relations and marketing, Mark has worked independently, providing freelance services including graphic design, media consulting and writing services for public and private organizations throughout the state.

Mark, his wife Betsey and three daughters currently live in Columbus.