Finance Fund has named Mark Barbash its chief operating officer.
In his new role, Barbash will be responsible for day-to-day operations to advance community development at the statewide financial non-profit that connects community redevelopment projects in underserved markets with public and private sources of capital.
“Mark brings 30 years of economic development experience,” said Finance Fund CEO James Klein in a statement. “He will be a critical part of our team as Finance Fund grows its community development and small business financing activities.”
Prior to joining Finance Fund, Barbash served as chief economic development officer for the Ohio Department of Development, development director for Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman, executive director for the Columbus Countywide Development Corp., and vice president for the National Development Council in Washington, D.C.
As consultant to Finance Fund, Barbash demonstrated leadership on key strategic initiatives, Klein said, adding that Finance Fund looks forward to working with him as it expands its model to include new public and private sources of capital, and new financial products and programs.
Since 1987, Finance Fund and its affiliates have invested more than $195.5 million in housing, economic development, and community facility projects leveraging more than $1 billion. Those investments were accomplished through 2,688 awards to community-based organizations throughout the state.
Barbash currently serves on the boards of the International Economic Development Council, the Ohio Economic Development Council and CATCO, Central Ohio’s professional theatre company. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Barbash has a bachelor’s degree in political science.
His past experience also includes service at the U.S. Department of Commerce, on the staffs of a governor, congressman and U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, and on several boards, including the Columbus Technology Leadership Council, Campus Partners, and the Franklin County Planning Commission. While at Columbus Countywide Development Corp., he served as president of NADCO, the national trade association for SBA 504 CDCs.
Barbash has received numerous recognitions, including IEDC’s Fellow Member Award in 2007 for his service to the economic development profession and for being named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Financial Advocate of the Year.
