David Zak

About David Zak

Driven, highly competitive, strategic, dynamic, passionate, experienced, seasoned and transformational leader and innovator.Excel at vision, strategy, change, and results. 28 years of successful economic development, business, and public administration experience - 27 of those in economic development (including industrial, retail, downtown, office). 13 years in public sector; 15 years in private. Successfully created, led, and transformed four public and three private economic development organizations to transform communities. Helped facilitate more than projects and $1.2 billion in investment. Helped create or retain jobs.

Experience

1. President and CEO

   Ohio Economic Development Association

   Sep 2024 — Present · Columbus, OH, US

   Lead and advance the state’s foremost organization representing over 900 economic development professionals dedicated to advancing Ohio’s economic future, while overseeing OEDA\'s strategic direction, overall management, and efforts to foster an inclusive economic and professional environment.• Oversee and grow OEDA\'s marketing and communications to promote, strengthen, and add value to the profession and Ohio\'s economic development community, through media relations, newsletters, email campaigns, social media, and website management. • Develop and maintain strong relationships with OEDA leaders (board), members, partners, and other key stakeholders in economic development, ensuring OEDA\'s alignment with their priorities, needs, interests, and concerns.• Oversee, expand, and enhance the professional development programming, including the Ohio Economic Development Institute (OEDI), events, webinars, and other and professional development programming.• Ensure the growth and financial sustainability of OEDA through membership growth and retention, strategic fundraising initiatives, prudent fiscal management, and other innovative partnerships.• Spearhead advocacy efforts on behalf of members and the profession, working closely with state, regional, and local partners, elected officials, and other key stakeholders.• Drive efforts to foster an inclusive economic environment, enhancing the professional capabilities of OEDA members.

Education

• National Development Council

  EDFP, Certified Economic Development Finance Professional

  1999 — 1999

• The Ohio State University

  BA, German

  1990 — 1994

• University of Oklahoma

  EDI, Economic Development Insitute

  1999 — 2008

• The Ohio State University

  MA, German

  1994 — 1996

• Certified Public Manager Program

  Management, Leadership

  2000 — 2001

Skills

• Proposal Writing
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Legislative Relations
• Public Policy
• Research
• Public/Private Partnerships
• Local Government
• Fundraising
• Leadership
• Grant Writing
• Government
• Nonprofits
• Training
• New Business Development
• Organizational Development
• Marketing Communications
• Grants
• International Business
• Workforce Development
• Business Development
• Relationship Marketing
• Project Management
• Leadership Development
• Program Management
• Policy
• Marketing
• Redevelopment
• Government Relations
• Public Speaking
• Strategic Planning
• Program Development
• Team Building
• Management
• Change Management
• Writing
• Strategic Communications
• Non-Profits
• Economic Development
• Transformational Leadership