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 leads the account for Walmart, which includes assistance with real estate projects, philanthropic and community outreach, alliance development and media relations. He also leads efforts on the AEP-Dollar Energy “Neighbor to Neighbor” program, working with media and partner agencies.  In recent months, Mark managed the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System account, helping with strategy, messaging and materials development.  Mark also assisted in the day-to-day communication activities for the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, a national campaign to promote disease prevention and led a media plan to generate awareness for a manufacturer of fire suppressing panels for police cruisers. Mark has also developed and executed strategies utilizing social media platforms to manage coalitions and drive media awareness.

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 a 12-state region to promote small business growth. Mark also served as press secretary for Ohio Governor Bob Taft where he managed the media relations activities with statewide and national outlets to promote policy initiatives and to address various issues and crises.

As marketing director for the Ohio Lottery Commission, Mark successfully led the effort to enhance the organization’s brand by establishing promotional relationships that maximized budgets and increased sales by engaging new segments of the market.

Mark also served as the marketing director for the Ohio Department of Development where he managed the state’s marketing/branding activities to retain and attract business investment. During that time 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, and served as a press assistant to former Ohio Governor George Voinovich.

Mark is currently a member of the Board of Directors for the Columbus affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for a Cure overseeing the public policy committee. He also volunteers on the organization’s communications committee and annual Race for the Cure.

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