Mark Mecum is the Executive Director of the Ohio Association of Child Caring Agencies, OACCA. In this role, he directs the strategic initiatives of the association, its advocacy and lobbying responsibilities, and development of collaborative partnerships.

Mark advocates on behalf of member agencies to state departments and the Ohio Legislature.  He is a leader in development of state legislation and regulations that improve the quality of care and services for children, caregivers, and families.

Within the association, Mark manages advisory committees, task forces, and projects.  Externally, he serves on government task forces and commissions, including the Governor’s Council on Juvenile Justice, the Governor’s Office of Health Transformation Behavioral Health Re-Design Team, and the ODJFS Partners for Ohio’s Families Advisory Board.  He also provides leadership to statewide coalitions, including Ohio Fostering Connections and Ohio Reach.

Mark started his career with OACCA in 2006 and became Executive Director in 2011. He holds  B.A. and M.A. degrees in Political Science from Ohio University and an Accelerated Certificate in Executive Specialization from the Ohio State University Fisher College of Business.