With more than 20 years of experience in marketing and public affairs, Mark Owens has held leadership roles across a range of sectors, including retail, insurance, financial services, and nonprofit organizations. As Vice President of Marketing at Team NEO, he leads the organization’s marketing strategy, positioning Cleveland and Northeast Ohio to attract business investment, with a strong focus on international markets such as Ireland.
In March 2023, Mark was appointed by the Government of Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs as the first-ever Honorary Consul of Ireland for the State of Ohio. In this role, he supports the development of economic, business, and cultural relationships between Ireland and the region, while also providing consular assistance to Irish citizens. He is part of a global network of approximately 100 Honorary Consuls, including just a dozen across the United States. His consulate office is located in Cleveland’s Playhouse Square district.
He was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine to serve on the inaugural Ohio–Ireland Trade Commission, which he now chairs. He serves on the Executive Board of Global Cleveland, where he chairs the Marketing Advisory Committee and co-chairs the Sister Cities Committee, and is also a member of the Irish Network USA National Executive Committee. His community involvement includes leadership roles with the Irishtown Bend Park Project, the Greater Cleveland Mayo Society, and the Cleveland Irish American Archives Society. He also serves on the Screening Committee of the Irish American National Hall of Fame.
Previously, Mark chaired the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission Associate Board, served as a board member of Ohio City Incorporated, and was a trustee of the West Side Irish American Club. Most recently, he served as Chair of the Business Advisory Committee at Cuyahoga Community College.
Originally from Derry City, Ireland, Mark moved to Cleveland permanently in 2001 after attending John Carroll University through the Study USA scholarship program. He holds a degree in Production Management from the University of Manchester and earned his Executive MBA from South East Technological University (SETU) in Waterford, Ireland.