Mark Owens has been selected as the first-ever Irish Honorary Consul in Ohio. Mark is Team NEO VP of Marketing & Communications. He came here to study at John Carroll University’s Boler College of Business and became a dual Irish and American citizen in 2011. 
Mark Owens
Though Mark has been performing consular duties for many months there was an official ribbon cutting and welcoming reception on Friday November 10, 2023 attended by Geraldine Byrne Nason, Irish Ambassador to the U.S and members of the Irish and civic communities.
The reception was sponsored in large part by Edward X. McNamara, President & CEO of Armada Risk Partners, who will be the next president of the Mayo Society of Greater Cleveland taking over for founding president Gerry Quinn. The Mayo Society and Global Cleveland were also sponsors.
After a social hour a short program took place. Jane Fox, Mayor of Dublin Ohio, congratulated Mark and invited everyone to the Dublin Irish Festival next year. 
Jane Fox, Mayor of Dublin Ohio
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne spoke next and presented Mark with a proclamation.
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne
Ohio State Rep. Tom Patton spoke next and also presented Mark with a proclamation.
Mark Owens and Ohio State Rep. Tom Patton
H.E. Geraldine Byrne Nason, Irish Ambassador to the U.S, told how working with Mark would reinforce connections between the region, the state, and Ireland. She then led a toast to Mark and his family.
Geraldine Byrne Nason, Irish Ambassador to the U.S
Geraldine Byrne Nason toasting Mark Owens
Then Mark gave his remarks and it was back to the celebration.
Mark Owens
Enjoy these images from the reception.
Edward McNamara and Ellen Flanagan,
Vice Consul General, Consulate of New York.
Marilyn Madigan and other LAOH leaders and friends
Mark Owens and Bryan Belgie
Chris Ronayne, Greg Harris, Ron Coper and Jane Fox
City of Mentor officials Ken Filipiak (City Manager),
Sean Blake (Councilman) and Kevin Malecek (Director of Economic Development) with Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason
Sarah O'Brien and Carlene and Patrick Murphy
Brandon and Jennifer Greear with Mark Owens
Margaret Lynch and Mark Owens
Congratulations Mark on this well-deserved honor.
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