CONTACT OUR TEAM
MPA STAFF:
MPA uses a mix of in-house staff & external experts to effectively represent its members. Feel free to contact any one of the following MPA staff with policy questions to discuss benefits of membership
DAVID BLATNIK
President
David Blatnik has worked for Marathon Petroleum Company “MPC” for thirty-five years, hiring in right out of High School. My career started off in 1985 with a seventeen years stint in the operations end of the business, Terminal Transport and Marine Division. In 2002, I went to work in MPC’s State Government Affairs (SGA) group as SGA Manager covering IL, IA, MN, & WI. In July of 2006, I transferred into MPC’s Business Development group, with a focus on renewable fuels and next generation technologies which led into a position in the Climate Change and Carbon Management group in 2009. In 2016 I took the position as Manager, Energy Supply group inside Global Procurement. At year-end 2016, I rejoined the State Government Affairs Group, where I currently resides as Manager of State Government Affairs – MI and OH. My wife Julie and I have two daughters and I have lived in Findlay for the past 14 years where we enjoy golfing and traveling
THOMAS ZAINO
Tom serves as treasurer and represents MPA before policy makers. As a former Ohio Tax Commissioner and recognized expert on budget and tax issues, Tom is a great resource for advocating policies that enhance Ohio's manufacturing competitiveness.
Tom is a known coalition builder among business groups on important public policy issues. He served as a Chairman of the Board of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and the Ohio Society CPAs.
WILLIAM FITZGIBBON
William consults with MPA on all policy areas and is MPA's resource on healthcare and workforce development issues. He has represented clients in these areas for many years, and is a well-respected advocate to policy makers on these issues.
William's policy experience includes working with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and as a legislative aid in the Ohio House of Representatives.
JOE
PRICE
Consultant
Joe Price consults with MPA on energy and other manufacturing issues. He is an acknowledged expert on energy policy, especially for manufacturers, having held such prior roles as President of the Ohio Energy Group (OEG), Chair of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s Energy & Environment Committee, and Chair of the Ohio Steel Council’s Government Affairs and Energy & Environment Committees.
Joe understands manufacturing, having managed the government affairs of TimkenSteel Corporation, one of Ohio’s leading manufacturers and one of the largest consumers of electricity and natural gas in the nation. He also served as the chief policy advisor for Ohio Congressman Bob Gibbs in Washington, D.C.
BRIAN
PERERA
Brian Perera consults with MPA on all policy issues, including budget and tax matters. Because of his experience as Senate Finance Director for more than twenty years, Brian is a recognized state budget and tax expert.
Brian has relationship spanning all of state government and his thoughts are often sought out by policy makers in the General Assembly and Administration on important budget and tax issues.
Beau consults with MPA on membership recruitment and education. She has over 10 years experience in working with statewide business associations.
Beau's political and non-profit experience brings an added benefit to MPA and its members.
