Mark Holman
Partner
Ridge Policy Group
Washington, DC
For over 35 years, Mark Holman has served as a senior manager and advisor within the State and Federal governments. His comprehensive experience, which includes positions within both the Federal legislative and executive branches, State executive branch and senior positions in eight political campaigns, provides Mark with a comprehensive understanding of government and a unique perspective that few of his peers enjoy. Mark uses these experiences to provide strategic insight and consultation to his clients at the Ridge Policy Group.
Immediately following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Mark served President George W. Bush and Governor Ridge as Deputy Assistant to the President in the White House Office of Homeland Security. Working in the White House during a time of war greatly enhanced Mark’s understanding of the importance of executive action. During his tenure in the White House, Mark assisted with policymaking that ultimately led to the historic creation of the nation’s first Department of Homeland Security.
Within the State government, Mark served as Governor Ridge’s Chief of Staff from 1995-2000. As a chief architect to the one of Pennsylvania’s most successful Administrations in recent history, Mark led efforts to significantly enhance the State’s transportation infrastructure. He also assisted with negotiations that ultimately revitalized the Naval Shipyard in Philadelphia and brought four new major sports stadiums to Pennsylvania.
Mark has also worked in both branches of Congress. Beginning his public career with the late Senator John Heinz, Mark gained first-hand knowledge of the challenges facing legislators and the competing priorities between the House and the Senate. These lessons served him well during his nine year tenure as Chief of Staff to then- Congressman Tom Ridge.
Understanding the intersection of policy and politics is essential to a successful public advocacy strategy. Over the course of his career, Mark has developed extensive campaign experience. Mark managed Governor Ridge’s first campaign for Congress in 1982 and later managed his first gubernatorial campaign. He served on President George H.W. Bush’s campaign committee in 1980 and 1988, as well as President Reagan’s 1980 campaign. In total, Mark has worked on eight full time campaign efforts at all levels. At the national level, Mark has served on the Republican Governors Association Finance Committee for over a decade, providing insight and access to State executive branches across the country.
Prior to helping found the Ridge Policy Group, Mark served as Practice Group Leader for eight years at a national law firm where he became a full equity principal. Mark matched his experience in government and politics with a broad-based Federal and State client base. His approach to client matters has always been on a bipartisan basis.
Mark is active in the community, serving on the Board of Trustees of his alma mater, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), the Board of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at Presque Isle, and the Advisory Board for the Federal Enforcement Homeland Security Foundation. Mark is also a member of the Elsie Hillman Civic Forum National Advisory Council.