PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Eric Ochmanek leads ABLE today, which directly engages the disability community through national outreach, developing resources, and fostering partnerships to increase the awareness of ABLE accounts. In 2016, Eric worked to launch one of the first ABLE programs and developed its in-state and national outreach. He has traveled throughout the country to connect people with disabilities with ABLE accounts and built partnerships within the disability, financial, legal, and support service communities.

Before joining NAST, Eric was a member of the Senior Staff in the Ohio Treasurer’s office, serving as Deputy Chief of Staff from 2015-2019.

Previously, Eric worked for British Petroleum in the North America Gas division, the White House Office of Presidential Advance, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Office of the Secretary. Eric is a graduate of Adrian College (Adrian, MI). He and his wife enjoy volunteering at their sons' school and for their sports teams.

NATIONAL OUTREACH LEAD

Mark Raymond, Jr. is the CEO & Founder of The Split Second Foundation, an organization committed to breaking barriers for people with disabilities. Mark's life changed in a split second when a tragic accident left him a C-5 quadriplegic. That tick of the clock will forever influence who he is, pushing him to advocate for others.

Mark has a deep-rooted history of serving the community. From renaming historic streets and landmarks in New Orleans to creating a more accessible and robust rehabilitative health infrastructure in the Gulf South, Mark strives for the advancement of those most disadvantaged.

From 2022-2024, Mark served as the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Regional Transit Authority in New Orleans.