Mark O’Neil

Mark O’Neil is the Deputy Director of the Congressional Leadership Fellowship at the Rodel Institute, an independent and nonpartisan organization devoted to strengthening American democracy and improving the quality of public leadership in the United States. In this role, he supports the Rodel Institute’s newest leadership development program for Members of Congress.

Previously, Mark served as a Legislative Affairs Specialist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), where he managed legislative affairs for USDA’s conservation programs. Prior to joining USDA, Mark served in multiple roles at the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF), including External Engagement Specialist and Director for Legislative Affairs. At USADF, Mark oversaw the agency’s legislative affairs portfolio and worked to build Congressional support for the agency.

Prior to his work for the federal government, Mark served as the Director for Government Relations and Public Affairs at Center Road Solutions, a boutique lobbying firm focused on nonprofit clients. In this role, he worked with clients to draft and lobby for multiple bills that have been signed into federal law. Mark began his career as a Legislative Assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he managed a portfolio consisting of foreign policy, defense, trade, veterans’ affairs, and natural resources.

Mark received his B.A. from Villanova University, graduating cum laude with a degree in Political Science and Communications. He received his J.D. from Marquette University Law School.

Mark can be contacted at markoneil@rodelinstitute.org.