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Five Questions with is a regular feature of the Institute for Leadership & Advocacy newsletter that profiles a notable past graduate of the program. The purpose is to share a personal account of an Institute alum who has worked to improve their community in a public service role. In this issue we feature 2004 Institute graduate Mark Wagoner. Mr. Wagoner previously served in the Ohio Senate, representing Ohio’s 2nd Senate District. In the Senate, he was the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee and served in the leadership position of Majority Whip. Prior to that, he served in the Ohio House of Representatives, representing the 46th House District. He is a business attorney and Partner at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP. For several years he has been an Institute presenter on the topic of Ethics in Public Service. How did you become interested in public service? I always had a passion for public policy and service. I devoured history books when I was younger, and I was always fascinated with how law – an agreement among people to follow certain rules – could have such impact on so many lives. After studying government and history in college, and then obtaining a law degree, I moved back home to Toledo to practice law and see if I could make a difference. How did the Institute program prepare you for your roles? I signed up for the Institute during my first campaign. The program was a wonderful introduction to the practical realities of public service and a great networking opportunity. The program allowed me to hit the Statehouse running when I arrived. What other experience prepared you for your roles? Growing up with my Dad, he became a single parent when I was in high school. Through sports and other activities, he instilled lessons of teamwork and working hard while having a sense of humor. He was tough but fair. Among a lot of lessons, he taught that real leadership requires, at times, putting others before your own self-interest – the old Marine saying that leaders eat last. In what specific ways have your roles allowed you to have a positive impact? I’ve been blessed to have several roles – husband, Dad, friend, attorney, and public official. I hope I’ve had a positive impact in all of them. I really enjoy watching the success of friends and colleagues. What have been the most challenging situations you have experienced in your roles? A lot of them. You can’t make change without upsetting the status quo. People vested in the status quo fight very hard to keep it, and you need to have thick skin if you’re committed to making a difference. Doing the right thing isn’t always easy and it doesn’t always advance your career – but it does, in the end, make your time in public service worthwhile.