Mark S. Critz is a dedicated public servant with deep roots in Johnstown and an impressive legacy in both federal and state leadership. A native of Irwin, Pennsylvania, Critz earned a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1987.

His career in public service began with a decade as district director and economic development manager for his mentor, Congressman John P. Murtha. Following Murtha’s passing, Critz won a special election in May 2010 and served as U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania’s 12th District until January 2013.

During his time in Congress, Critz served on both the Armed Services and Small Business Committees. Notably, he co-founded and co-chaired the Marcellus Shale Gas Caucus and the Army Aviation Caucus, advocating for regional energy development and military support.

After his congressional tenure, Critz continued serving rural Pennsylvania as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Rural Development Council beginning in April 2015. In this role, he advised Governors Wolf and Shapiro on rural policy and acted as the rural advocate in both administrations. In 2019 he picked up the additional role of Western Regional Director for the Department of Agriculture and served in both positions until his departure. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Saint Francis University, where he taught courses on state and local government and the legislative process, and as a guest lecturer at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.

Critz’s contributions have been widely recognized. He received the prestigious Patrick Henry Award—the highest civilian honor from the National Guard Association—in 2008. Other distinguished honors include the Army Aviation Association’s Knight of St. Michael, the Laurel Highlands Veteran Community Award, and multiple awards from the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Farmers Union. He is a current board member of the Johnstown Oldtimers Baseball Association, a member of the AAABA Hall of Fame and works year-round to fund the AAABA baseball tournament.

A long-time Johnstown resident, Mark lives in the Moxham neighborhood of Johnstown with his wife, Nancy, and their twin children.