Mark Mallory (born April 2, 1962) is an American politician who served as the 68th Mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio. A member of the Democratic Party, he was the first two-term Mayor under the City's new Stronger-Mayor system, the first directly elected African-American mayor, the third African-American mayor, and the first mayor in more than 70 years who did not come from City Council. Mallory works for FC Cincinnati as the Director of Community Development. Early life and education Mallory was born and raised in West End, Cincinnati. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Administrative Management from the University of Cincinnati. Mayor Mallory began his career in public service as a book shelver at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. He worked there 14 years at a variety of positions, rising to Manager of Graphic Production and Assistant to the head of public relations. Career Prior to his election in 2005, he served as assistant Minority Leader in the Ohio Senate. He won a seat in the Ohio House of Representatives in 1994, replacing his father who retired after serving the district for nearly 30 years. He served in the Ohio House from 1995 to 1998, when he was elected to the Senate. In November 1998, Mark Mallory was elected to represent the 9th Senate District in the Ohio General Assembly, and in 2002 was elected to his second four-year term. He was the Assistant Minority Leader for the Senate Democratic Caucus during his seven years in the General Assembly. In 2003, Senator Mallory passed a resolution in the General Assembly ratifying the 14th Amendment, 135 years after it was amended to the US Constitution. Mallory resigned his senate seat in 2005 to run for Mayor of Cincinnati. He defeated fellow Democrat David Pepper to win the election. Mallory was elected to a second term as Mayor in 2009. Opening day pitch debacle On April 2, 2007, Mallory was scheduled to throw the ceremonial first pitch for the Cincinnati Reds' game on Opening Day. Despite claims that he had trained with the University of Cincinnati baseball team, his pitch flew thirty feet to the first base side of home plate, missing the intended target, Eric Davis. The ball hit the foot of umpire Sam Holbrook, who ejected Mallory before the contest even began. The pitch received national media attention, including appearances on Good Morning America and Cold