Ex-Aéropostale, Chico's & Converse buyer and seasoned participant in Ohio local political and ballot efforts takes on research volunteer role with OCG
I'm a mom to three boys in Licking County, and I want them to see a state where politicians are forced to work for every single vote.”— Lizzie MargoliusJOHNSTOWN, OH, UNITED STATES, October 7, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Lizzie Margolius, a mother of three boys residing in Licking County, has signed on as a volunteer researcher for Ohio Common Ground. She will devote roughly half her workweek—about 20 hours—to OCG's Research Center.
Margolius honed her expertise in an industry where margins are everything: fashion retail. She oversaw apparel divisions for three major labels and approaches data with the same intensity a detective brings to a case file.
Her track record tells the story:
• Aéropostale (New York, 2007–2011): Identified an opening in the spring 2011 woven-dress assortment, increased its portion of the lineup twofold, and achieved a 47 percent boost in comparable sales. Through proactive and backup planning, she generated $1 million in sales above projections.
• Chico's FAS (Fort Myers, 2011–2012): Directed a $61 million outlet operation and implemented quarterly hindsight assessments that informed design and manufacturing teams on performance.
• Converse (North Andover, 2013–2014: Oversaw an $18 million apparel division spanning more than 400 products across 86 locations. A display initiative she contributed to yielded roughly $60,000 monthly across 13 stores prior to a company-wide rollout.
Her academic credentials include a marketing bachelor's degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, plus an associate degree in fashion marketing from Parsons School of Design in New York.
Margolius has also been active in Ohio's political arena, taking part in numerous candidate and ballot campaigns. She understands the mechanics of crafting a campaign message and how it resonates when delivered to voters' doorsteps.
"Lizzie's entire career has been about comparing plans to outcomes, and the outcomes were victories," said Mark Pukita, Founding Organizer of Ohio Common Ground. "That mirrors what our Research Center does with state governance. Every figure we release must link back to a primary source. She understands the discipline needed to verify a number, and she knows the consequences of getting it wrong. Ohio voters are gaining a dedicated researcher on their side."
"I'm raising three boys in Licking County, and I want them to grow up in a state where politicians have to earn every vote," Margolius said. "It begins with voters having access to the facts. I built a career tracking numbers for major corporations. Now I get to do that for my community.”
Margolius will assist OCG's research into Ohio's Top 5 Issues: affordability and cost of living, housing, healthcare, government responsiveness and accountability, and economic opportunity. Her initial tasks include investigating questions such as:
• Are Ohioans in a better position than before?
• What impact is online gambling having on young men in Ohio?
• What patterns are emerging in Ohio college tuition costs?
• How are H-1B visa holders affecting Ohio's workforce?
Ohio Common Ground is actively recruiting volunteers for its research team. Interested Ohioans can contact the organization at: info@ohiocommonground.com.
About Ohio Common Ground
Ohio Common Ground is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) (application pending) civic organization headquartered in Dublin, Ohio. Its Research Center provides descriptive, primary-source examinations of Ohio government, while its Organizing Arm seeks to amplify the voice of Ohio's unaffiliated voters. OCG's guiding principle is clear: Politicians Must Earn Your VoteTM. Additional details are available at ohiocommonground.com.
Mark Pukita
Ohio Common Ground
+1 614-499-0599
info@ohiocommonground.com
