Mark Costello (November 10, 1955 – August 23, 2015) was an American politician and businessman who served as Commissioner of Labor of Oklahoma from 2011 to 2015. A Republican, he was elected in 2010, defeating the Democratic incumbent, Lloyd Fields. Before his election he was a businessman who founded several technology companies.[1]
After taking office, he established a non-profit advocacy group to oppose the positions of public employee unions,[2] and fought federal regulations on family farms.[3]
Costello founded American Computer & Telephone (AMCAT) in 1991, a telephone software company based in Oklahoma City. AMCAT was sold in 2007. He founded another telecommunications company, USA Digital Communications, in 1997.[4] He identified as Catholic and pro-life, and was a member of the National Rifle Association of America.[5]
Death
Costello was fatally stabbed by his son, Christian, on August 23, 2015, at a Braum's restaurant in Oklahoma City. His son was arrested following the incident, and was reported to have a history of mental illness.[6][7][8] In 2018, Christian Costello was declared not guilty by reason of insanity, and was committed to a state mental hospital.[9]
