DEIB Trailblazer Joins OhioGuidestone Leadership
OhioGuidestone is proud to announce its new Assistant Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Ryan Clopton-Zymler will oversee culture protocols for the state’s leader in community behavioral health care, ensuring no barriers keep top talent from working and advancing at OhioGuidestone, and ensuring every client can navigate the most difficult times of their lives.
Clopton-Zymler, a recipient of the 2022 City of Cleveland LGBTQ Heritage Day Award, is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University, with a Master of Science in Social Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Ohio University.
Clopton-Zymler began his career in community behavioral health, having worked as a residential care worker and an outpatient case manager. After discovering a passion for advocacy, Clopton-Zymler transitioned from direct practice into education and activism. In his 10 years of professional DEIB work, Clopton-Zymler has collaborated with countless schools, non-profit organizations, and major corporations, advocating nationally and internationally as a speaker, panelist, and facilitator. Clopton-Zymler previously served as the Director of Race, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at United Way of Greater Cleveland where he cultivated new and invigorating programs within the organization.
Clopton-Zymler was also an inaugural part the Office of Inclusion for the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, serving as the primary support for historically disenfranchised medical students, as well as supporting faculty and staff as subject matter expert in DEIB.
“As the state’s largest community behavioral health provider, we (OhioGuidestone) have a responsibility to leverage that position and become the trusted source for creating an inclusive culture of belonging for all staff, community partnerships, and for those we serve, I am excited to bring my DEIB background to OhioGuidestone,” says Clopton-Zymler.
Brant Russell, OhioGuidestone President and CEO, says, “Ryan is bringing fresh ideas and valuable insight to our entire organization. We are looking forward to working with someone so established in the DEIB field.”
A contributor to the Ohio LGBTQ+ publication, The Buckeye Flame, Clopton-Zymler also served as a tri-chair for the 2022 Stonewall Sports National Tournament and Summit.
About OhioGuidestone
With compassion and respect, OhioGuidestone helps people across the lifespan navigate the most difficult times of their lives. As the state’s leader in community behavioral health care for 158 years, we focus on the needs of the whole person, empowering them to take steps towards a healthier future. Connect with us on www.ohioguidestone.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or by calling 440-260-8300.
Press Release Contact Name: Eileen McShea
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Press Release Contact Phone: 440 477-8869
Organization Name: Ohio Guidestone
Website or Link: OhioGuidestone.org
Organization Address / City / State: 343 Bagley Rd. Berea, Ohio