Equality Ohio Announces New Executive Director – The Buckeye Flame

Equality Ohio’s board of directors announced that Dwayne Steward has joined the organization as its new executive director.

Steward joins Equality Ohio after previously serving as Director of Inclusive Excellence, Accessibility, and Belonging at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and as Founder and CEO of Make It Better Consulting. He is also an award-winning writer, speaker, and activist who has influenced increased access to macro-level health care and social services for marginalized communities, leading to a reduction in health disparities throughout the community.

The board praised Steward as an experienced LGBTQ+ leader whose previous roles have well-prepared him to lead a nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving legal and substantive equality for LGBTQ+ people in Ohio.

“Dwayne’s experience as an executive coach helping nonprofits grow, his background in journalism, and his time as a leader in community health will be invaluable to Equality Ohio as we fight those in the legislature who believe that not all Ohioans deserve bodily autonomy and access to gender-affirming care,” said Amanda Everitt, chair of Equality Ohio’s board.

“We are thrilled that Dwayne will help us plan a new strategic vision for the future as we continue to work to ensure Ohio is a place where all LGBTQ+ Ohioans and our allies enjoy legal and living equality,” said Lynn Readey, board chair of the Equality Ohio Education Fund.

As Executive Director, Steward will assume responsibility for the executive leadership of Equality Ohio and the Equality Ohio Education Fund, providing strategic, administrative, and financial management of a 25-person team, with direct organizational development, fundraising/resource development, policy/advocacy, organizing, and external relations, and working with internal and external stakeholders to advance Equality Ohio’s mission.

“I am excited to join an organization that not only supports the community but also the residents within it, and has prioritized creating a more just and equitable workplace,” said Steward. “Our community is experiencing an unprecedented legislative assault, but I believe Ohio is worth fighting for and I look forward to advocating on the front lines for a more inclusive Ohio.”

Equality Ohio’s work includes the state’s first (and still only) legal clinic providing legal services to LGBTQ+ people in Ohio, statewide advocacy, and work to promote local nondiscrimination protections.

Steward will officially assume his new role on September 12.

IGNITE THE ACTION

• Learn more about Equality Ohio by visiting their website here.