Russell Morrow named to Leadership Ohio’s Class of 2024

Leadership Ohio, the state’s only leadership development program that connects diverse leaders from across Ohio to promote positive change, has announced the class of 2024.

After receiving a record 147 nominations and completing a competitive selection process, 35 individuals have been appointed as 2024 Leadership Ohio Fellows.

The 2024 Leadership Ohio Fellows include Dr. Russell Morrow, interim vice president for diversity and inclusion at Ohio University.

“I am honored to be selected for the Leadership Ohio program,” Morrow said. “This is a great opportunity to work and learn alongside exceptional leaders from across the state’s public and private sectors, and I am excited for the personal and professional impact of this experience."

Morrow has more than a decade of experience as a diversity educator, consultant, and leader.

Prior to his role as interim vice president for diversity and inclusion, he served as the inaugural assistant dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the College of Business. Over the course of his career, he has led student success and DEI initiatives at the University of California, Davis, The Ohio State University, and Denison University.

Over the next eight months, the 35 leaders will explore critical questions, engage in challenging social discourse, and identify opportunities that impact Ohioans and the communities in which they live and work.

“I am incredibly excited about the transformational impact this program will have on our participants, catalyzing positive change throughout Ohio," said Shon Christy, president of the Leadership Ohio Board of Trustees. "The cultivation of leadership is not just a necessity, it's a responsibility. We’ve spent months reviewing applications and conducting interviews to get us to this point."

The Class of 2024 comes from a variety of sectors, including Energy, Transportation, Education, Economic Development, Arts, and more. These fellows live in different corners of the state and represent a spectrum of ideological and political viewpoints – 43 percent identify on the conservative spectrum, and 57 percent on the liberal spectrum. This variety of viewpoints is a cornerstone of the program as Ohio steers towards a thriving future for people of all ages and beliefs.

Fellows will engage in a series of intensive sessions that cover topics such as agriculture, manufacturing, the Great Lakes, human trafficking, opioid addiction, fair chance hiring, economic development, and civil discourse. Most importantly, they will build impactful relationships with other leaders from around the state with goals for lasting change throughout their careers.

“We’re excited to welcome these distinguished changemakers who are on the leading edge of solutions for a future-driven Ohio,” said Lisa Duty, Ph.D., executive director of Leadership Ohio. “I look forward to the ways they will inspire lasting, positive change throughout our state.”

Once fellows graduate they are inducted into the Leadership Ohio alumni network comprised of accomplished, diverse, talented Ohioans who are making a difference in their communities.

Nominations for the class of 2025 open in October 2024.

For more information about Leadership Ohio, visit www.leadershipohio.org.