Marlon Moore Ph.D.

Chief Executive Officer, Diversity, Inclusion Executive

Marlon Moore Consulting

Diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant Marlon Moore, Ph.D. has aptly summed up his DEI philosophy in the title of his book, “Diversity Starts with You,” a strategy guide published in 2021 to help leaders develop a world-class DEI strategy for their organizations. The book reflects Dr. Moore’s 25 years of experience as a nationally recognized leader in DEI, working with organizations and business professionals across multiple industries to strengthen what is now a top priority as they look to the future.

“After the murder of George Floyd, people and organizations alike were interested in how they could impact societal change,” Dr. Moore says. “This included establishing strategic organizational objectives. I felt that if I couldn’t engage every person or organization, I at least wanted to offer a resource guide on key concepts related to DEI that I believe can make a difference.”

In his book, Dr. Moore also shares some very personal experiences–including his experience being called a racial slur for the first time.

“Not in the deep south, not in 1960, but in the Midwest around 2018. This was an unfortunate reminder that there are still sig- nificant opportunities to educate people of the impact of bias, stereotypes, and overt racism. To become a more inclusive society and business community, it is important that we all embrace the notion that diversity starts with you.”

The former chief diversity and inclusion officer for a large regional bank, Dr. Moore launched Marlon Moore Consulting during the pandemic. Marlon Moore Consulting provides the format and structure for establishing DEI operating plans including key strategic initiatives and performance indicators based on industry leading best practices and value alignment.

He has supported many Columbus-based organizations in their DEI efforts including Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), Donatos Pizza, The Crane Group, and Pelotonia and nationally, Project Lead the Way and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and member organizations such as USA Weightlifting, USA Climbing, and US Figure Skating. He has also authored articles for Savoy and Kaleidoscope magazines and received recognition from Black Enterprise Magazine, National Diversity Council, Forbes, and Fortune 100 magazine. In addition, he is host of “Moore DEI Discussions,” a podcast series that features conversations about DEI with C-suite executives.

Dr. Moore says having a diverse workforce starts with representation, which means attracting staff that are representative of various genders and gender identities, sexual orientation, and ethnicity, among other dimensions. To organizations and professionals who want to advance DEI, Dr. Moore further advises, “Be authentic in your engagement, be intentional about your aspirations, fully embrace DEI and always strive to deliver excellent results on your DEI goals. Most importantly, know that together we hold the power of change because diversity starts with you.”

Jason C. Smith

Executive Director, Advancing Black Pathways JPMorgan Chase

Jason is the Corporate Client Business Relationship Executive for Advancing Black Pathways at JPMorgan Chase, an initiative founded in 2019 to strengthen the economic foundation of Black communities around the world. In this role, he helps the firm address historical barriers to economic growth in Black communities and partners with the firm’s largest corporate clients to achieve their DEI targets by sharing best practices and creating joint initiatives.

He leverages his 20+ years of experience in business relationship management, process improvement and diversity & inclusion to further transform the ways JPMorgan Chase works and collaborates with existing and potential corporate clients. In addition, he’s an active leader of the firm’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives, and a member of the Ohio-based Black Leadership Forum.

Since joining the firm in September 2017, he has held numerous roles within the organization that include, Site Services Director and Director of Performance Consulting. As a former Executive Sponsor for one of JPMorgan Chase’s many businesses resource groups, BOLD Ohio (Black Organization for Leadership Development), Ja- son has always been a resourceful business partner and champion for those under-represented.

Prior to joining JPMorgan Chase, Jason held a dual role at Transportation Research Center, Inc. (TRC) as the Director of Projects/Director of Engineering within their Research & Development organization. In addition, he garnered his program management, process improvement and engineering skills through a variety of positions he held at Rolls-Royce Energy Systems Inc. (RRESI) and General Motors Corp. (GM). At RollsRoyce, Jason led numerous global project teams, while working in countless foreign countries such as Nigeria, United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan and China. While at GM, he was integrally involved in the advancement of Telematics and numerous vehicles launches. In 2004, he earned the GM Chairman’s Honor Award, GM’s highest honor, for his role in the launch of the Chevy Malibu.

Jason is a proud Historically Black College and University (HBCU) alumni and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Prairie View A&M University and a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management of Technology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

He is also PMP (Project Management Professional) certified from the Project Management Institute and trained as a Black Belt Lean Six Sigma and certified in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through Cornell University.

Jason is a Detroit native and currently resides in Westerville, OH with his wife Evelyn and their two teenage daughters. In his spare time, he enjoys grilling, golfing, cycling, swimming, traveling the globe and coaching youth in golf as a volunteer with the PGA Jr. League.

Erik Farley

Chief People, Equity and Inclusion Officer

YMCA of Central Ohio

Erik Farley serves as the Chief People, Equity and Inclusion Officer for the YMCA of Central Ohio. His work includes collaborating with cross-functional teams to transform the YMCA of Central Ohio’s approach to inclusion, equity, diversity, and anti-racism work through systems, structure and processes. Erik oversees the People and Culture Department (formally Human Resources). He is also responsible for cultivating and sustaining strong, mutually beneficial, relationships with Columbus-based groups and organizations.

Prior to working in the nonprofit sector, Erik worked in higher education administration for 17 years at private liberal arts colleges and medium-sized, comprehensive state universities. He most recently served as Dean of Student Leadership and Community Engagement at Denison University.

Erik currently serves as Vice Chair of The Friends of WOSU Board, an advisory group of Central Ohio citizens. This body has been an important liaison between WOSU Public Media and the community since 1973. He also serves as Vice Chair of the Ohio Attorney General’s Charitable Advisory Council. In this role, Erik advises the attorney general on training needs and model policies for charities. The council also assists the attorney general in identifying

Ralonda Hampton Diversity, Inclusion Engagement Officer Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC)

In this position, Hampton is part of MORPC’s Communications & Engagement team and responsible for the agency’s diversity & inclusion programs and initiatives. Hampton also develops, conducts and reviews MORPC’s outreach strategies to ensure compliance with branding, public involvement and diversity policies.

Ralonda first began her career in public service at The Ohio Treasurer of State. As a Program Manager in the Economic Development Department, Ralonda served on an intimate team responsible for managing the Treasury’s $800 million portfolio.

Prior to joining MORPC, Hampton served as a Legislative Aide at Columbus City Council. Hampton has more than 17 years of experience in the public and private sectors spanning in human resources, diversity & inclusion, economic development and community engagement.

Ralonda is passionate about her community and grew up in the historical Near East Side. She graduated from Columbus City Schools and holds emerging issues and trends affecting charities. Erik is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Eastern Michigan University, Master of Arts (Educational Leadership), Ypsilanti, MI, 2006 Denison University, Bachelor of Arts (History), Granville, OH, 2003 a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, from Kentucky State University. She resides in Columbus with her husband Kenny and two children, Kennedy and KJ.