News & Insights

Brant Russell, new CEO and President

OhioGuidestone’s Board of Directors announced Brant Russell as the new President and Chief Executive Officer following an extensive six-month national search.

Russell will succeed Richard Frank, who retires on June 30, 2022, as Chairman Emeritus following his 43-year-career with the agency.

“I am honored to lead OhioGuidestone, a responsive, compassionate organization that is here to serve the underserved.” Mr. Russell said. “Our focus is to discover how we can continually evolve to provide our clients with access to our innovative services, while demonstrating our capability to deliver value at the point of care and beyond so our clients can emerge stronger and better for the future.”

Prior to OhioGuidestone, Mr. Russell served as Regional President and CEO of Ascension Providence Hospital and Brighton Center for Recovery, and COO of Ascension St. John Hospital in Michigan. He gained extensive experience in Northeast Ohio when he served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Summa Barberton and Wadsworth Hospitals, part of Summa Healthcare, and system director of emergency/trauma service lines for Summa. Mr. Russell has held leadership roles with Fairview Hospital, part of Cleveland Clinic Health System, and MetroHealth Medical Center.

“Brant’s extensive experience gives him the distinct opportunity to increase and continue excellent care to the agency’s 28,000 clients throughout the state,” says OhioGuidestone Board Vice Chair Nancy Shaw Goldsmith. Ms. Goldsmith led the seven-member selection committee which represented diverse experiences, professions, religions, and gender.

At OhioGuidestone, we provide transformative mental health solutions to meet complex challenges. From mental health counseling to substance use disorder treatment, workforce training and more, our mission is to provide pathways to growth, achievement, and lifelong success.

Pete Ippolito, OhioGuidestone’s Board Chairman and Sherwin-Williams President & General Manager of the Global Industrial Wood Division, is excited about the possibilities with Russell’s experience and vision.

“Brant’s leadership will focus on providing the most unique and innovative partnerships for our clients,” Mr. Ippolito said. “We are thrilled with the diverse and deep experience Brant brings to OhioGuidestone.”

Improving access will be among Mr. Russell’s priorities. “We need to continually ask how can we provide care in the most efficient way. How can we get out and help as many people as we can?” Mr. Russell said.

Mr. Russell, BSN ’98, received a Distinguished Alumni award from Cleveland State University in 2015. He also earned his Master of Business Administration from Baldwin Wallace University and a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University. He and his wife, Sarah, have four daughters and reside in Rocky River. They are members of Rocky River United Methodist Church.