LaRaun Clayton (he/him) is a nonprofit executive, U.S. Army veteran, and community leader committed to advancing equity, dignity, and opportunity for LGBTQ+ people and other marginalized communities across Ohio and Indiana.

He serves as Vice President of Veterans & Housing Programs at Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana, overseeing housing, workforce development, suicide prevention, and supportive services for veterans and their families. A licensed social worker with an MBA and a 500-hour certified yoga instructor, LaRaun brings a values-driven, holistic, and strategic approach to his leadership.

LaRaun served ten years in the United States Army Reserve and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi/Enduring Freedom. His relationship with Equality Ohio began in 2017 through his work in HIV prevention and youth services, and he has remained a long-time supporter of the organization’s advocacy efforts.

A Youngstown native now living in Cleveland, LaRaun previously served on the Board of the LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland and the Cleveland Steering Committee for the Human Rights Campaign. He currently serves on the Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation Board of Trustees and Cuyahoga County’s Citizens Advisory Council on Equity. A graduate of the Cleveland Leadership Center’s Advanced Leadership Institute, LaRaun brings a collaborative, grounded approach to his service on the Equality Ohio Education Fund Board.