As we searched for a voice to inspire and elevate this year's Celebration, one name stood out—Kevin Clayton. We’re thrilled to announce that he will deliver the 2025 W.T. McCullough Keynote Lecture at our Celebration of Human Services on November 21.
About Kevin Clayton
Kevin Clayton is the Executive Vice President, Chief Impact and Equity Officer for Rock Entertainment Group (REG), the parent-company encompassing the Cleveland Cavaliers, Rocket Arena, Cleveland Charge and the Cleveland Monsters. In this role, Clayton oversees the Community Impact and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) teams, Cavaliers Legends, the Cavaliers Community Foundation, and handles government affairs for REG. By focusing the advancement of REG’s social impact and responsibility, Clayton has significantly impacted team member representation, workplace culture, fan engagement, and community relations.
If we don’t row in the same direction we will go in a circle. Let’s row in the same direction. — Ep 366. Good Humans of 2022 featuring Kevin Clayton
5 things about Kevin Clayton
He is the Executive Vice President, Chief Impact and Equity Officer at Rock Entertainment Group, parent company of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
He is our Celebration 2025 W.T. McCullough Keynote Speaker.
He was among the first 4 of the 30 teams in the NBA with diversity officers.
He serves as Board Chair for the Urban League of Greater Cleveland.
His forthcoming book, The Rise, the Fall, and the Resurrection of DEI, advises us to reclaim, reframe, redesign (and to stop using the term ‘DEI’), discussed at his March 2025 City Club appearance.
His work: Diversity, business, and sports
Before joining REG, Clayton held senior positions at Bon Secours Mercy Health, the United States Tennis Association, Russell Athletic/Spalding, Procter & Gamble, and the American Cancer Society. He also founded and managed JumpBall LLC, a consulting and sports entertainment company. His notable achievements include creating the "Diversity Profit Center" at Russell Corporation, which generated substantial revenue and was recognized in the Harvard Business Review.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Clayton is actively involved in the community, serving as Chair of the Urban League of Greater Cleveland and holding board positions with Black Sports Professionals, United Way of Greater Cleveland, and the City Club of Cleveland, among others. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, he is an alumnus of North Carolina Central University and Wilmington College, where he was a basketball team captain. Clayton is a father of four daughters and a grandfather.
