Stephen Francis

Chief Diversity Officer

City of Columbus

Stephen Francis was appointed the first ever Chief Diversity Officer for the City of Columbus in January 2016. As Chief Diversity Officer, Steve Francis is in charge of implementing and communicating the diversity and inclusion vision, commitment and strategy of Mayor Andrew J. Ginther.

He provides support in the development of a comprehensive workforce diversity strategy for the City of Columbus and is working to develop a city-wide diversity external relations strategy. He continues to support the Equal Business Opportunity Office in the development of diverse supplier and procurement goals in city contracts for goods and services.

Director Francis was the Manager of Corporate Affairs at Honda of America starting in 2013. He managed a multitude of divisions with Honda including: Government Relations; Diversity Relations; Community Relations; Media Relations; Public Relations; and Internal Communications. Director Francis also Managed Honda’s philanthropic relationship with The Ohio State University. Director Francis was the Manager of Diversity Relations at Honda of America from 2004 to 2013. His duties included the management of cross-functional diversity and inclusion initiatives and the daily management of these initiatives in the areas of workforce, procurement, community outreach, supplier diversity and internal communications. He created diversity initiatives, strategic planning and metrics for the Honda North America Diversity Committee. Director Francis was vital to the development and cofacilitation of a company-wide cultural competency training program and new hire diversity training program.

Director Francis was Senior Assistant Counsel for Honda of America from 1995 to 2004. He managed and supervised Workers’ Compensation practice, coordinated and managed legal services provided to Honda of South Carolina, and developed and coordinated Honda’s HIPPA compliance program.

Director Francis also served as legal counsel for Banc One Corporation and the Ohio Department of Development.

Steve Francis attended Morehouse College and The Ohio State Univerisity College of Law. He is a member of several boards including: Baker & Hostetler Diversity Advisory Board; Columbus Clippers Baseball, Inc.; Columbus Association for the Performing Arts; Columbus Urban League; Central Ohio Diversity Consortium: American Heart Association; and Second Baptist Church.