Shannon (He/ Him/ His) serves as the Learning & Development Coordinator for the Out To Work Workforce Development Program at Stonewall Columbus. In this role, he oversees initiatives designed to support LGBTQ+ community members—specifically those impacted by incarceration—by facilitating job readiness training and connecting participants with affirming employment opportunities. Additionally, Shannon is the Executive Producer and owner of Ban’dIt X Entertainment, a production company focused on creating performance platforms for diverse talent. His work across these sectors centers on the development of sustainable, inclusive structures that aim to dismantle systemic barriers to access.
Shannon’s professional background is grounded in community mentorship and human behavior, beginning with child development and soccer coaching at the high school, club, and collegiate levels during his time at Capital University. After transferring to The Ohio State University, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and transitioned into clinical inpatient healthcare. Shannon provided psychiatric inpatient care and mental health support at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OSUWMC) and later specialized in patient experience at OSU East Hospital. Throughout his tenure in healthcare, he served as a consultant for gender-affirming care, providing education to medical and nursing staff on best practices for Trans-related patient support.
He further expanded his professional scope through roles in the insurance, healthcare technologies, and virtual mental healthcare industries, including positions at CoverMyMeds, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and McKesson. At McKesson, Shannon was the Business Development Leader for the LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG) and represented the company at the 2023 Out & Equal Workplace Summit. These roles established his expertise in the pharmaceutical industry and prior authorization processes, allowing him to integrate corporate infrastructure with patient-centered advocacy.
Shannon’s commitment to community engagement extends into the nonprofit and outdoor recreation sectors. He is the founder of Queer Climbing Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland, independent organizations dedicated to increasing representation and addressing financial barriers to entry in the sport. His contributions to outdoor equity were recognized in 2023 with the Access Fund JEDI & Stewardship Award. Shannon previously served as the Membership Director for the Ohio Climbers Coalition, where he coordinated statewide stewardship efforts and regional affinity programming. He is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree to further enhance his clinical skills and capacity for community service.
