When Keilon Ratliff was named the first Chief Diversity Officer at Kelly in September 2022, he stepped into the role with more than 24 years of experience in the staffing industry. Keilon has a passion for breaking hiring barriers for underemployed talent groups, and a track record of success with clients and job seekers. As chief diversity officer (CDO), Ratliff leads the development and execution of the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy, including programs and partnerships to attract and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce for Kelly and its clients.

Prior to being named CDO, Ratliff was a driving force behind the growth of the company’s Equity@Work initiative, which makes employment more accessible for job seekers who face discrimination. His pioneering work included a pilot project that inspired the launch and catalyzed the growth of Kelly 33, an initiative that connects Kelly clients with job seekers who have a non-violent, non-relevant criminal background. A solutions-driven leader, Ratliff previously led the automotive, energy and finance business at Kelly Professional & Industrial, where he was responsible for driving growth and profitability within these industries in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. He has also served as vice president of operations at KellyOCG, the outsourcing and consulting business of Kelly, where he was responsible for operational delivery within the industrial and manufacturing industry. Prior to that he was an operations leader in the Strategic Accounts and Operations Group at Kelly. In total, he has 20 years of experience with the company, serving in several additional key roles throughout his tenure. Ratliff is a Six Sigma Green Belt and holds a bachelor’s in psychology/human resources and an MBA from Ohio Dominican University. He has been named to Staffing Industry Analysts’ 2023 List of DEI Influencers. He lives in Columbus, Ohio with his wife, two sons, and Pomeranian.