Ronald L. Copeland, MD, FACS, is senior vice president and chief equity, inclusion, and diversity officer for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. and Hospitals.

In this role, Dr. Copeland is responsible for shaping and leading our strategy for equity, inclusion, and diversity in the workplace, in care delivery, and in the community.

Prior to assuming his current role, Dr. Copeland served as president and executive medical director of the Ohio Permanente Medical Group. He joined Kaiser Permanente in 1988 after a 6-year honorable tour of duty in the United States Air Force Medical Corps.

Dr. Copeland is a board member of the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, the National Organization on Disability, and the Center for Healthcare Innovation. He is a member of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Equity Advisory Group, and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Copeland earned his bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College and his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He completed his residency in general surgery at the State University of New York Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, New York. He also attended the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. Dr. Copeland has been named a top diversity leader by Diversity & Leadership, Inc. and Modern Healthcare.