Biography

Senior Vice President of National Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Policy and Chief Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Officer, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals

Dr. Ronald L. Copeland is senior vice president of National Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Policy and chief equity, inclusion, and diversity officer for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals. A board-certified general surgeon (recently retired), he joined Kaiser Permanente in 1988 after a six-year honorable tour of duty in the United States Air Force Medical Corps. Prior to his current role, he served as president and executive medical director of the Ohio Permanente Medical Group.

Q&A

What inspires you in your work?

While I find inspiration in many things, I am most inspired in my work by the recurring privilege of witnessing the power of the human spirit to courageously overcome seemingly impossible barriers, and triumph.

If you could change one thing about healthcare, what would it be?

I would ensure that health and healthcare equity are achieved for all people.

What life experience has taught or changed you the most?

The one life experience that has undoubtedly taught or changed me the most is meeting my soul mate early in life. We are still thriving together after 43 years of marriage!

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I think people might be surprised to learn that as a budding young artist, I sold my first paintings when I was only 12 years old.

A headshot of Ronald L. Copeland