Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation Announces Staff Promotions

Columbus, Ohio—The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) has announced the promotions of two key staff members, Daniel Bennett and Jason Hughes, recognizing their leadership and contributions to advancing suicide prevention efforts across Ohio.

Daniel Bennett has been promoted to Chief Strategy Officer. In this role, Bennett will help guide the strategic growth of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation while supporting the continued development of Ohio’s statewide network of Suicide Prevention Coalitions. He will also contribute to major statewide initiatives, including the Ohio Coalition Institute and the Life Side Ohio campaign, while leading advocacy and legislative efforts that bring together partners to advance suicide prevention policy and awareness across the state.

Daniel is an Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant and has extensive experience in coalition building and prevention strategy. Before joining OSPF in 2023, he worked in universal school-based suicide prevention and coalition development, helping strengthen community-based prevention efforts throughout Ohio.

Jason Hughes has been promoted to Director of Training and Veteran Relations. Hughes joined OSPF in 2020 as Program Manager and Veteran Liaison and has played a key role in expanding suicide prevention training and outreach initiatives across the state. In his new role, he will continue overseeing the Man Therapy Ohio campaign and the Workplace Prevention program while strengthening partnerships that support veterans, service members, and their families.

Jason is a retired U.S. Army veteran with 22 years of service and is an Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist Assistant (OCPSA). He co-leads the Ohio Governor’s Challenge Team to prevent suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) and is a member of the Suicide Prevention Plan for Ohio (2024–2026) implementation team. He is also active in several prevention initiatives, including the Delaware County Suicide Prevention Coalition, the Appalachian Ohio Suicide Prevention Alliance, Life Side Ohio’s advisory committee, and the Frontline Freedom: Adventure Therapy board. Hughes is a QPR Master Trainer and a certified instructor in VitalCog, CALM, and SBHP.

“We are proud to recognize Daniel and Jason with these well-deserved promotions,” said OSPF CEO Tony Coder. “Their leadership, experience, and dedication have been instrumental in advancing suicide prevention efforts across Ohio. These new roles reflect both their impact and our continued commitment to expanding lifesaving programs and partnerships throughout the state.”