Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Cleveland Guardians
Matt Grimes (he/him) currently serves as the Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Cleveland Guardians. In this role, Matt leads the organization’s efforts to become the most inclusive team in professional sports by designing and implementing strategies that foster belonging across for players, fans, staff, and community members.
For over 15 years, Matt has helped organizations build cultural competence and inclusive leadership skills to transform workplace culture. He has been recognized for his contributions to advancing equity, including being named to Engage! Cleveland’s 24 Emerging Professionals You Need to Know (2024), Crain’s Cleveland 40 Under 40 (2023), and the Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club’s Top 25 Under 35 (2023). His leadership has also earned accolades such as the NorthCoast 99 Special Category in DEI (2022) and Siena College’s Alumni of Excellence Award (2022).
Before joining the Guardians, Matt spent over a decade in public education as a teacher and systems leader. He holds a Master’s degree in Education Policy and Leadership from Harvard University and a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Race & Ethnic Studies from Siena College. He is currently a doctoral candidate at Kent State University, where his research explores how place-based education shapes connection and belonging in organizations.
Matt also holds executive certifications in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University, University of Southern California, and Case Western Reserve University. He is a Fulbright Scholar, Teach For America alumnus, and was selected as a Global Sports Initiative Fellow by Harvard’s Weatherhead Center for International Affairs.
Outside of work, Matt serves on the boards of Teach For America Ohio, Near West Theatre, and Get in the Game. He previously served on the boards of Global Ambassadors Language Academy, Friends of the Intergenerational Schools, and CityFresh. He is also a member of the South Euclid–Lyndhurst Schools Community Advisory Group.