Zach Ruppel

Zachary R. Ruppel is the Director of National Policy at JustLeadershipUSA. He is a passionate advocate for restorative re-entry practices and works to help change the narrative surrounding criminal justice in Ohio and beyond. A trained educator, Zach understands that the best education is a lived experience. Since his conviction, Zach has used his lived experience and emerging voice as an advocate to challenge perceptions and change hearts and minds. In 2019, he was selected to serve as the outreach coordinator for the Central Ohio Restored Citizens’ Collaborative where he worked hand-in-hand with city, county, and state officials to help achieve change in rehabilitative and re-entry practices. As Chairman of the Board for Ohio Rational Sexual Offense Laws, he also championed efforts at the Ohio Statehouse and in the community to create legislation and policies that truly reduce risk and makes everyone the community safer.

Zach is a Data and Research Analyst for the Franklin County Office of Justice Policy and Programs where he is responsible for providing key metrics needed to create smart justice reform and person-centered reentry practices. Mr. Ruppel teaches skills in holistic wellness and dialectics for Stonewall Columbus LGBT Community Center and serves as the Director of Contemporary Music for St. Paul Lutheran Church. He currently resides in Columbus, Ohio and is an avid musician and gardener.