CEO | Columbus

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CEOColumbus@ceoworks.org

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Seth VanHorn

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svanhorn@ceoworks.org

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The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) Columbus provides immediate, effective, and comprehensive employment services exclusively to people recently released from incarceration. CEO’s program supports participants in gaining the workplace skills and confidence needed for successful transitions to stable, productive lives. We are dedicated to ensuring that justice-impacted job seekers have opportunities to achieve socioeconomic mobility.

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CEO Columbus opened in 2017.

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CEO Updates:

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October 7, 2025

Columbus expands program giving formerly incarcerated residents a second chance

Columbus expands its program for formerly incarcerated people, doubling work crews to tackle city cleanliness and reduce recidivism.

April 17, 2025

Yahoo News

Program gives those formerly incarcerated a job, a chance

It can be tough for individuals to transition back into society after being in prison, but Columbus’ Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) is working to make that process easier by providing immediate paid employment to those recently released from prison. “Thanks to CEO, I’m a better man today, and I look forward to more positive stuff in my life, and I just love waking up now,” participant Ronald Grier said.

April 16, 2025

Aliah Keller/ Spectrum News 1

Columbus conference makes way for second chances

Hundreds of Ohioans are getting a fresh start thanks to the National Returning Citizen Conference that gets underway in Columbus on Thursday. It’s an opportunity for people who used to be incarcerated to share their stories and find support as they reenter society. The Center for Employment Opportunities in Columbus is among those programs taking part in the conference. The organization helps former inmates not only find employment but also give back through city cleanup projects.

September 16, 2025

Aliyah Tyson

From Shut Doors to a Fresh Start: Ron Earned His Way Back In

When Ronald “Ron” walked out of prison in 2023 after serving seven years, freedom was supposed to mean a fresh start. But instead, it felt like running into a wall.

November 12, 2024

Ryan M. Moser

Abu's Path from Parole to Promotion

Abu, the youngest of ten kids raised in Chicago, has never been one to coast through anything in life; when he develops a passion for something, whether it be Scrabble, public speaking, or manufacturing operations, he goes all in. “I was raised to work,” says Abu. “I learned early on that if you are dedicated to something and set goals, then you can succeed.”

March 31, 2024

Ryan M. Moser

How to Keep Hope When Your Second Chance is Taken Away

After college, Alex made some wrong turns and unfortunately found himself involved with the justice system. However, he believed that one day he could still find a good career doing what he loved.

March 31, 2024

Ryan M. Moser

From Rejection to Entrepreneurship: A Journey Beyond a Background Check

Marvin turned employment setbacks into a mission. Now with his own business, he's offering an equal opportunity to others with past mistakes.

March 31, 2024

Ryan M. Moser

A Workforce That Holds Your Past Against You

Despite Rolando's degree in electrical engineering, upon release, his past outweighed his hard work with employers. His experience highlights the urgent need for reform for justice-impacted individuals.

November 29, 2023

Emily Montgomery

“Best moment of my life”: Dion reflects on apprenticeship graduation

Reflecting on his graduation this past summer from the Building Futures Program, an apprenticeship program for the construction industry, Dion said that having his father present meant everything to him.

October 5, 2022

Emily Montgomery

Celebrating a full year of employment, Brian looks to the future

This past July, around the time many Americans were celebrating the anniversary of the nation’s founding, Ohio resident Brian celebrated a personal milestone: 365 days of employment post-incarceration.