Ramona Hood is a renowned business executive, strategic innovation expert and speaker who made history as the first African-American to lead a FedEx operating company in the Fortune 100 giant’s 47-year history. Growing up in the small town of Akron, Ohio, she forged her own path to leadership, redefining what’s possible along the way. Rising from an entry-level position to CEO of FedEx Custom Critical, she has spent decades building resilient, diverse, and high-performing teams, earning respect as a trusted advisor to major boards and executives worldwide.
Now focused on giving back to communities, especially those that reflect her own experiences, Ramona serves as a leadership advisor and speaker. She inspires possibilities, fosters an abundant mindset, and emphasizes the importance of purposeful action, work, and practice—all key to the legacy she aims to build.
As the Founder and President of Aphthonia — named after the Greek word for "abundance" — she is on a mission to help individuals and organizations thrive. Under her guidance, Hood focuses on operational excellence, strategic hiring, and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement. By streamlining processes, attracting top talent, and fostering environments that value innovation and efficiency, she equips individuals and organizations to achieve breakthroughs and sustainable growth.
Ramona’s groundbreaking leadership success and commitment to equity and inclusion have garnered widespread recognition. She has been featured in Forbes, CNBC, Crain’s Cleveland Business, Black Enterprise Women of Power, and theSkimm, for her visionary approach and transformative impact. She also serves as an active board member for several organizations, including Brinker International, the Knight Foundation, Summa Health, and most recently, the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. In these roles, she shapes policies, amplifies organizational impact, and champions equity at the highest levels.