Professional Biography
“Driven by data, inspired by community-my research fuels the policies that empower and uplift Northeast Ohio, turning insights into lasting impact”
Andrew M. Snyder is a distinguished public health leader and program management expert, known for his commitment to addressing health disparities and promoting equitable access to community resources. With over a decade of experience, Andrew has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ public health, blending innovative community-based participatory research strategies with evidence-based program design to drive impactful community health initiatives.
Andrew serves as a Research Fellow at the Center for Community Solutions in Cleveland, Ohio and Adjunct Faculty at Kent State University’s College of Public Health, where he leads a series of high-profile LGBTQ+ community health needs assessments across Northeast Ohio. His work not only informs culturally competent services but also influences significant investments aimed at meeting the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Andrew’s leadership extends to the development of the Kent State’s first LGBTQ+ Public Health Graduate Certificate, where he teaches courses in LGBTQ+ public health.
Throughout his career, Andrew has demonstrated a remarkable ability to cultivate collaborative partnerships, secure substantial grant funding, and mobilize diverse stakeholders to achieve sustainable outcomes. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Ohio Public Health Association’s Distinguished Achievement in Health Equity Service and Kent State Alumni Association’s inaugural Outstanding Staff award.
Andrew is also an active community participant, contributing to various LGBTQ+ and public health professional organizations and associations. He holds a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Kent State University and is currently pursuing his Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health.
Andrew’s professional dedication is complemented by a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), which is reflected in his advocacy and leadership throughout his career.
Community-Based Participatory Research
Mr. Snyder has distinguished himself as a leader in conducting community-based participatory research (CBPR) in Northeast Ohio, particularly through his groundbreaking work on a series of LGBTQ+ Community Health Needs Assessments across Northeast Ohio. As the Principal Investigator, Andrew spearheaded these comprehensive studies, raising significant funding from prestigious foundations and community organizations, including the Akron Community Foundation, Cleveland Foundation, the George Gund Foundation, Mt. Sinai Health Foundation and the Mahoning Valley Community Foundation. His ability to secure over $700,000 in grants for these projects underscores his expertise in both grant writing and resource mobilization, positioning him as a key figure in advancing LGBTQ+ public health in Northeast Ohio.
These needs assessments, which captured the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals across Greater Akron, Greater Cleveland, and Greater Youngsotwn, have been transformative in shaping public health strategies and services in the region. Under Andrew’s leadership, these studies not only gathered vital data but also engaged the community in a truly participatory process, ensuring that the voices of marginalized groups were central to the research. The findings have been widely disseminated to stakeholders within and beyond the healthcare sector, informing the development of culturally competent services and guiding investments aimed at addressing the unique needs of LGBTQ+ populations.
Andrew’s work in these assessments is the pinnacle of his career, demonstrating his unparalleled ability to plan, implement, and evaluate complex, large-scale public health projects. His commitment to ensuring that research translates into actionable outcomes has made a lasting impact on the Northeast Ohio region, fostering a more inclusive and equitable health landscape for LGBTQ+ communities. The success and recognition of these projects have solidified Andrew’s reputation as a visionary leader in public health, dedicated to driving positive societal change through rigorous, community-engaged research.
“The LGBTQ+ Community Health Needs Assessments are more than just studies; they are a powerful reflection of the voices, struggles, and hopes of our community. Through these assessments, we’ve transformed lived experiences into actionable insights that are driving meaningful change and fostering health equity across Northeast Ohio.”
Program Management
Andrew is a seasoned program management expert with a proven track record of leading impactful public health initiatives. His expertise lies in designing, implementing, and evaluating programs that address critical health disparities, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. At Kent State University, Andrew has successfully managed complex projects, such as the Greater Cleveland LGBTQ+ Community Health Needs Assessment, ensuring they meet strategic objectives, adhere to budgets, and achieve sustainable outcomes. His program management skills have been recognized with several awards, including the Distinguished Achievement in Health Equity Service from the Ohio Public Health Association.
Authentic Community Engagement
Andrew is deeply committed to authentic community engagement, believing that the voices of those most affected by health disparities should guide public health interventions. He has led numerous community-based participatory research (CBPR) initiatives, bringing together diverse stakeholders to co-create solutions that reflect the lived experiences of Northeast Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community. Through his leadership, Andrew has fostered trust and collaboration, ensuring that community members are not just participants but active partners in the research process. His work has been instrumental in shaping culturally competent services and has been celebrated with accolades such as nomination for the G.E.A.R Award from Kent State University Women’s Center.
Strategic Community Advocacy
Andrew approach to strategic advocacy is rooted in his belief that data-driven insights can drive meaningful policy change. He has leveraged his extensive research and public health expertise to advocate for policies that promote health equity and justice, particularly for marginalized communities. Andrew’s advocacy efforts are not limited to the academic sphere; he actively engages with policymakers, community leaders, and organizations to translate research findings into actionable policies that improve the daily lives of individuals in Northeast Ohio. His strategic advocacy work has garnered recognition, including the Faculty Staff Award from Kent State University’s LGBTQ+ Student Center.
Teaching & Curriculum Development
Mr. Snyder is a dedicated educator with a deep passion for teaching and curriculum development, particularly in the realm of public health and LGBTQ+ studies. As an Adjunct Faculty member at Kent State University’s College of Public Health, Andrew has led the creation and implementation of the first LGBTQ+ Public Health Graduate Certificate in the state of Ohio. This innovative program reflects his commitment to addressing the critical need for specialized education in LGBTQ+ public health issues, and it empowers students to become advocates and leaders in promoting health equity. His courses, including “Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Public Health Practice” and “Emerging Issues in LGBTQ+ Public Health,” are not only academically rigorous but also deeply rooted in real-world applications, ensuring that students are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to the field.
In addition to his work on the LGBTQ+ Public Health Graduate Certificate, Andrew has been recognized for his excellence in teaching and curriculum development across a range of public health courses. His approach to teaching is both student-centered and inclusive, fostering a learning environment where diverse perspectives are valued and where all students feel empowered to contribute. Andrew’s ability to integrate complex theoretical concepts with practical, community-based experiences has earned him accolades, including the Faculty/Staff Award from Kent State University’s LGBTQ+ Student Center. His commitment to providing students with the tools they need to succeed is evident in the feedback he receives from his students, who consistently praise his ability to make challenging material accessible and engaging.
Andrew’s teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that education should not only impart knowledge but also inspire action. He is deeply committed to the idea that education is a powerful tool for social change, particularly in the field of public health. His curriculum development efforts are focused on creating courses that are not only academically challenging but also relevant to the pressing health issues facing society today. Through his teaching, Andrew seeks to equip his students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding they need to become leaders in public health, capable of driving policy changes that improve the day-to-day lives of those in Northeast Ohio and beyond.
Grant Writing
Andrew M. Snyder has achieved significant success in grant writing, securing substantial funding for a series of pivotal LGBTQ+ public health initiatives across Ohio. His expertise in crafting strategic and persuasive grant proposals has resulted in over $1.2 million in funding for critical projects. Notably, Andrew was the Principal Investigator for the Greater Cleveland LGBTQ+ Community Needs Assessment, which received $356,000 in funding from a consortium of esteemed organizations, including The Cleveland Foundation and The George Gund Foundation. His ability to secure $224,091 for the Greater Youngstown LGBTQ+ Community Needs Assessment and $148,608 for the Greater Akron LGBTQ+ Community Needs Assessment further demonstrates his proficiency in aligning project goals with funder priorities and ensuring that essential resources are obtained to drive impactful public health research.
Andrew’s grant writing success is also reflected in his work with the Ohio Department of Health, where he secured nearly $550,000 across three consecutive years for the “Quality Innovation in the Continuum of HIV Care” initiative. His ability to consistently deliver compelling proposals that resonate with funders has been instrumental in advancing public health projects that address some of the most pressing issues facing LGBTQ+ communities. Andrew’s strategic approach to resource acquisition ensures that his projects are not only well-funded but also positioned for long-term success, making a lasting impact on public health in Ohio.
Publications and Presentations
Andrew has made substantial contributions to public health research, particularly in the realm of LGBTQ+ health and pandemic response. His peer-reviewed publications reflect his dedication to addressing critical health issues with a focus on equity and innovation. Notable works include his scoping review on detecting bias in electronic health records, published in Stigma and Health in 2023, which highlights the importance of equitable health data practices. Additionally, Andrew’s advocacy for inclusive LGBTQ+ community needs assessments, featured in the Ohio Journal of Public Health, and his analysis of community efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic underscore his commitment to mobilizing communities for impactful public health interventions.
Beyond his published research, Andrew has authored several pivotal professional reports that have guided public health strategies in Northeast Ohio. His work on the Greater Cleveland LGBTQ+ Community Needs Assessment (2024) and the Greater Akron LGBTQ+ Community Needs Assessment (2022) has provided essential insights that inform local public health initiatives and resource allocation. These reports, developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, are instrumental in shaping culturally competent health services and policies that address the unique needs of LGBTQ+ communities.
Andrew is also an accomplished speaker, regularly presenting his research at prestigious conferences and in community settings. His expertise in LGBTQ+ health equity and the social determinants of health has made him a sought-after presenter at events such as the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and the Cleveland Clinic Social Determinants of Health Annual Meeting. Through these presentations, Andrew continues to disseminate knowledge that influences public health practices and policies, further solidifying his role as a leader in the field.
Andrew M. Snyder 