Zane State College is proud to announce the gubernatorial appointment of Diane Braden of Caldwell, Ohio, to the Zane State College Board of Trustees. Representing Noble County, her term began on May 23, 2025, and will continue through July 31, 2027.
Braden’s commitment to community runs deep. She currently serves as Treasurer of the Community Improvement Corporation of Noble County, President of the St. Stephen’s Catholic Women’s Club, and is an Independent Certified Optavia Coach, certified by the MacDonald Center for Obesity Prevention and Education and Villanova University’s College of Nursing. Her extensive record of service includes roles with:
Noble County Wellness Coalition (Treasurer)
Noble County CARES
Workforce Investment Board of Noble County
Zane State College Accounting Advisory Board
4-H Advisor and Volunteer
Relay for Life Team Leader
Health Ministry Committee at St. Stephen Catholic Church
Caldwell Band Parent Organization
A 1990 graduate of Muskingum Area Technical College (now Zane State College), Braden majored in accounting and demonstrated early leadership by founding the College’s first-ever Accounting Club. She later earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Franklin University, graduating magna cum laude with a focus in Healthcare Management.
“Diane is a champion for student success, a strong voice for Noble County, and a true example of the difference our alumni make,” said Zane State College President Dr. Chad Brown. “We are excited to welcome her to the Board of Trustees and look forward to her leadership and insight as we continue our vision of Creating a Promising Future for Every One.”
A distinguished community leader and proud alumna of the College, Braden brings more than three decades of experience in business, healthcare, and community service to the Board. She most recently served her fourth term on the Zane State College Foundation Board, where she was named Chair in 2024, following past leadership roles as Vice Chair and Treasurer.
“Zane State has always had a special place in my heart because it is where I got my start. It’s the perfect place for students in our area to get a great education. Serving on the Zane State Foundation Board has been an honor and a privilege, and I’m thrilled to continue that mission as a Trustee,” Braden said.
Braden is the former co-owner of Braden Med Services and Gillespie’s Drugs in Caldwell, a community-focused enterprise she ran with her husband, James Scott Braden, to meet the healthcare needs of Noble County. Her professional career began in banking and healthcare accounting with Farmers and Merchants Bank and Genesis Healthcare System, experiences that laid the foundation for her ongoing service in business and nonprofit leadership.
Away from her professional and volunteer commitments, Diane enjoys spending time with her family, especially her seven grandchildren. Her legacy is defined by compassion, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to uplifting others through education, healthcare, and service.
