Jayson Graham '08

After spending four years in the halls and on the field at Elyria Catholic, Jayson Graham took the tools he learned and the relationships he built with him beyond the corner of Poplar and Gulf. 

He credits the culture at Elyria Catholic as one of the things he remembers most about his time as a student. 

“The students, coaches, teachers, and staff all shared a strong sense of pride and belonging. Looking back, it’s clear how much accountability was embraced by everyone at EC. It was a culture of continuous improvement from the top down, fostering lifelong relationships. To this day, many of my closest friends are people I met through EC.”

One person specifically Jayson accredits is former coach and teacher Ben Malbasa. 

“We’ve remained close over the years, and that friendship means a lot to me. He was a young coach and teacher when he took over at EC, yet he immediately exceeded expectations and brought out the best in the young men he led. His impact continues to leave a lasting impression.”

After graduating in 2008, Jayson went on to study business at Baldwin Wallace where he also played football for the Yellow Jackets during his first two years of college. 

One thing he learned as a Panther that carried with him through college and adulthood is to give your absolute best alongside the people who matter most to you.

“This mindset began on the field at EC and has only grown more relevant in life. With a strong work ethic and the right people around you, there are no limits to what you can achieve.

Jayson is currently a Managing Partner at Masthead Partners, an executive search firm that collaborates with private equity and venture capital firms. They specialize in building out executive teams for portfolio companies, focusing on C-suite and VP-level searches in manufacturing and industrial services.

Additionally, he co-founded West Bank Golf Club with a few college friends. Located in downtown Cleveland, it’s the city’s first golf simulator and sports bar. You can check them out at West Bank Golf Club. 

“We opened in April 2022 and have experienced consistent growth ever since.”

Outside of work, Jayson spends his free time with his wife and their two children, a three-year-old son and a two-year-old daughter. 

“We enjoy visiting the extended family lake houses and pools as much as possible. I love golfing with friends whenever I get the chance. I’m also an avid fan of Cleveland and Ohio State sports — yes, that includes the Browns, unfortunately.”

It’s evident Jayson’s high school experience has left a lasting impression on his life today. And for current students, he hopes they soak it all in and are willing to try new things.

“It’s a cliché for a reason — your time at EC flies by. Make the most of every opportunity, and if you do it right, the experiences and connections you build will stay with you forever.”