Publisher’ Award
Publisher’s Award, presented by Ronda Watson Barber, OhioMBE Publisher, is a prestigious recognition that honors an outstanding community member who has shown unwavering dedication and advocacy for small and Black-owned businesses in Ohio. This award serves as a symbol of appreciation for their relentless efforts to empower and uplift these businesses within the local community.
As the publisher of OhioMBE, Ronda Watson Barber understands the importance of supporting and promoting small and minority-owned enterprises. This award is a testament to her commitment to fostering an environment where these businesses can thrive. The recipient of this award exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship and community engagement, actively working to create opportunities and remove barriers for aspiring entrepreneurs and established businesses alike.
The OhioMBE Awards – Publisher’s Award not only acknowledges the recipient’s past achievements but also encourages continued advocacy for the economic growth and prosperity of small and Black-owned businesses in Central Ohio and beyond. This award is a testament to the tireless efforts of those who share Ronda Watson Barber’s vision of a vibrant and inclusive business community in Ohio.
John T. Coats, II: A Life in Leadership and Service
President, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Columbus and Vicinity
Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, John T. Coats, II is a distinguished Elder in the Church of God In Christ. He leads as the Senior Pastor at the Metropolitan Church and oversees the Ohio West Capital District as Superintendent. For nearly a decade and a half, he has also held the position of Executive Secretary of the Ohio West Jurisdiction of the Church of God In Christ.
In 2016, Pastor Coats was elected President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Columbus and Vicinity (IMA Columbus), the oldest and most enduring ministerial alliance in Central Ohio. He also holds the position of Vice President within the Ohio IMA.
In 2016, Pastor Coats took on the role of President for the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Columbus and Vicinity (IMA Columbus), the oldest and most enduring ministerial alliance in Central Ohio. He also holds the position of Vice President within the Ohio IMA.
As Chairman of the Black Caucus of Central Ohio, Pastor Coats spearheads initiatives focused on civic education and advocacy for the Black community. His leadership in the Ohio Coalition of Concerned Black Citizens (OCCBC) for 18 years further highlights his commitment to systemic change through political avenues.
Deeply committed to the pro-life movement, Pastor Coats made history as the first African American Executive Director for Ohio Right To Life, the state’s foremost pro-life organization.
With over 20 years in professional media, Pastor Coats has excelled as a marketing specialist with Columbus Radio Group and as an independent media consultant specializing in retail and political advertising. He has served on multiple boards and councils, including the Ohio Governor’s Evangelical Advisory Council and the Columbus Association of Black Journalists. Additionally, he was the immediate past 2nd Vice President and Executive Committee member of the Columbus Branch NAACP.
A frequent guest on television and radio, Pastor Coats lectures on community empowerment and hosts The John Coats Show on Talktainment Radio. He also appears weekly on Urban One TV’s “Khari Free At Last.”
Pastor Coats holds degrees from Capital University and Trinity Lutheran Seminary, both in Baxley, Ohio. He is married to Ramona R. Reyes, an elected member of the Columbus Board of Education, and takes great pride in being the father of Carrington M. Coats, a junior at Ohio State University.
Cathy Holloway: Champion of Diversity and Excellence in Ohio’s Construction Industry
Cathy Holloway is a dynamic leader and the President of HH&M, a certified EDGE, FBE, LEDE, DBE, SBE, and WBE construction solutions company based in Columbus, Ohio. With nearly two decades of experience as a certified financial analyst and over twelve years in the industry, Cathy is a driving force behind HH&M’s success.
Under her visionary leadership, HH&M has established itself as a trusted partner in construction, specializing in brick, block, stone, and demolition for new construction, additions, and renovations. Cathy’s commitment to excellence and diversity in contracting has been instrumental in the company’s growth and its dedication to delivering safe, high-quality services.
Cathy’s leadership extends beyond her business endeavors. She is a passionate advocate for promoting opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses in Ohio, playing a pivotal role in advancing diversity and inclusion in the construction sector. Her tireless efforts include advocating for smaller companies to secure construction projects in the City of Columbus and Franklin County, thus contributing to the growth and development of the local business community.
Among HH&M’s completed projects are notable landmarks like the Africentric PK-12 for the Columbus School District, the Bexley Service Center for the City of Bexley, and the Canal Winchester High School Addition for the Canal Winchester School District, among others. Additionally, HH&M is currently working on projects like the KIPP Academy, a private school.
HH&M’s esteemed clientele includes Elford, Inc., Robertson Construction, Ruscilli Construction, RW Setterlin Building Company, The Ohio State University, and Thomas & Marker.
At the helm of HH&M’s leadership team are Cathy Holloway, President, with 19 years of experience as a certified financial analyst and 12 years in the industry; Jim Henderson, Vice President, with an impressive 35 years of industry experience; Matt Burlingame, Project Manager & Estimator, who brings 38 years of industry expertise; and Amanda Ferre, Coordinator & HR Representative, with a wealth of 12 years of industry knowledge. HH&M is your trusted partner for construction solutions, delivering excellence with every project.