Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council

The Ohio MSDC honors businesses, individuals at the Annual Awards Gala

Above: WKRC Local 12 Cincinnati Anchor Kyle Inskeep was the emcee of the 2020 Annual Awards Gala. Below, left to right: OMSDC Board Chair Elly Bradford of Honda welcomes guests on behalf of the Board of Directors ; Gala Keynote speaker Stedman Graham speaks to the value of Identity Leadership during his address.

Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of the its most notable MBEs and Corporate Members, the Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council (OMSDC) hosted the 2020 Annual Awards Gala on November 20. Transitioning OMSDC’s premier celebration of the year to a virtual format for Ohio’s Supplier Diversity community, the Council hosted professionals and business owners in a number of industries including manufacturing, construction health care, and higher education.

“This year, the theme of the Gala is the ‘Art of Innovation’, because using change to foster an unexpected but better end result has been the theme for everyone this year,” said Kimberly Proffitt, AVP of Procurement Shared Services at Nationwide and OMSDC Board Treasurer. “It is also a celebration of the spirit of diverse suppliers’ creativity and desire to delight unexpectedly.”

Proffitt, along with Ken Cartwright, served as the Co-Chairs of the 2020 Annual Awards Gala.

OMSDC President & CEO Jacqueline D. Neal spoke to the guests about the difficulties the year brought to individuals and businesses. “2020 has proven to be a year of great trials and sadness – and also one of opportunity,” she said. “We are delighted to hear the many positive stories about MBEs who have found inspiration and innovation within adversity.”

Neal then acknowledged the evening’s sponsors as well as new members of the OMSDC Corporate community and thanked them for their support of the Council, supplier diversity and economic inclusion.
 
Outgoing OMSDC Board Chair Elly Bradford, Senior Manager of Procurement-Planning at Honda of America Mfg., Inc. welcomed the guests and gave opening remarks.

“I am thankful to be with you this evening as we recognize the achievements and impact of our Minority Business Enterprises and Corporate Partners,” Bradford said. “Working together, we have faced a challenging 2020.”

Bradford then acknowledged the members of the OMSDC Board of Directors in attendance at the Gala and thanked them for their service this year.

“As Chair, I have the pleasure of collaborating with a devoted group of leaders on the OMSDC Board of Directors,” she said. “It is true, you know the strength of a team when times are tough. I want to personally thank the Board members for their time, talent and sponsorship this past year. Everyone has stepped up and shown their commitment through their engagement.”

Bradford also acknowledged outgoing board member Dr. Sharad Thakkar of Polymer Technologies and Services Inc, as well as outgoing executive board members Rani Maddali of ATS Training & Consulting (Secretary) and Joe McClain of Eaton Corporation (Vice Chair).

Wrapping up her remarks, Bradford announced the slate of OMSDC Executive Board members that will be leading the Council beginning in 2021. They include:(*-Denotes new Executive Board member)

CHAIR
*Abigail W. Kofete |
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt; Global Planning & Procurement | Cardinal Health

VICE CHAIR
*Christopher N. Boles |
Manager, Supplier Diversity | Rockwell Automation

VICE CHAIR
*Carla Cobb
| Corporate Supplier Diversity Manager | Procter & Gamble

TREASURER
Kimberly R. Proffitt |
AVP Procurement Shared Services | Nationwide

SECRETARY
*Michael O’Boyle
| Senior VP & Category Manager | KeyBank

MBEIC CHAIR
Christopher Che |
President & CEO | Che International Group / Transworld Supply Network

Incoming Board Chair Abigail Kofete said the Gala is her “absolute favorite night of the Council year”.

“Because this is when we get a chance to celebrate our accomplishments together,” Kofete said. “Some of you are aware I have a long history with this council, and I’m honored to serve and work with the staff, corporate members and MBEs to achieve our goals together.”

Christopher Che, President & CEO of the Che International Group, gave remarks on behalf of Ohio’s MBE community. Che is the Chair of the MBE Input Committee.

“I have been proud to Chair Ohio’s MBEIC for six years now, working with my fellow MBEs to advance new and innovative ways to make an impact in our communities, through developing a body of capable businesses that are ready and available to meet the needs of our Corporate Members,” Che said. “For MBEs, tonight’s celebration of and look back at 2020 should fortify our resolve as business owners and community leaders to make a positive impact through our work.”

The awards portion of the evening then commenced, highlighting the growth and success of minority business enterprises and the commitment to supplier diversity by corporate members in the region.

Presenting the MBEs Awards was Dan Dunn, Past Board Member of the OMSDC.

Presenting the Corporate Awards was Dr. Sharad Thakkar, outgoing MBEIC Vice Chair for the Central Ohio Region.

After the Corporate and MBE Awards, Kimberly Proffitt presented the Cathy C. Mock Lifetime Achievement Award to Gale King of Nationwide.

Established in 2017, the award honors a recipient who has demonstrated a strong commitment over many years to Supplier Diversity and Economic Inclusion.

GALE KING | 2020 Recipient, Cathy C. Mock Lifetime Achievement Award

Gale King is Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Nationwide. In this role, Gale is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership for the company’s Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion, Corporate Real Estate, Corporate Security and Aviation operations.

Under Gale’s leadership, the company has been recognized for its leading Human Resources practices and as an employer of choice for its strong culture, performance orientation, engaging work environment and commitment to diversity and inclusion. King has more than 30 years of broad leadership experience in the financial services industry, including strategic oversight of enterprise staff functions and operational experience in business operations.

King was presented with the Cathy C. Mock Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his strong commitment over many years to influential and impactful diversity initiatives and his substantial contribution to the business community.

Below, from left to right: Columbus Urban League President & CEO Stephanie Hightower, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, and Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker all extend their congratulations to Gale King for being named the 2020 recipient of the Cathy C. Mock Lifetime Achievement Award at the OMSDC 2020 Gala.

Above, from left to right: Columbus Urban League President & CEO Stephanie Hightower, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, and Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker all extend their congratulations to Gale King for being name the 2020 recipient of the Cathy C. Mock Lifetime Achievement Award at the OMSDC 2020 Gala.

The evening program ended with acknowledgement of the 2020 recipients President’s Awards and Leadership Award. Fesha Buie of U.S. Bank received the President’s Award. The Leadership Award winner was Sonya Walton of Messer Construction.

“[Fesha] has been a tireless advocate and supporter of minority business and has devoted countless hours volunteering to help OMSDC. She has served on the Finance Committee, the Certification Committee, the Gala Awards Committee, the Cincinnati LAC, numerous event committees and many more!” President’s Award presenter Jacqueline Neal said. “All this while meeting with, advising and advocating for MBEs to ensure that they have access to opportunities for growth.”

“Sonya showed great leadership in combining and transforming our in person Annual Meeting and Supplier Diversity Exchange into a joint virtual event,” Shellevina Patterson said. Patterson, the Leadership Award presenter, is the Director of Finance for the OMSDC. “Sonya has also been a devoted supporter of OMSDC as a joint leader of the Cincinnati Local Advisory Committee.”

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE GALA'S SPONSORS

The Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council offers special appreciation and acknowledgement to each of the sponsors and supporters who made the Gala a success. Additionally, a special thank you is extended to all volunteers, without whom this event would not have been possible.

TITLE SPONSORS

RED CARPET SPONSORS

SILENT AUCTION SPONSOR

RECEPTION SPONSORS

RAFFLE SPONSORS

MARKET SPONSORS

 

SUPPORTING PARTNER 

Honda of America Mfg., Inc. | Eaton Corporation | RCF Group

Cardinal Health | Ther Kroger Co.

OhioHealth

AWP Traffic | Duke Energy | Eaton Corporation | First Financial Bank | Macy’s, Inc. | Messer Construction

Cintas | UBS | Web Runners, Inc. aka w3r Consulting

Cleveland Clinic | Hightowers Petroleum | Jones Lang LaSalle | L Brands | Nationwide | New Vision Media, Inc. | Procter & Gamble | Pride Global | Three Leaf Productions | Toledo Lucas County Port Authority | Unicon International, Inc.

Shellee Fisher Photography & Design | Easley Blessed Media

CONGRATULATIONS TO GALA AWARD WINNERS

The Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council offers special appreciation and acknowledgement to each of the sponsors and supporters who made the Gala a success. Additionally, a special thank you is extended to all volunteers, without whom this event would not have been possible.

CLASS II CORPORATION OF THE YEAR

CLASS II CORPORATION OF THE YEAR

CLASS III CORPORATION OF THE YEAR

CLASS IV CORPORATION OF THE YEAR

BUYER OF THE YEAR
 
ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
 
ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
 
ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
 
CLASS I SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
 
CLASS II SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
 
CLASS III SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
 
EMERGING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
 
LEGACY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR                                                                       CATHY C. MOCK LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
 
PRESIDENT’S AWARD
 
LEADERSHIP AWARD

Turner Construction Co.

Fifth Third Bank

Eaton Corporation

Honda of America Mfg., Inc.

Karmell Thomas | Eaton Corporation

Marsha Thornton | Fifth Third Bank

Joe McClain | Eaton Corporation

Ralph Smithers, Jr.| Encova Insurance

Natural Shea Care

Agility Partners

Three Leaf Productions

Transworld Supply Network LLC

Trio Trucking Inc.

Gale King | Nationwide

Fesha Buie | U.S. Bank

Sonya Walton | Messer Construction Co.