Margot James Copeland Named Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient for the 18th Edition of Who’s Who In Black Cleveland
Who’s Who In Black Cleveland is proud to announce that nationally recognized board leader, retired banking executive, and distinguished civic leader Margot James Copeland will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award during the 18th Edition unveiling and networking reception on August 31, 2026, at the InterContinental Cleveland. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose leadership, service, and impact have created lasting change in their communities and beyond. Throughout a remarkable career spanning financial services, philanthropy, healthcare, higher education, and community development, Copeland has championed opportunity, strengthened institutions, and helped
Sam’s Club CEO Latriece Watkins becomes one of the most powerful women in business
Just months after taking the helm of Sam’s Club, CEO Latriece Watkins has been recognized by Fortune as one of the world’s most influential business leaders, highlighting a nearly three-decade career that has positioned her at the forefront of one of retail’s largest membership-based chains Watkins, who became president and CEO of Sam’s Club in February 2026, debuted at No. 87 on Fortune’s 2026 Most Powerful Women in Business list, which was released May 27. The annual ranking recognizes women shaping major industries across the global economy. She now oversees a business generating roughly $96 billion in annual
Kenneth N. Wilson Named Introduction Writer for 20th Anniversary Edition of Who’s Who In Black Columbus
Real Times Media proudly announces that Kenneth N. Wilson, County Administrator for Franklin County, will serve as the introduction writer for the highly anticipated 20th Anniversary Edition of Who’s Who In Black Columbus. As the highest unelected official in Franklin County government, Wilson has served as County Administrator since 2015, leading 15 county agencies and more than 1,400 employees. He oversees the County’s annual $2.2 billion budgeting process for 35 agencies, helping ensure Franklin County remains among the nation’s most effective and well-governed communities. A respected public servant and
Vanessa L. Whiting, A.E.S. Management Corporation president pens foreword for WWIB Cleveland
Who’s Who In Black Cleveland proudly announces that Vanessa L. Whiting, President of A.E.S. Management Corp., attorney, investor, and civic leader, will author the foreword for the upcoming 18th edition of Who’s Who In Black Cleveland. The 18th edition will celebrate the achievements, leadership, and impact of Black professionals and entrepreneurs throughout Northeast Ohio while continuing the publication’s tradition of honoring Black excellence across the region. “Ms. Whiting’s long standing commitment and service to Northeast Ohio has been significant and impactful,” says Rhonda Crowder, Who’s Who In Black Cleveland
Karen Morrison Named Foreword Writer for 19th Edition of Who’s Who In Black Columbus
Date: August 6, 2025 COLUMBUS, OH — Who’s Who In Black Columbus is proud to announce Karen Jefferson Morrison, President of the OhioHealth Foundation and Senior Vice President at OhioHealth, as the official foreword writer for the publication’s upcoming 19th edition. With more than 30 years of leadership at OhioHealth, Morrison is a respected healthcare executive, lobbyist, and philanthropist whose influence spans local, state, and national platforms. She leads strategy for external relations, overseeing community health, government affairs, and corporate reinvestment for one of the nation's top ten
Alicia Wilson of Johns Hopkins to Pen Foreword for ‘Who’s Who In Black Baltimore’ 2nd Edition
Alicia Wilson, Vice President for Civic Engagement and Opportunity at Johns Hopkins, will be the foreword writer for the Who’s Who In Black Baltimore 2nd edition. This edition’s networking reception and book reveal will be held on April 9, 2025. “I am honored to write the foreword for Who’s Who In Black Baltimore. The contributions of Black Baltimoreans to the State of Maryland, this nation, and the world is undeniable and significant. The range of contributions spans the arts, science, business, education, finance, medicine, and beyond. It is
James E. White Honored with Delta Dental’s VIBE Award for Leadership and Community Impact
James E. White, President and CEO of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN), has been named the recipient of the prestigious VIBE Award for Health, Wealth, and Empowerment by Delta Dental. Presented as part of Who’s Who in Black Detroit, the award recognizes White’s exceptional leadership in behavioral healthcare and his unwavering dedication to empowering communities. Margaret Trimer, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, praised White’s contributions, stating, “James White exemplifies the kind of leadership that inspires change and creates
Charlotte’s Kermit Waddell Promotes The Power of We
Hailing from a lineage of activists, Mr. Kermitt Waddell, Esq. has carved a remarkable legacy by embodying the philosophy that it Is not about “i ism” or “me ism,” but about “we-ism” and “us-ism.” His unwavering commitment to community-driven progress and inclusivity has left an indelible mark on his hometown of Charlotte. As a proud graduate of Second Ward High School, where his own uncle held the esteemed position of being the final principal, and a graduate of North Carolina Central Law School, Waddell’s path has been
Mayor Vi Lyles named Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree for ‘Who’s Who In Black Charlotte’
'Who's Who In Black Charlotte' is thrilled to announce Mayor Vi Lyles as the Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree for its upcoming 9th edition. This recognition highlights Lyles' extraordinary contributions to the city and her unwavering dedication to public service. Since its inception, 'Who's Who In Black' has been a cornerstone in celebrating the achievements of Black professionals and leaders across various industries. This publication has become a beacon of recognition, showcasing the outstanding accomplishments and influence of individuals within the Black community. Mayor Lyles' selection for this prestigious
Gene Smith named Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree for ‘Who’s Who In Black Columbus’
Gene Smith, Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation Endowed Athletics Director, The Ohio State University, has been named the Who’s 'Who In Black Columbus' 18th edition’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Smith will be honored during the edition’s networking reception and book reveal on Nov. 21, 2024, at The Ohio State University’s Archie Griffin Ballroom. “Our team at 'Who’s Who In Black Columbus' is excited to name Gene Smith as our Lifetime Achievement Honoree,” says Dr. Carter D. Womack, Chief Operating Officer, 'Who’s Who In Black.' “He is known