cbuzz Columbus Chamber of Commerce

In his 20 years with Plante Moran, Keith Martinez has had the privilege to work with a variety of staff and clients and do something different each day – that’s what attracted him to this career. As the office managing partner in Columbus, Keith spends time mentoring staff and focusing on growth, strategy initiatives, and community involvement.







Keith also leads the firm’s Central Ohio higher education team, specializing in assurance and consulting services for public and private universities. Additionally, Keith works with middle-market or private equity-owned manufacturers, distributors, and construction companies.







Keith is a frequent speaker at Plante Moran’s Ohio Higher Education Industry Update and the Ohio Association of College and University Business Officers (OACUBO). Past topics Keith has spoken on include the new not-for-profit financial reporting model, net asset classification, and single audits.







Keith belongs to the AICPA, the Ohio Society of CPAs, the Michigan Association of CPAs, The Entrepreneurship Institute, the Association for Corporate Growth, CFMA of Central Ohio, and the Builders Exchange of Central Ohio. Keith is on the Board of Directors for the Columbus Chamber of Commerce as well as the Board of Directors for the Mount Carmel College of Nursing where he serves as Vice Chair. Keith received his B.A. in Accounting from Michigan State University.







Keith and his wife have their hands full with two young boys. Thanks to their interest, Keith is a master Lego builder.







Fun fact: All of Keith’s grandparents were blue collar, hard-working people. One of them immigrated to the United States when he was 16. They taught Keith to work hard and give his full effort in anything he does.















About the Plante Moran







Co-founder Frank Moran often referred to our firm as “a people firm disguised as an accounting firm.” Why? Because people are at the core of everything we do. 







You see, at Plante Moran, an engagement is much more than a professional transaction. It’s a personal experience where clients are confident we’re looking out for them, no matter their size, location, or what goals they’ve set. With our seamless service, recognized expertise, and personal approach to relationships, our clients have clarity and confidence, no matter what’s next. In our 100 years in business, we’ve grown to be one of the nation’s largest audit, tax, consulting, and wealth management firms. Our more than 3,800 professionals, with experience working in over 150 countries, are committed to exemplary client service every day and everywhere.







To learn more about Plante Moran, visit https://www.plantemoran.com/.







Tune in today as Keith Martinez, Partner of Plante Moran (Columbus), sits down with cbuzz host Mikaela Hunt to discuss: 100 Years of Success, Advice for Aspiring CPAs, & Work-Life Balance.















A note about cbuzz production: We are thrilled to be back recording episodes for our Central Ohio community. Stay tuned for new episodes, which will share the stories of some of our best and brightest Columbus Chamber members. Thank you to our listeners for their patience and understanding as we worked to establish a virtual recording setup. You can learn about Capital University here and learn more about cbuzz host Mikaela Hunt here.







Cbuzz is the Columbus Chamber of Commerce’s business-focused podcast and was named Bes...

Brandi is passionate about how strategy, culture, leadership and coaching intersect to create impactful and thriving teams through sustained change stewardship. 







Brandi has been working in and serving the Columbus community since 2003; with over 16 years of public service and previously in the non-profit sector at the YMCA of Central Ohio. Brandi is an instructor at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, where she teaches about leadership and change management, a MAPS instructor and a certified life and leadership coach. 







Her passion for human-centered strategy and leadership systems helps transform organizations and cultures to increase their effectiveness and impact. Brandi is the former Chief Advancement and Strategy Officer for the YMCA of Central Ohio where she oversaw strategy, community relations, marketing and communications. Prior to the YMCA, Brandi was the Deputy Innovation Officer for the City of Columbus, Chief of Community Relations for Columbus Recreation and Parks, Deputy Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Ohio Department of Commerce and Assistant City Administrator for the City of Gahanna.







Brandi is a graduate of Leadership Columbus and a member of the 2021 Forty Under Forty Class. She has her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Public Administration.















About the YMCA of Central Ohio







The Y is the original social enterprise and one of Central Ohio’s leading nonprofits committed to helping all people reach their full potential through empowering youth and families, improving individual and community health and sparking social change to help our neighbors. Strengthening community is our cause and we offer inclusive programming and services focused on Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. As part of the fabric of Central Ohio for more than 168 years and a vital community asset, the Y has long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver lasting personal and social change. For more information about the YMCA of Central Ohio, visit ymcacolumbus.org.















To learn more about the YMCA of Central Ohio, visit https://www.ymcacolumbus.org/.







Tune in today as Brandi Braun AL-Issa, Former Chief Advancement and Strategy Officer of the YMCA of Central Ohio, sits down with cbuzz host Mikaela Hunt to discuss: How Strategy, Culture, Leadership and Coaching Intersect.















A note about cbuzz production: We are thrilled to be back recording episodes for our Central Ohio community. Stay tuned for new episodes, which will share the stories of some of our best and brightest Columbus Chamber members. Thank you to our listeners for their patience and understanding as we worked to establish a virtual recording setup. You can learn about Capital University here and learn more about cbuzz host Mikaela Hunt here.







Cbuzz is the Columbus Chamber of Commerce’s business-focused podcast and was named Best Business Podcast in 2019 by the Columbus Podcast Awards. The show is produced in partnership with Capital University and its students, and the show is hosted by Mikaela Hunt, brand journalist and storyteller.

Her small and humble beginnings laid the foundations for her life and future. The struggles Asia and her mother endured inspired her to become who she is today. At times, she watched her mother work two jobs. Her mother set a beautiful example of what hard work and resilience embodied. On a typical Saturday morning as a child, you could find her in front of her home selling ice cold lemonade and warm chocolate chip cookies. Offering her earnings to assist her mother was the beginning of her entrepreneurship and her desire to provide for her family. Once she became a mother, her focus was to ensure that she breaks generational curses and builds generational wealth. Her background in coordinating, marketing, and customer service ignited the start of H&H Luxury Events! Named after her two sons, Halton & Henson!









“I am not what you say I am, but what you are afraid to admit.” - Asia Smith, Owner, H&H Luxury Events

















Based in Columbus, Ohio, H&H Luxury Events is a company that prides themselves on bringing entertainment and luxury to any event! They offer the most current and relevant technology in the industry to give you the ultimate experience. Their staff is highly trained and specialized in customer service and hospitality to not only ensure that they meet your expectations, but they exceed them. They would love to design a custom experience with their interactive, innovative, and completely customizable photo booths. The fun is limitless and the memories are endless! Their services are perfect for trade shows, corporate events, galas, festivals, weddings, birthday parties, and more!















To learn more about H&H Luxury Events, visit https://hhluxuryevents.com/.







Tune in today as Asia Smith, Owner of H&H Luxury Events, sits down with cbuzz host Mikaela Hunt to discuss: Building an Eclectic Customer Base and Advice for Young & Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs.















A note about cbuzz production: We are thrilled to be back recording episodes for our Central Ohio community. Stay tuned for new episodes, which will share the stories of some of our best and brightest Columbus Chamber members. Thank you to our listeners for their patience and understanding as we worked to establish a virtual recording setup. You can learn about Capital University here and learn more about cbuzz host Mikaela Hunt here.







Cbuzz is the Columbus Chamber of Commerce’s business-focused podcast and was named Best Business Podcast in 2019 by the Columbus Podcast Awards. The show is produced in partnership with Capital University and its students, and the show is hosted by Mikaela Hunt, brand journalist and storyteller.

* CEO of HMB (former)







* SVP at CGI (current)

















Professional









* Harris has been in IT Consulting and Technology  for more than 35 years and currently serves as Senior Vice President for CGI. Prior to January of 2021, Tom was the chief executive officer and owner of HMB for more than 27 years. Over those years, he has served on a variety of leadship roles, while growing the company to over 65M in revenue at its peak. .











* As a founding member of HMB, he has taken great pride in leading the company from an idea back in 1994 to one of central Ohio's most successful and respected IT consulting firms. He is the recipient of the 2013 CEO of the Year award from Columbus CEO Magazine & 10TV and was recognized as the 2015 Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. 







* Harris is a firm believer in the phrase “you win with people” and notes that among his greater accomplishments is the positive culture that has been created by the teams at HMB. This constructive environment has been recognized as a Best Place to Work by Columbus Business First and a Top Workplace by Columbus CEO Magazine through numerous awards since 2012, year after year.

















Personal









* Harris earned a bachelor’s degree in computer information sciences from the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University where he also was co-captain of the baseball team.  Tom has been married to Jodi Harris for over 35 years and they have two children, Jacob Harris (30) (and wife Lindsay (28) and their son Luke Thomas (1 month)) and Brady Harris (28).   Tom enjoys being outdoors, including golf, cycling, hiking/walking, and enjoying warm weather any time he can get it.  One fun fact, Tom and his wife are avid shark tooth hunters and routinely drive to beaches (or dig sites) known for finding shark’s teeth.

















Fun Facts:









* Played shortstop for OSU’s baseball team and was a Captain







* Decompresses with outdoor activities like golfing, cycling, walking, pickleball, and hiking.







* Avid snow skier







* Plays the guitar in his spare time







* Named professional golfer as his dream job







* Lived in Columbus since he was 4 years old and never left

















Board Positions









* The Columbus Chamber of Commerce: 2018-PresentWorkforce Committee: 2019 – present











* Legatus – Columbus Chapter: 2019 - Present











* YCP - Columbus: 2023 - present











* MoMM Foundation: 2013-Present Board Member

















Past:









* The Columbus Chamber of Commerce - Small Business Council: 2015-2018Government Affairs Steering Committee (2016-2018)











* SMART Columbus: 2018 – Working Group Chair











* The Ohio State University Sports Medicine: 2015 – 2017 (Committee Member)

















To learn more about CGI, visit https://www.cgi.com/en.







Tune in today as Tom, Senior Vice President of CGI, sits down with cbuzz host Mikaela Hunt to discuss: Building a Positive & Constructive Work Culture and Leading an IT Consulting Firm in th...

Lachandra B. Baker, MBA, CDP (she/her) is Founder and Principal Consultant at LBB Edutainment, a consultancy specializing in the development of strategies that improve and positively impact employee engagement, communications, culture, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.







She received her bachelor’s degree from Central Washington University, majoring in Hospitality Management and Communications. She received her MBA with a Marketing specialization from the University of the Southwest. She is a two-time graduate of Cornell University's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certification programs (CDP).







She was named a 2021 Columbus’ Future50 leader, a 2022 WELD Woman WELDing the Way calendar honoree, and a 2023 Columbus Delegate for the Harvard University Young American Leaders program. She serves on boards of The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, Leadership Columbus, and Small Biz Cares, as well as advisory boards with Creative Mornings Columbus and Franklin University’s Communications Department.







La is an award-winning communicator and regular TEDx speaker/performer. She is very active in the community and champions many issues including voting rights, affordable housing, civic engagement, and liberation for all people.







In her free time, she enjoys experiencing new cultures, eating great food, and doing fun projects with her family.







To learn more about LBB Edutainment, visit https://www.lbbedutainment.com/.







Tune in today as La sits down with cbuzz host Mikaela Hunt to discuss: Being a Lifelong Learner, Civic Engagement, & The Importance of Mentorship.















A note about cbuzz production: We are thrilled to be back recording episodes for our Columbus Region community. Stay tuned for new episodes, which will share the stories of some of our best and brightest Columbus Chamber members. Thank you to our listeners for their patience and understanding as we worked to establish a virtual recording setup. You can learn about Capital University here and learn more about cbuzz host Mikaela Hunt here.







Cbuzz is the Columbus Chamber of Commerce’s business-focused podcast and was named Best Business Podcast in 2019 by the Columbus Podcast Awards. The show is produced in partnership with Capital University and its students, and the show is hosted by Mikaela Hunt, brand journalist and storyteller.

Brandon Nelson is a Market Executive/ Executive Director in the Middle Market segment for Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio. In this role, Brandon manages teams which provide middle market clients with customized, comprehensive financial solutions along with best-in-class service. He also serves as a member of the Columbus Market Leadership Team.







Prior to coming to JP Morgan Chase, Brandon spent 20 years at Hancock Whitney Bank, a regional bank in the Southeast, most recently serving as a Senior Vice President/ Team Lead in the Commercial Banking Department. Brandon has extensive experience in middle-market/commercial lending and relationship management across various industries. A staunch supporter of fairness for all, Brandon was a member of the inaugural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council for Hancock Whitney.







Brandon is a life-long learner having developed a hunger for knowledge at an early age which he carried with him to Tulane University, receiving his Bachelor of Science and Management Degree (Finance), and subsequently the University of New Orleans, earning a Master of Business Administration Degree with a concentration in Finance where he achieved a 4.0 GPA. In 2013, Mr. Nelson graduated from the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute program and was voted “Co-Commencement Speaker” for the class. In 2017, he completed the Graduate School of Banking at LSU program where he was only the 106th out of 16,000 graduates in the School’s history at the time to achieve straight “A’s”. Most recently, Brandon received his Graduate Certificate in Accounting from the University of Connecticut.







Mr. Nelson’s passion for learning is only matched by his undying sense of obligation to give back to the community; this is evident by his track record of community and civic engagement which continues to this day. In addition to sitting on numerous boards and committees, Brandon held leadership positions with many of the organizations he served, including NextGen Council of GNO, Inc. (Past-Chair 2016), New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute (Treasurer 2016), Tulane Association of Business Alumni (President 2011), YMCA Greater New Orleans (Treasurer 2013-2015), New Orleans Recreation Development Foundation (Treasurer 2018-2020), and the Coalition for Coastal Resilience and Economy (Chair 2020-2021).







When Mr. Nelson is not trying to better his community, he can typically be found on his Peloton or road bike, or putting his analytical skills to great use by dominating various Fantasy Leagues.







Brandon resides in Columbus, Ohio with his wife Chenelle and their two dogs, Princeton and Pebbles. Brandon and Chenelle’s only child, Bailey, is entering her junior year at Howard University in Washington DC.







To learn more about JPMorgan Chase & Co., visit https://www.jpmorganchase.com/.







Tune in today as Brandon sits down with cbuzz host Mikaela Hunt to discuss Prioritizing DEI & Investing in Ohio Communities.















A note about cbuzz production: We are thrilled to be back recording episodes for our Central Ohio community. Stay tuned for new episodes, which will share the stories of some of our best and brightest Columbus Chamber members. Thank you to our listeners for their patience and understanding as we worked to establish a virtual recording setup. You can learn about Capital University here and learn more about cbuzz host Mikaela Hunt here.







Cbuzz is the Columbus Chamber of Commerce’s business-focused podcast an...