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Dayton Advisory Board
Meet these business leaders with a commitment to serving entrepreneurs
Camille Hall
Community Impact Specialist – Small Business, Dayton Metro Library
Camille Hall is a Clark County native and a graduate of Wright State University with a strong commitment to community and economic development. She has worked with small businesses across the region, supporting entrepreneurs through resource connection, education, and strategic guidance. As a small business owner herself, Camille brings firsthand experience to her role as Community Impact Specialist at Dayton Metro Library, where she focuses on small business support and community-centered programming that empowers local entrepreneurs and strengthens the regional economy.
Camille Hall is a Clark County native and a graduate of Wright State University with a strong commitment to community and economic development. She has worked with small businesses across the region, supporting entrepreneurs through resource connection, education, and strategic guidance. As a small business owner herself, Camille brings firsthand experience to her role as Community Impact Specialist at Dayton Metro Library, where she focuses on small business support and community-centered programming that empowers local entrepreneurs and strengthens the regional economy.
Dabriah Rice
Executive Director, OH Taste Foundation
Dabriah Rice is the Executive Director of the OH Taste Foundation and the Founder & CEO of Divine Catering & Events LLC, a family-operated Southern-style catering business proudly serving the Dayton community for over 20 years. In March 2024, she co-founded the 6888 Kitchen Incubator in downtown Dayton, creating access for aspiring food entrepreneurs through commercial kitchen space and business development education, including the Sharpen the Axe program. Under her leadership, the 6888 Kitchen Incubator has received the 2025 BBB Spark Award, the 2025 Bob and Norma Ross Outstanding Leadership Award from the Dayton Unit NAACP, and recognition as Game Changers by Who’s Who in Black Cincinnati/Dayton. A graduate of Sinclair Community College’s Culinary Arts program and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, Dabriah established the Divine Catering & Events Scholarship Fund in 2020 to support students pursuing hospitality and culinary careers. She also serves on the advisory board of the Creative Working Group for The Contemporary Dayton and is co-owner of DCE Management Company. As a Black female business owner, Dabriah remains committed to breaking barriers, empowering entrepreneurs, strengthening the local food economy, and giving all glory to God for her success.
Dabriah Rice is the Executive Director of the OH Taste Foundation and the Founder & CEO of Divine Catering & Events LLC, a family-operated Southern-style catering business proudly serving the Dayton community for over 20 years. In March 2024, she co-founded the 6888 Kitchen Incubator in downtown Dayton, creating access for aspiring food entrepreneurs through commercial kitchen space and business development education, including the Sharpen the Axe program. Under her leadership, the 6888 Kitchen Incubator has received the 2025 BBB Spark Award, the 2025 Bob and Norma Ross Outstanding Leadership Award from the Dayton Unit NAACP, and recognition as Game Changers by Who’s Who in Black Cincinnati/Dayton. A graduate of Sinclair Community College’s Culinary Arts program and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, Dabriah established the Divine Catering & Events Scholarship Fund in 2020 to support students pursuing hospitality and culinary careers. She also serves on the advisory board of the Creative Working Group for The Contemporary Dayton and is co-owner of DCE Management Company. As a Black female business owner, Dabriah remains committed to breaking barriers, empowering entrepreneurs, strengthening the local food economy, and giving all glory to God for her success.
Edward Joiner
Co-Owner & Partner, The Reserve on Third | ParLay on the River
Edward Joiner is a hospitality entrepreneur and co-owner of two of Dayton’s leading nightlife destinations, The Reserve on Third and ParLay on the River. He plays an active role in operations, guest experience, and brand development, focusing on creating elevated, welcoming environments that connect people and culture. Passionate about Dayton’s growth, Edward is committed to strengthening the city’s economic and cultural ecosystem through intentional leadership, strategic partnerships, and community-centered investment. He believes hospitality is a powerful vehicle for connection, opportunity, and long-term community impact.
Edward Joiner is a hospitality entrepreneur and co-owner of two of Dayton’s leading nightlife destinations, The Reserve on Third and ParLay on the River. He plays an active role in operations, guest experience, and brand development, focusing on creating elevated, welcoming environments that connect people and culture. Passionate about Dayton’s growth, Edward is committed to strengthening the city’s economic and cultural ecosystem through intentional leadership, strategic partnerships, and community-centered investment. He believes hospitality is a powerful vehicle for connection, opportunity, and long-term community impact.
Jamica Garrison
U.S. Department of Defense / Dayton Public Schools, Deputy Security Assistance Program Manager / Board Member
Jamica Garrison is a lifelong Daytonian committed to excellence, equity, and accountable public service. She brings a leadership approach grounded in strategic governance, community partnership, and the belief that everyone has something to offer. Jamica holds a B.S. in Business Education with a minor in Information Technology and an MBA in Management, Innovation, and Change from Wright State University.
With over twenty years of professional and community experience, she has led initiatives to advance equitable access to resources, foster community engagement, and expand opportunities through local partnerships. Professionally, Jamica oversees high-visibility programs with budgets up to $4 billion at the U.S. Department of Defense, leading multidisciplinary teams, advising senior leaders, and managing complex, highly regulated environments. She also serves as a newly elected Dayton Public Schools Board Member. Her expertise informs her board service, emphasizing sound governance, strategic oversight, and collaborative leadership with measurable impact.
Jamica Garrison is a lifelong Daytonian committed to excellence, equity, and accountable public service. She brings a leadership approach grounded in strategic governance, community partnership, and the belief that everyone has something to offer. Jamica holds a B.S. in Business Education with a minor in Information Technology and an MBA in Management, Innovation, and Change from Wright State University.
With over twenty years of professional and community experience, she has led initiatives to advance equitable access to resources, foster community engagement, and expand opportunities through local partnerships. Professionally, Jamica oversees high-visibility programs with budgets up to $4 billion at the U.S. Department of Defense, leading multidisciplinary teams, advising senior leaders, and managing complex, highly regulated environments. She also serves as a newly elected Dayton Public Schools Board Member. Her expertise informs her board service, emphasizing sound governance, strategic oversight, and collaborative leadership with measurable impact.
Jelani Johnson
Director, Dayton Region Minority Business Assistance Center
Jelani Johnson serves as Director of the Dayton Region Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC), providing strategic support to small, minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses seeking to grow and compete. With a strong academic foundation from The Ohio State University and experience as a business owner, Jelani offers guidance in capital access, procurement, business counseling, and state certifications.
Prior to joining the Chamber, he supported minority business development across Central and Southern Ohio through the Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council. Jelani is committed to fostering economic empowerment by helping business owners streamline operations, optimize financial strategies, and unlock pathways to success. Beyond his professional work, he is deeply invested in community development, education, and entrepreneurship advocacy, continually seeking innovative ways to equip business owners with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive.
Jelani Johnson serves as Director of the Dayton Region Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC), providing strategic support to small, minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses seeking to grow and compete. With a strong academic foundation from The Ohio State University and experience as a business owner, Jelani offers guidance in capital access, procurement, business counseling, and state certifications.
Prior to joining the Chamber, he supported minority business development across Central and Southern Ohio through the Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council. Jelani is committed to fostering economic empowerment by helping business owners streamline operations, optimize financial strategies, and unlock pathways to success. Beyond his professional work, he is deeply invested in community development, education, and entrepreneurship advocacy, continually seeking innovative ways to equip business owners with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive.
John McManus
Treasurer, Montgomery County, Ohio
John McManus proudly serves as Treasurer of Montgomery County, first elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2024. As Treasurer, he oversees property tax collection, county banking operations, and investments, while serving on numerous county boards and commissions. Previously, John served on the Dayton Board of Education and as Chief Deputy Clerk of Courts for Montgomery County. His public service experience also includes roles in Tennessee state government and the White House under President George W. Bush. John holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Memphis and a Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton School of Law. He is an attorney, married, and resides in Centerville.
John McManus proudly serves as Treasurer of Montgomery County, first elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2024. As Treasurer, he oversees property tax collection, county banking operations, and investments, while serving on numerous county boards and commissions. Previously, John served on the Dayton Board of Education and as Chief Deputy Clerk of Courts for Montgomery County. His public service experience also includes roles in Tennessee state government and the White House under President George W. Bush. John holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Memphis and a Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton School of Law. He is an attorney, married, and resides in Centerville.
Juanita-Michelle Darden
Director, Greater West Dayton Incubator
Juanita-Michelle Darden is a community builder, educator, and entrepreneur based in Dayton, Ohio. As Director of the Greater West Dayton Incubator, she supports small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs through strategic access, intentional guidance, and meaningful connections. With a background in hospitality, storytelling, and economic development, her work focuses on creating spaces that elevate voices, strengthen communities, and transform ideas into sustainable ventures. She is also the creator of the SHE-Roe Storytelling Series and author of The People’s Coffeehouse, blending culture, creativity, and purpose to drive lasting impact.
Juanita-Michelle Darden is a community builder, educator, and entrepreneur based in Dayton, Ohio. As Director of the Greater West Dayton Incubator, she supports small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs through strategic access, intentional guidance, and meaningful connections. With a background in hospitality, storytelling, and economic development, her work focuses on creating spaces that elevate voices, strengthen communities, and transform ideas into sustainable ventures. She is also the creator of the SHE-Roe Storytelling Series and author of The People’s Coffeehouse, blending culture, creativity, and purpose to drive lasting impact.
Katie Hill
Vice President | Financial Center Manager III, Fifth Third Bank
Katie Hill brings over 14 years of management experience with Fifth Third Bank, where she currently serves as Vice President and Financial Center Manager III. Passionate about coaching and developing others, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their personal and professional goals while building strong, engaged teams. As the regional small business champion, Katie partners with entrepreneurs to support growth, navigate challenges, and drive long-term success. She values building trusted relationships that create positive outcomes for clients and colleagues alike. Outside of work, Katie enjoys fitness, family life with her husband of 15 years and their two young children, and maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
Katie Hill brings over 14 years of management experience with Fifth Third Bank, where she currently serves as Vice President and Financial Center Manager III. Passionate about coaching and developing others, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their personal and professional goals while building strong, engaged teams. As the regional small business champion, Katie partners with entrepreneurs to support growth, navigate challenges, and drive long-term success. She values building trusted relationships that create positive outcomes for clients and colleagues alike. Outside of work, Katie enjoys fitness, family life with her husband of 15 years and their two young children, and maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
Lynn Cooper
Director of Organizational Development, Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, General Division
Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Lynn Cooper has called Dayton home since 1999. She began her public service career with Montgomery County in 2001, serving in multiple offices including the Clerk of Courts, Treasurer’s Office, Probate Division, and now the General Division of the Common Pleas Court as Director of Organizational Development. Lynn earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Wilberforce University and a Master of Science in Public Administration from Central Michigan University while working full time. A dedicated community leader, she serves on several local boards, advocates for minority-owned businesses, mentors women, and remains active in civic and faith-based initiatives focused on equity and community empowerment.
Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Lynn Cooper has called Dayton home since 1999. She began her public service career with Montgomery County in 2001, serving in multiple offices including the Clerk of Courts, Treasurer’s Office, Probate Division, and now the General Division of the Common Pleas Court as Director of Organizational Development. Lynn earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Wilberforce University and a Master of Science in Public Administration from Central Michigan University while working full time. A dedicated community leader, she serves on several local boards, advocates for minority-owned businesses, mentors women, and remains active in civic and faith-based initiatives focused on equity and community empowerment.
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