Holtz International
Director Members
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Rev. Dawn Daly-Mack
Rev. Daly-Mack felt the call to ministry at the age of 12, when she heard the LORD speak very clearly to her “If you humble yourself, I will use you.” Like many young people, she did what kids do…she ran. She did not answer that call until 25 years later and was ordained on February 17, 2002, at Fresh Anointing Christian Center in Upper Darby PA.
Prior to making North Carolina her home in 2005 she and her late husband, Rev. Reggie Mack, co-pastored a small church plant in urban North Philadelphia. Making the transition to rural North Carolina was challenging, but it reinforced to her that relationship is the most important thing in ministry.
She has spent the past 20 years being very intentional in fostering relationships with people in the community across generational, ethnic and denominational lines. She currently serves as an Associate Minister and the Health Ministry Lead at Cool Spring Missionary Baptist Church in Gaston NC.
She is a Registered Nurse and is a Manager of Care Management for Carolina Complete Health. She serves on several local, regional and state boards. She is currently serving her second term as President of the Northampton County NAACP and serves as the Health Chair for the NC NAACP State Conference.
In her nearly 25 years of ministry and 13 years of nursing, it has become apparent to her that those in ministry must take a holistic approach to those they serve. She feels it is important that we minister to the whole person to the best of our ability. Like the church itself, each of us is “one body with many members.”
Board Memberships:
MS Society of the Greater Carolinas
Northampton County Board of Health
Hannah’s Place
Associations:
North Carolina Institute of Medicine
NC Rural Health Association
NC Nurses Association
American Nurses Association
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Reverend Gerald H. Hesson
Master of Divinity; Doctor of Ministry
Rev. Dr. Gerald H. Hesson was born in Buffalo, New York. He is one of five children, which includes a twin sister, Geraldine H. McKethan.
He is currently a member of the Metropolitan Baptist Church, Largo Maryland and serves as an Associate Minister—his Pastor is Rev. George T. Parks, Jr.
Rev. Hesson served previously as an ordained Itinerant Elder in African Methodist Episcopal Church from 1984 to 2012, and was appointed Pastor of churches in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. He was the Chairperson of the Board of Christian Education for the Philadelphia Annual Conference of the A.M.E. Church, 2002-2005. During his tenure in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. Hesson was mentored and received ministerial tutelage under the pastorates of Rev. Dr. Fred A. Lucas, and Rev. Dr. Andrew T. Holtz, Jr. at Agape A.M.E. Church, Buffalo, New York.
Also, he was also employed by the Buffalo Board of Education as a Social Studies Instructor and Secondary School Principal, 1960-1992.
Dr. Hesson earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Government, and a Master’s Degree in Social Science, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration while attending Cornell University and the University of Buffalo in 2002, Rev. Hesson earned a Master of Divinity Degree (Cum Laude) from the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Myerstown, Pennsylvania and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Maple Springs Bible College and Seminary (Summa Cum Laude) in 2021.
Dr. Hesson holds Certificates in Marriage & Family Counseling (Temple University, Harrisburg, PA.); Clinical Pastoral Education (Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA. and a Graduate Teaching Diploma (Evangelical Training Association, Myerstown, PA.).
Dr. Hesson has published two journal articles, The Differentiated Jesus, Evangelical Journal, v.22, Spring, 2004, Number One, Myerstown, PA., and The Epistemological Formulation of Wesleyan Evangelism, Evangelical Journal, v.25, Spring, 2007, Number One, Myerstown, PA. He is currently completing a manuscript entitled: Authorial Hermeneutics: Interpreting Biblical Scriptures.
Rev. Hesson served as the President of the NAACP, Niagara-Orleans County Chapter, New York, and is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Rev. Hesson is married to Colleen Lewis Hesson of Fredericksburg, VA. and has three adult children, Brent, Howard, and Carol; three grandchildren, Aaron, Malaya, and Jordan; one great-grand son, Miles, and a special granddaughter, Brittany Mandarino; God-child, Sonja Lee.
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Bishop Gerald W. Scott
Bishop Gerald W Scott was born on November 7, 1951. Months after his birth, he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.
Despite of his challenge, and the many obstacles, both physically and socially, he was able to accomplish much. He was called to the ministry, as a youth, and had his trial sermon at Mt. Zion AME Church, in Darby, PA, when he was but 12 years old.
After going through a series of surgical procedures, during his teen years, Bishop Scott continued his ministry, graduated with honors from high school, and matriculated at Temple University.
He holds a Bachelor of Theology from Tabernacle Bible College and Seminary.
Reverend Scott was ordained an itinerant deacon and elder in the AME denomination and pastored in churches in PA, NJ and DE.
Because of worsening health issues, associated with his Cerebral Palsy, Bishop (then Reverend) had to retire from the itinerary, at 44 years old.
Though sidelined for a period of time. Scott was led, by the Holy Spirit to establish a nondenominational congregation called, Refuge of God Church.
This congregation was committed to welcoming persons with challenged abilities to join the church, as well as reaching out to serve others in the community with special needs.
Sadly, this work too was halted, by a devastating fall down a flight of stairs (this happened on the day that he was going to be installed as the lead pastor of another church).
This terrible accident necessitated, Bishop Scott to be hospitalized and undergo months of rehabilitation and recovery.
All of this naturally put his ministry on hold.
But Scott is a fighter… he joined a couple of congregations who allowed him to teach and preach the Word of God. He was even consecrated a Bishop, for his long and dedicated service, and vast knowledge and commitment to the calling of God.
Now Bishop is in partnership with Holtz International Ministries and is looking forward to developing a viable, and inclusive ministry aimed at those who the church has ignored and in many ways abandoned… persons with physical, developmental and mental challenges.
Presently, Bishop Scott is a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is a published author, Bible teacher, and podcast host.
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Gregory Holtz, Sr.
Gregory Holtz, Sr., a native of Chester, Pennsylvania, is a graduate of Howard University’s Department of Drama, earning a B.F.A. in 1977. He is the co-founder and Artistic Director of The Real Life Theater Ministries.
Professional Background: Mr. Holtz is a writer, actor, director, and teacher with an extensive background in theater, film/video, and stand-up comedy. He currently teaches theater in Newark (NJ) Public Schools. Through the years, he has served as a Teaching Artist in Residence with the New Jersey State Council for the Arts, NJPAC, and Playwright’s Theater of New Jersey. He has also worked with the New York Shakespeare Festival’s Playwriting in the Schools program, Mind Builders-Positive Youth Troupe, New York University’s Creative Arts Team, The Children’s Art Carnival, and Theater for the Forgotten’s Changing Scenes.
International Experience: In the summer of 2008, Mr. Holtz served as a Cultural Envoy to South Africa through the U.S. Department of State as a playwright, conducting workshops at the Market Theatre, SABC Studios in Johannesburg, and The Playhouse in Durban. In 2013, he returned to South Africa where he conducted a workshop at the Opera House in Port Elizabeth.
Writing Credits: Some of his writing credits for the stage include Black Codes From The Underground (produced by Lincoln Center's Directors Lab 1999), Where's Bobby?, Grandma’s Hands, Trip This, The Anansi X-5000, and Ali…From Cassius Clay To Bomaye. His plays Lifeline and A Christ Mass Story were both produced in NYC by Real Life Theater.
Recent Work: Mr. Holtz’ latest stage work is South Africans-Americans. His films include The Mission…Field Your Way Through It and a screenplay Chicken Special. Mr. Holtz also has two television projects, Beacon Place and Grandma’s Hands, under consideration for production. Among his acting credits are Jonin’ (off-Broadway), Michael Jackson’s Bad (music video), America’s Most Wanted (television), and The Family Graves (indie film).
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Bishop Jeremiah Nimely
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Presiding Bishop Living Waters Fellowship Church of Liberia Inc.
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Theological Educator and Conference Speaker
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Community Development Advocate
Brief Description:
Bishop Nimely is a seasoned minister, educator, and visionary leader with over three decades plus of experience in church leadership, theological education, and community outreach. He holds a Doctorate Honorary Doctorate degree in Divinity, a Master of Divinity, and multiple certificates in pastoral, counseling and leadership development. Bishop Nimely is deeply passionate about empowering leaders, strengthening families, and restoring spiritual order in the church and society. He has ministered across several African nations, serving as a voice of hope, healing, and revival.
Academic and Theological Credentials of Bishop Dr. Jeremiah Joyous Nimely Sr.
With a deep commitment to biblical scholarship, spiritual leadership, and theological education, Bsh. Dr. Jeremiah Joyous Nimely Sr. has earned and been honored with the following degrees from respected institutions:
1. Bachelor of Theology
Institution: Northwestern Christian University (NCU)
This foundational degree laid the groundwork for theological understanding, Christian ministry, and spiritual leadership.
2. Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
Institution: Teleo University (T-Net Graduate School of Theology)
This advanced degree deepened his understanding of biblical interpretation, church leadership, pastoral care, and practical ministry application. It is a hallmark of pastoral and academic training in ministry.
3. Master of Theology & Biblical Studies
Institution: Northwestern Christian University (NCU
This second master’s degree provided in-depth academic focus on the Scriptures, systematic theology, and advanced theological research, reinforcing a scholarly and spiritually mature foundation for teaching and ministry.
4. Honorary Doctorate in Divinity
Institution: Covenant Global School of Ministry
This honorary doctorate was awarded in recognition of Bishop Nimely’s outstanding contributions to ministry, leadership, and spiritual development. It symbolizes the impact he has made in advancing the Gospel and serving the body of Christ.
These credentials represent a journey of dedication of the Word of God, scholarly excellence, and faithful service in ministry. They reflect not only academic achievement but also a life committed to spiritual growth, leadership, and theological integrity.
Four (4) courses that I am eligible to teach:
1. God’s Plan of Salvation
2. God’s Plan of Discipleship
3. Finding Balance in your or one’s ministry
4. Teaching on the Foundational & Motivational Gifts in Ministry
Testimonials (Minimum six)
1. “Bishop Nimely’s mentorship has completely transformed my ministry. His teachings carry both wisdom and practical insight.” Bsh. James Y. Komeh (founder/G.O Christ Liberation Center, Liberia)
2. “After attending his leadership seminars, I finally understood how to build a ministry with integrity and long-term vision.” Pst. Sam Abel Gbeisay (founder, Joyous Fountain Christian Center, Monrovia, Liberia)
3. “His biblical teaching is clear, compelling, and deeply rooted in sound doctrine. He is a true gift to the Body of Christ.” Apostle Howard Job Sessie (Lord’s Way Ministries Inc. Sierra Leone Freetown)
4. “Bishop Nimely led our community outreach project, and it revived our town’s spiritual and social fabric.” Pastor Hamidou Raph Horton (Monrovia, Liberia)
5. “His pastoral care and leadership helped strengthen our local church. His wisdom and encouragement were timely.” Pastor Peter Labeah (Disciples of Jesus Christ Lutheran Church Monrovia, Liberia)
6. “He is not only a preacher but a father in the faith. His presence brings peace and his counsel brings direction.” Pastor Benjamin Askie (Founder, Agape Fellowship Ministry, Monrovia, Liberia)
I am pleased to submit the requested information for the Holtz International website. Attached are my professional headshot, outlined roles, brief bio, course titles, and testimonials. I count it a privilege to be part of this great vision and look forward to contributing to the impact Holtz International will have on cities and lives.
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Rev. Dr. Samia P. Giddings
Rev. Dr. Samia Patrice Giddings is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. She is the fifth of six children of the late Rev. Samuel S. Giddings and Rev. Margaret M. Giddings. She is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Morris Brown College in Atlanta where she received a B. A. degree in Criminal Justice. Dr. Giddings continued her education in Miami, Florida and received her J.D. from St. Thomas University School of Law. She was one of 12 blacks accepted of 150 admitted, which was out of 1500 applicants. She was one of six black students to graduate and was the second top black student of her class to do so.
In 1996, after passing the bar exam the first time, she was sworn in as a member of the State Bar of Georgia and currently holds admissions to practice in the Georgia Court of Appeals, Supreme Court of Georgia, U.S. District Court, Northern–Middle-Southern Districts of Georgia, and U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, and has an open invitation for admittance to practice in front of the U.S. Supreme Court if the opportunity ever presents itself.
Rev. Giddings has received numerous academic achievement awards and honors throughout her academic career. She has also been the keynote speaker for various occasions for the A.M.E. Church on all levels from the Local Church to the Connectional Church. She has held numerous leadership positions on all church levels as well. After accepting her call to the ministry in 2005, Samia enrolled at Henry McNeil Turner Theological Seminary at The ITC in Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated with high honors in 2011and was ordained an itinerant elder at the Atlanta North Georgia Annual Conference the same year. She is a member of First African Methodist Episcopal Church where the Rev. Dr. Keith Donaldson D. Lawrence is pastor.
She was assigned to her very first pastoral charge at Fidelity AME Church in Northwest Atlanta. She was the covering pastor from June, 2018 until December, 2018 having been given a formal appointment as the pastor in January, 2019. After serving four years as the pastor of Fidelity AME, she was afforded a very special opportunity and now serves as the Executive Pastor for First AME, her home church in Atlanta and as the Coordinator for Women in Ministry for the West Atlanta District.
While at first A.M.E. she served as Youth Pastor and has worked with several Ministries and Auxillaries including the Sr. Ministry Wednesday Noon Day Bible Study Group, Wednesday Night Bible Study, Weekly Food Pantry, Director and Choreographer of the Liturgical Dance Ministry, ‘In His Name,’ the FAME Spiritual Voices Gospel Choir, the First A.M.E. Sanctuary Choir, the Y.P.D., the Sunday School, and many other special projects held by the church.
She has developed, compiled and written a youth and young adult biblical and theological 12-month course study to help increase faith and understanding of the principles of Christianity for the youth and young adults at FAME and the AME Church, which includes a “Know Your Church” component focusing on the ins and outs of the denomination. She has also developed an awareness presentation for the West Atlanta District focusing on peer pressure from elementary school to college students regarding the use of alcohol and drugs, how to deal with bullying, hazing, date rape, and the enormous responsibility when beginning to drive and the traffic laws specific to drivers under 21 years of age.
After opening and running her own private law practice, Rev. Giddings accepted a position with the City Court of Atlanta, Public Defender’s Office for three and a half years prior to the Shirley Franklin City Government Administration. She has worked in the Fulton County State and Magistrate Court System as a Public Defender for twenty years. She held this position as a staff member and State & Magistrate Court Division Attorney for the Fulton County Public Defender’s Office, accepting this position after the close of the office of Public Defense of the Georgia Public Defenders Council, Metro Division of Fulton County where she served as a senior attorney, celebrating her 20th anniversary with the office on October 1st, 2022.
From November of 2022 to December of 2023, she served as a Sr. Attorney and lead trial attorney with the Office of the Solicitor General, Fulton County where she celebrated 30 years as a civil servant in public service to the legal profession this year. In December Attorney Giddings was afforded the opportunity to accept a position with the District Attorney’s Office of Fulton County where she is the lead counsel and community liaison between the D. A.’s Office and citizens of the community overseeing a one million dollar grant to foster positive relationships between law enforcement, youth, and adults.
Most importantly, Samia is the proud mother of, one daughter, Ashaunti’ Emily Patrice, a 2017 honor, triple degree graduate of Wesleyan College, First for Women, in Macon, Georgia and a 2020 honor graduate, earning a Master of Fine Arts degree from Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, Georgia;(SCAD).
Samia is an avid reader of all genres, a culinary artist who loves to bake, and she enjoys watching old black and white films, spending time with family, her three cats, one dog, and listening to all genres of music - with classical and gospel being her favorite and heavy metal not so much. And yes, of course - she is still dancing and teaching dance! Her personal motto in life is this; “Living isn’t about learning to survive the storms of life, for storms will come and storms will go, living is about learning to joyously dance in the rain!” “For God’s plan for your life will never take you to a place where His grace won’t cover and protect you!”
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Karen L. Ross
Karen L. Ross is a lifeforce of inspiration.
A light embodying power, strength and love.
In the beginning God created ...
Made in the image and likeness of God, Karen’s faith in God, the very essence of her being, allows her to experience and express the Kingdom of God / Heaven. God's words and instructions are her guides to be and live by. Romans 12:2 states, to be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect, will of God. Knowing that from the beginning to embody all that God is, is the fulfillment of all the good that God’s word refers to.
Because of the instructions and promises throughout God’s word, there is a reliance of knowing all things are possible from within. Flowing in the love and knowing of God, transformation of mind, body and spirit is the testament of prosperity in every area of life. 3 John 2 says, Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
God created: Genesis 1 - In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
God has made us in his image and given us dominion: Genesis 1:26 - And God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion ...
God has blessed us: Genesis 1:28 - And God blessed them, and God said unto them, be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion ...
God is ALL: Exodus 3:14 - And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
God is all and has given us all to have access, connect, have a relationship, to rely and depend on, to love, to grow, expand, prosper, succeed, live abundantly, exceed beyond our thinking, and so much more. Luke 15:31 - And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
Karen L. Ross is a creator, writer, author, speaker, teacher, producer, director, consultant, philanthropist and humanitarian.
Karen L. Ross is expressing and presenting her God gifts to inspire men, women and children to be, live and express their highest and greatest self - to be and live their truth authentically.
