Description

The Next Generation Leader Awards (NGLAs) Celebration, hosted by Northern Kentucky Young Professionals (NKYP) salutes and applauds YPs ages 40 and under for significant professional accomplishments, demonstrated leadership, and community impact. For over 11 years, the NGLAs have celebrated talented young leaders and the continued impact that former NGLA finalists and award recipients are making throughout the region!

In addition to recognizing this year's NGLA recipients, David Kay, Vice President, Middle Market Banking of Fifth Third Commercial Bank, will be honored as the 2025 NKYP Legend Award recipient. The NKYP Legend Award is given to a community leader who has continued to inspire leadership and career success among young professionals throughout their careers. 

Congratulations to the NGLA finalists:

Advocacy and Government Affairs (lobbyists, policy advocates, government affairs professionals, public affairs strategists, legislative aides, local and government professionals, civic engagement leaders, etc.)

Hailey Barr-King: Sr. Manager - Public Policy & Advocacy, United Way of Greater Cincinnati

Josh Tunning: Municipal Specialist, City of Newport

John Willis: Economic Development Coordinator, City of Newport

Arts, Entertainment & Hospitality (visual/performing arts, tourism, restaurants, hotels, retail, museums, etc.)

Cherish Ludlow: Director of Sales and Marketing, Embassy Suites by Hilton

Hillary Long: Director of Sales, AEG Presents - MegaCorp Pavilion

Nick Wade: Manager - Community Campaign & Engagement, ArtsWave

Education (teachers, school principals/vice principals, coaches, school board members, etc.)

Eileen Shanahan: Department Chair and Associate Professor, Northern Kentucky University

Katie James: Human Services Administrator, City of Florence

Paige Nieporte: Business Educator/Sponsor/Coach, Boone County School District

Entrepreneurship (start-ups, business owners, small business incubators, etc.)

Jordan Smith: Founder & CEO, MEDICINLOGIC

Katelyn Kleist: Owner and Executive Chef, Kate's Catering and Personal Chef Services

Madeline Martini: Head of Network, Cintrifuse Capital

Medical & Healthcare Services (physicians, nurses, healthcare administrators, etc.)

Brad Bolte: Director of Organizational Development and Education, St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Brittany Sorrell: Manager of Workforce Development, St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Danae Brown: Manager, Rehabilitation Services, St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Professional Services (accounting, banking, insurance, architects, commercial developers, mortgage brokers, financial planners, business development/sales, attorney, HR, real estate, etc.)

Angela Hagedorn: Vice President, Commercial Lender, Heritage Bank

Hank Heidrich: Investment Executive, Vice President, Fifth Third Securities

Jimmy Beatrice: Benefit Advisor, Business Benefits Inc.

Tyler Blau: Tax Senior Manager, Deloitte Tax LLP

Media and Marketing (public relations, marketing professionals, writers/editors/content creators, media relations coordinators, graphic designers, communication strategists, brand ambassadors, social media managers, etc.)

Emily North: Marketing & Internal Communications Manager, The Christ Hospital Health Network

Molly Wheeler: Marketing & Communications Manager, Gravity Diagnostics

Rudy Harris: President, Harris Media Co.

Public Service and Community-Based Organizations (nonprofit professionals, first responders, social work, public sector workers, public health workers, state employees [non-policy/legislative], armed services, etc.)

Carlos Ruiz: Director of Commercial Management, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)

Justin Beale: Director of Development, Meals on Wheels of Southwest OH & Northern KY

Lauren Allhands: Workforce Development Director, Brighton Center, Inc.

Skilled Trades (manufacturing, construction, electricians, etc.)

Aaron Drake: Process Engineer, TENTE Casters, Inc.

Madalyn Reller: Marketing Director, Arlinghaus Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electric

Mark Steller: Assistant Estimator, Flottman Company

Event Schedule

5:30 - 6:15 PM: Networking 

6:15 - 7 PM: Program

7:00 - 7:30 PM: Networking 

7:45 PM: Afterparty at Braxton Brewery

Emcee: Jay Kruz

Media personality and in-game host for Cincinnati Cyclones.