2026 Next Generation Leader Awards (NGLAs)

About this event

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!

This year, NKYP will also honor Dawn Denham as the 2026 NGLA Legend Award recipient , recognizing her longstanding dedication to developing the next generation of leaders and her lasting contributions to Northern Kentucky’s business and community landscape.

Congratulations to this year's finalists:

Arts, Entertainment & Hospitality

Cherish Ludlow, Embassy Suites by Hilton

Katarina Noll, Spire Hospitality

Rachael Parker, ArtsWave

Education

Abby Ober, Northern Kentucky University

Chris Rickels, Gateway Community & Technical College

Kara Kowalk, Fort Thomas Independent Schools

Entrepreneurship

Abbey Cummins, Everything Cincy

Chris Korba, Topshell Plumbing

Samantha Kelly, Beyond Neurodiversity

Medical & Healthcare Services

Danielle Albin, Saint Elizabeth Hospital

Jennifer Wick, The Christ Hospital Health Network

Amanda Osborne, The Christ Hospital Health Network

Financial Services

Brittany Bischoff, Excelsior Accounting Services

Hank Heidrich, Fifth Third Bank

Justin Vanderglas, Clark Schaefer Hackett

Professional Services

Jimmy Beatrice, Houchens Insurance Group

Devon Greco, BE NKY Growth Partnership

Lauren Huizenga, Western & Southern Financial Group, Inc.

Media and Marketing

Arian Green, NKY AI

Stephanie Downing, St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Molly Wheeler, Prysmian

Public Service & Community-Based Organizations

Casey Baker-Romans, Northern Kentucky Health Department

Travis Gysegem, The Catalytic Fund

Jordan Smith, Jordan Smith Community Care Foundation

Advocacy & Government Affairs

Amy Martin, Northern Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy

Samuel Shelton, City of Bellevue, KY

Sebastian Torres, City of Covington

Operations & Infrastructure

Kraig Eckstein, New Riff Distilling

Philip Galeucia, Jabil

Omar El Masri, PRIME AE Group, Inc.

Event Schedule:

5:30 PM - Networking Social Hour

6:15 PM - Welcome, Presentation of 2026 NGLA Finalists and Awards, Presentation of the 2026 Legend Award

7:30 PM - Event Concludes

7:45 PM - After Party

Emcee: Jay Kruz - Media personality and in-game host for the Cincinnati Cyclones.