The NKY Chamber Leadership Alumni Awards were established to recognize the outstanding achievements of graduates and volunteers from the NKY Chamber's Leadership programs. Honorees are individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing the Northern Kentucky community and exemplify exceptional leadership and dedication to community progress.
Four distinguished awards are presented each year: the Ruth A. Eger Leader of Distinction Award, the Leadership Volunteer Impact Award, the Gary Beatrice Leadership Award, and the newly created R. Casey Barach Leadership Award for Entrepreneurship. Honorees are nominated by fellow Leadership program alumni, reflecting their peers' deep respect and admiration for their impactful work and service.
RUTH A. EGER LEADERS OF DISTINCTION AWARD
This legacy award is named in honor of Ruth Eger who graciously led Leadership NKY for over 10 years. Candidates for this award have made significant and life-long contributions to the region. Past Ruth A. Eger Leaders of Distinction Award recipients include:
- Gary Bricking
- Ted Bushelman
- Helen Carroll
- Carri Chandler
- Karen Cheser
- Kathy Collins
- Brent Cooper
- Robert Coughlin
- Jeff Eger
- Ruth Eger
- Bob Elliston
- Lee Flischel
- Donald Fritz
- Christopher Goddard
- Mark Guilfoyle
- Mike Hammons
- Dr. Raymond Hebert
- Jude Hehman
- Paul Hemmer
- Robert Hoffer
- Laura Menge
- Molly Navin
- Thomas Prewitt
- Lisa Raterman
- Rick Robinson
- Dave Schroeder
- Dale Silver
- Janice Way
- Rhonda Whitaker
- Wonda Winkler
LEADERSHIP VOLUNTEER IMPACT AWARD
This award recognizes the significant contributions made by graduates and engaged volunteers of Leadership Northern Kentucky and Encounter NKY. Past Leadership Volunteer Impact Award recipients include:
- 2023: Joe Geraci
- 2024: Kim Krugel
GARY BEATRICE RYL LEADERSHIP AWARD
This award recognizes a volunteer or graduate of Regional Youth Leadership and is named in honor of Gary Beatrice, a friend and champion of Regional Youth Leadership. Past Gary Beatrice RYL Leadership Award recipients include:
- 2023: Julie Roesel Belton
- 2024: Claire Parsons