NKY Chamber highlighting 3 at its annual Leadership Alumni Awards Luncheon

FORT MITCHELL, Ky. — The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce (NKY Chamber) is inviting alumni from three of its top programs to join in honoring program alumni who are making an impact on the region at the 2024 Leadership Alumni Awards Luncheon, powered by Citi.

Alumni from Leadership Northern Kentucky (Leadership NKY), Regional Youth Leadership (RYL) and Encounter NKY are invited to attend this year’s event, taking place Thursday, Aug. 22 in the Emerald Room at the Madison Event Center (700 Madison Ave., Covington, KY 41011). Beginning at 11:30 a.m. with alumni arrival and networking time, the two-hour event will celebrate the recipients of three awards: The Ruth A. Eger Leader of Distinction Award, the Leadership Volunteer Impact Award and the Gary Beatrice Leadership Award.

“We are thrilled to be recognizing these three outstanding program alumni for their contributions to both the Northern Kentucky region, and our program,” said NKY Chamber Director of Leadership Ann Marie Whelan. “These individuals exemplify the spirit of leadership and service that our programs have fostered for nearly half a century. This awards luncheon is a wonderful opportunity for fellow alumni to come together to honor their accomplishments and to reconnect with each other.”

This year’s honorees are:

Wonda Winkler, President & CEO of the Brighton Center, is the recipient of this year’s Ruth A. Eger Leader of Distinction Award. The award is given to an individual that has made significant and lifelong contributions to the region. A graduate of Leadership Northern Kentucky (2007), Winkler has served various organizations in Northern Kentucky, including NKY WORKS, Northern Kentucky Partners for Health, Northern Kentucky University School of Social Work Community Advisory Board, the Northern Kentucky Nonprofits for Social Justice Coalition, Newport Business Association Board of Directors, Truist Bank Community Advisory Board, and Campbell Leadership Action Group. Winkler has spent over 12 years on the NKY Chamber Board and is a past chair of the NKY Chamber Women’s Initiative Steering Committee and current chair of the Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky committee. She has also received numerous recognitions, including being named the first recipient of the Women’s Initiative Spirit of Achievement Award in 2014. Winkler was awarded the Northern Kentucky Young Professionals Legend Award in 2022, and received a NKY Chamber Community Award for her positive impact on the Northern Kentucky Metro region.

Kimberly Krugel, Occupational Tax Administrator, Boone County Fiscal Court, is the recipient of this year’s Leadership Volunteer Impact Award. The award is given to an alumnus(a) of Leadership NKY or Encounter NKY who generously shares their time and is accessible to others. A graduate of Leadership Northern Kentucky (2013), Krugel has served on the Leadership Northern Kentucky steering committee over the last decade holding various leadership positions, including serving as Chair for the closing retreat, where she provides guidance and inspiration to emerging leaders in the community. In addition, Krugel leads multiple community service initiatives for Boone County Fiscal Court staff, which benefit organizations such as the Steinford Toy Foundation and People Working Cooperatively, both of which significantly impact the lives of community members in need.

Claire E. Parsons, Of Counsel of Bricker Graydon LLP, is the recipient of this year’s Gary Beatrice Award. The award recognizes an RYL alumnus or volunteer who imparts guidance and expertise in encouraging others to develop their skills. A graduate of both Regional Youth Leadership (2000) and Leadership Northern Kentucky (2015), Parsons has served in leadership roles within the NKY Chamber, including Chair of the Leadership Council, the Women’s Initiative and the Education Council. She is a Northern Kentucky Young Professionals’ Next Generation Leader Award recipient and was previously named an Emerging Leader by the Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky.

Tickets for the 2024 Awards Luncheon are $40 per person and the NKYP rate is $30. Tickets include lunch. To register or for more information, visit www.nkychamber.com/events. To learn more about Leadership Northern Kentucky, Regional Youth Leadership or Encounter NKY, visit https://www.nkychamber.com/leadership/.

Powered by Citi, the community-based leadership programs at the Northern Kentucky Chamber grow, connect, encourage, and challenge leaders at all levels through life-changing leadership experiences. Programs are designed to help a diverse group of emerging and established community leaders acquire an understanding of the strengths and challenges of the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati region. Learn more at www.nkychamber.com/leadership.

The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1969, is the leading business organization in Northern Kentucky with more than 1,700 member companies representing approximately 175,000 employees. Additional information is available at www.nkychamber.com.