The Northern Kentucky Young Professionals announced the winners of the 2025 Next Generation Leader Award, recognizing young professionals aged 40 and under for notable achievements in their respective fields.
The awards, presented during an event at The Carnegie, were selected from a pool of applicants across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati. A panel of judges named 28 finalists in nine categories before choosing one winner in each.
“Our region is full of dedicated and impressive young professionals who work every day to make an impact in the workplace and in the community, and this year’s NGLA winners are stellar examples of that,” NKYP Chair Tori Roberts said in a press release. “We are honored and excited to celebrate this year’s winners, and we look forward to continuing to see the impact they will continue to make.”
Advocacy & Government Affairs: Josh Tunning, City of Newport
Arts, Entertainment & Hospitality: Nick Wade, ArtsWave
Education: Paige Nieporte, Boone County School District
Entrepreneurship: Jordan Smith, Medicinlogic
Media & Marketing: Emily North, The Christ Hospital Health Network
Medical & Healthcare Services: Brittany Sorrell, St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Professional Services: Angela Hagedorn, Heritage Bank
Public Service and Community-Based Organization: Lauren Allhands, Brighton Center
Skilled Trades: Mark Steller, Flottman Company
Besides recognizing this year’s NGLA recipients, David Kay, vice president of middle market banking at Fifth Third Bank, received the 2025 NKYP Legend Award, which honors a community leader who consistently inspires leadership and career achievement among young professionals.
“Young professionals are a key driving force of our region’s success now and into the future,” NKY Chamber CEO Brent Cooper said in the release. “The NGLAs are a fantastic opportunity to recognize the crucial role that young professionals have in our community, and the NKY Chamber is proud to recognize these deserving honorees. The future of Northern Kentucky is in great hands.”