Northern Kentucky Young Professionals announced the 2023 Next Generation Leader Award finalists this week.
A panel of community leaders selected the individuals through applications that young professionals from across the region submitted. The three highest-scoring applications in each category are recognized as finalists. The top score in each category will be honored as the category winner.
“The Next Generation Leader Awards celebrate those that are heavily involved within the community, are dedicated to the betterment of our region and are leaving lasting impressions on the NKY Metro region,” said Mike Ballenger, CPA and manager at VonLehman. He is also an NKY Young Professionals chair.
The awards recognize and honor professionals under the age of 40 for significant professional accomplishments within their chosen professional field and their commitment and contributions to the community.
“Each year, this event is an unforgettable night that honors the emerging talent in Northern Kentucky,” Ballenger said. “I’m looking forward to spotlighting and honoring the next generation of entrepreneurs, public servants and leaders.”
Finalists represent young professionals in eight categories based on their primary job responsibilities across several industries. Applications were scored by a panel of 16 judges composed of industry and community leaders.
The 2023 finalists are:
Arts, Entertainment & Hospitality
Evin Blomburg, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Tyler Gabbard, The Carnegie
Emily Johnson, Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter
Education
Allyson Graf, Northern Kentucky University
Amanda Meeker, Mount St. Joseph University
Paige Noday, Boone County School District
Entrepreneurship
Duane Cronin, Diversified Capital Management
Isaac Hamlin, Better Blend
Jenna L. Utecht, MBA, CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services
Medical & Healthcare Services
Poornima Gopalan, CTI Clinical Trials and Consulting Services, Inc.
Brad Martin, UC Health
Jennie Pergram, CTI Clinical Trials and Consulting Services, Inc.
Professional Services
Olivia Amlung, Adams Law
Brittany Bischoff, Clark Schaefer Hackett
Anna Pfaehler, Constellation Wealth Advisors
Public Relations, Media and Marketing
Jenny Collopy, The Christ Hospital Health Network
Amy Martin, Northern Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy
Shane Noem, Roebling Solutions
Public Service and Community Based Organizations
Samantha Mosby, YMCA of Greater Cincinnati
Sasha Naiman, Children’s Law Center
Eric Owsley, Brighton Center
Trade & Technology
Sierra O’Bryan, Clubhouse
Michael Squicciarini, Western & Southern Financial Group
Ryan Wilkins, Duke Energy
All finalists will be celebrated, and category winners will be announced, during the 2023 award ceremony on Thursday, July 20, 2023, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Newport Aquarium, located at One Aquarium Way in Newport. The cost to attend is $50. A discounted rate of $40 is available for young professionals. More information and registration are available at NKYChamber.com/NGLA.
