BE NKY Growth Partnership, an economic development organization serving Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties, announced that two of its employees earned local and national recognition.
Christine Russell, BE NKY’s vice president of strategy, was selected to serve on Urban Land Institute Americas’ National Public/Private Partnership Council. The organization focuses on the development, refinement and dissemination of best practices for public/private partnerships.
“Serving on this council will provide me with impactful opportunities to deepen my knowledge through collaboration with real estate experts from across the country,” Russell said in a press release. “I am honored to be accepted and look forward to sharing this new knowledge with my colleagues in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region.”
Russell has been involved with ULI Cincinnati since 2007 and is currently the past district council chair. Previously, she served as district council chair, committee chair and treasurer.
BE NKY’s Workforce Development Manager Kim Spreder was one of 59 people nationwide selected to complete the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Foundation-International Economic Development Council Certificate in Workforce Development Fundamentals program.
The program prepares professionals to navigate the intersection of economic and workforce development while addressing education gaps. Participants must complete a six-week curriculum that includes expert-led sessions, interactive learning, practical exercises, and an online exam.
“I am proud to be one of just two recipients from Kentucky to receive this designation,” Spreder said in the release. “I will leverage the insights and relationships I gained through this program as I continue working toward informed solutions to Northern Kentucky’s workforce challenges.”