Local young professionals have been announced winners of the 2022 Next Generation Leader (NGLA) Award. The NGLA recognizes young professionals 40 and under for significant professional accomplishments, demonstrated leadership, and community impact.
Each of this year’s winners were chosen from a large group of regional applicants. The applications were then reviewed and narrowed down by a panel of judges to a group of 21 finalists in seven categories based on primary job responsibilities across several industries.
“Since the inception of this event, over 100 community and business leaders have been honored as NGLA award winners,” Northern Kentucky Young Professionals chair John Enzweiler, said. “Each year, this event is a wonderful reminder that our region is in good hands with the young professional leaders playing critical roles to make our region one of the hottest spots for talent in the U.S.”
The 2022 NGLA winners in each category are:
Education
Hannah Edelen, Holmes Middle School
Entrepreneurship
Chris Cook, TKOR Holdings (Arlinghaus Electric, Beaumont Building Group, BBG Concrete, Cru Cutters Landscape Services, Landworx Excavation, Kramer Pools)
Medical and Healthcare Services
Christina Schreiner Spille, Faith Community Pharmacy
Professional Services
Michelle E. Reid, Strauss Troy Co., LPA
Public Relations, Media and Marketing
Cara Brooks, Duke Energy
Public Service and Community-Based Organizations
Joe Klare, The Catalytic Fund
Skilled Trades and Technology
Madison Smith, Fifth Third Bank
The NKYP Legend Award was also given out during the event. The Legend Award is given to a community leader that has continued to inspire leadership and career success among young professionals throughout their career. This year’s recipient of that award was the president and CEO of Brighton Center, Wonda Winkler.