Northern Kentucky nonprofit leaders and volunteers were recognized last month for their work with organizations across the region.
The Horizon Community Foundation of Northern Kentucky honored six people during its 2026 Horizon Nonprofit Awards Luncheon on Sept. 29 at the St. Elizabeth Training & Education Center. The annual awards recognize nonprofit executives, board members, volunteers and others serving organizations in Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties.
“Every day, people across our nonprofit community are showing up with compassion, creativity and a commitment to making Northern Kentucky a better place,” said Nancy Grayson, president and CEO of Horizon Community Foundation of Northern Kentucky. “The Horizon Nonprofit Awards give us an opportunity to pause and celebrate these incredible individuals and the difference they are making. Their leadership reminds us that strong communities are built by people who are willing to serve, collaborate and invest in others.”
The 2026 Horizon Nonprofit Award recipients are:
- Executive of the Year – Large Organization: Andy Brunsman, Be Concerned
- Executive of the Year – Small Organization: Bruce Kintner, Samaritan Car Care Clinic
- Nonprofit Staff Member: Wendy Lemen, LifeSciKY
- Nonprofit Board Member: Jackie Hirt, Easterseals Redwood
- Volunteer of the Year: Craig Gliva, Big Brothers Big Sisters
- NextGen Leader Award: Rachael Parker, ArtsWave and MeetNKY.
This year marked the introduction of the NextGen Leader Award, recognizing an emerging nonprofit professional who is helping shape the future of Northern Kentucky through leadership, innovation and community impact. Rachael Parker was selected as the inaugural recipient of the award.
