Nominations and applications are now open for the 2026 Next Generation Leader Awards (NGLAs), hosted by Northern Kentucky Young Professionals (NKYP), a program of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. The NGLAs honor young professionals ages 40 and under for significant accomplishments within their chosen professional field, as well as their commitment and contributions to the community.
“With the Next Generation Leader Awards, we can champion the young leaders who are excelling in their fields and shaping the future of our region,” said Kyle Frizzell, NKY Chamber Director of Events and NKYP. “The energy, talent, and innovation young professionals contribute to the NKY Metro is vital to our business success, and these awards are a meaningful way to recognize those efforts and drive continued growth and engagement here in Northern Kentucky. If you know a young professional who is truly making a difference in their industry and community, please nominate them for an award or encourage them to apply.”
The NGLAs recognize young professionals in ten categories. Applications should be submitted based on the applicants’ primary job responsibilities, not the category the company they work for falls under:
– Advocacy and Government Affairs (lobbyists, policy advocates, government affairs professionals, public affairs strategists, legislative aides, local and government professionals, civic engagement leaders, etc.)
– Arts, Entertainment & Hospitality (visual/performing arts, tourism, restaurants, hotels, retail, museums, etc.)
– Education (teachers, school principals/vice principals, coaches, school board members, etc.)
– Entrepreneurship (start-ups, business owners, small business incubators, etc.)
– Financial Services (accounting, banking, insurance, mortgage brokers, financial planners, etc.)
– Media and Marketing (public relations, marketing professionals, writers/editors/content creators, media relations coordinators, graphic designers, communication strategists, brand ambassadors, social media managers, etc.)
– Medical & Healthcare Services (physicians, nurses, healthcare administrators, etc.)
– Operations & Infrastructure (skilled trades, technology, transportation, logistics., etc.)
– Professional Services (architects, commercial developers, business development/sales, attorneys, HR, real estate, etc.)
– Public Service and Community-Based Organizations (nonprofit professionals, first responders, social work, public sector workers, public health workers, state employees [non-policy, legislative], armed services, etc.)
Applications are due Oct. 2. All finalists and award winners will be honored at the annual Next Generation Leader Awards celebration on Nov. 19, at The Carnegie in Covington. To nominate a young professional or apply for yourself, visit NKYChamber.com/NKYP.
If you have questions about the application process, contact Kyle Frizzell at 859-426-3656 or kfrizzell@nkychamber.com. To learn more about the Next Generation Leader Awards, visit NKYChamber.com/Events.
The NKYP Presenting Sponsor is MeetNKY. The NKYP Event Sponsor is Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
