Who’s Who for June 2024: Fresh Honors & Appointments Booming in the Community
A Fulfilling Month of New Joiners
June has proven to be an exciting month in the local business community with a fresh wave of appointments in prominent organizations. Kentucky State University appointed Grant Stepp as the new athletic director, bringing fresh energy to its sports department and students.
Fayette County Public Schools welcomed Eric Thornsbury as the new principal of Winburn Middle School, while The University of Kentucky James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits named Glenna Joyce as its first head distiller, overseeing the entire spirit production at the Institute.
Community Action Kentucky announced Rick Baker as its executive director, bolstering its mission to eliminate poverty on the state level. Similarly, commercial real estate management company NAI Isaac promoted Shannon Barlow to senior property manager, embodying a testament to her strong performance and dedication.
Recognizing Leaders & Future Influencers
The month of June also witnessed immense recognition for several community members who have contributed significantly to their respective fields. The Bill Gatton Foundation provided a transformational gift to Town Branch Park, which is now named “Gatton Park on the Town Branch”, marking an impactful contribution to public recreational spaces.
Moreover, Wade Haga, CCIM, Advisor at SVN | Stone Commercial Real Estate, achieved the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation, bringing his expertise to a new level. Haley Busch, PharmD, BCPS, of CHI Saint Joseph Health, was chosen as a member of the 2024 Class of Tomorrow’s Leaders by the Catholic Health Association of the United States, a remarkable accomplishment for future healthcare influencers.
Heaven Hill Brands was selected as a 2024 US Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and the Wall Street Journal. Megan Reed, VP of Growth at NetGain Technologies, was incorporated into the esteemed 2024 Women of the Channel Power 100 Solution Provider List for her outstanding commitment to the IT channel community.
The Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation also announced its 2024 Preservation Awards with 12 recipients spanning 10 different award categories, recognizing their significant contributions to preserving local history.
Enhancing Community Expansion
Several organizations adopted strategic initiatives for community growth and development. City National Bank was named the top bank in the country on the Forbes list of America’s Best Banks 2024, and ranked top-tier by J.D. Power for the fifth occasion in seven years for customer satisfaction, signifying its continued commitment to high-quality banking services.
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) announced a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to advance 3D printing practices throughout Kentucky and nearby regions, providing a huge leap in statewide tech education and workforce delivery. KCTCS also revealed a novel transfer partnership with Alice Lloyd College to enhance education and workforce development in the community.
In conclusion, June brings a refreshing wave of acknowledgments, appointments and initiatives that are quickly propelling our community to the forefront of growth and development. We look forward to reporting more achievements, growth, and community actions in the next edition of Who’s Who.
