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Kentucky Announces Significant Leadership Changes and Honors

Professionals engage in discussions about the recent leadership changes across various sectors in Kentucky.

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News Summary

In April 2025, numerous leadership appointments were announced across Kentucky’s healthcare, banking, legal, and nonprofit sectors. Notable additions include Kristi Martin at UK HealthCare and Michelle Oxley at Central Bank. Furthermore, several organizations recognized their leaders and initiatives to address community needs, notably in healthcare and housing. The leadership transitions reflect Kentucky’s growth, aiming to enhance services and support vital sectors amid evolving challenges.

Lexington, Kentucky – A series of significant leadership appointments and recognitions across various organizations in Kentucky were announced in April 2025. These changes are expected to influence the healthcare, banking, legal, and nonprofit sectors, among others.

Kristi Martin has been named the philanthropy executive director for cancer programs at UK HealthCare. She will spearhead fundraising initiatives aimed at enhancing cancer treatment facilities and programs. Meanwhile, at Central Bank, Michelle Oxley has joined as the senior vice president and liquidity funds manager, contributing to the bank’s strategic financial management.

Republic Bank & Trust Company has made notable appointments, with Cheryl Van Allen stepping in as the executive vice president and chief people officer, and Courtney Eder has been announced as the new senior vice president and chief marketing officer. Additionally, Lawren McCoy joins as the community reinvestment act officer, while Zach Jefferson has been promoted to client services officer and Will Barry appointed as vice president and commercial lending officer.

Further advancements in the healthcare sector include the arrival of Dr. Andrei Cocieru at CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Surgery of Lexington and Malia Dimeling, FNP-C at CHI Saint Joseph Health – Cancer Care in Lexington. Matt Grimshaw has been installed as market president at CHI Saint Joseph Health, emphasizing continued leadership growth within the organization.

In the business community, Traditional Bank has promoted Jordan Parker to business development director, while PNC Private Bank has welcomed Jordan Artrip as vice president and senior fiduciary advisor. Commonwealth Credit Union has elevated Jaynel Christensen to executive vice president and Kim Durrum to chief member experience officer, further reflecting leadership shifts aimed at enhancing member services. Kristie Jones has also been appointed branch manager at the Hamburg location of Commonwealth Credit Union.

Additional organizational changes were made at Kentucky Humanities, which has appointed Kay Madrick as the new development director. The Lexington Ballet also announced Charlize O’Dell as its new principal, while NAI Isaac brought in Natalie Hicks as a property manager.

Community services and nonprofits are witnessing leadership transitions as well. GreenHouse17 elected Robin E. McGunn as president of its board of directors for a two-year term. Likewise, Revive Ministries has announced its 2025 board of directors, highlighting Luke Embree as board chair.

On the recognition front, Commerce Lexington has presented annual awards, with Jordan Parker from Traditional Bank receiving the Volunteer of the Year award. The Community Impact Award was given to Lexington’s Transformational Housing Affordability Partnership for its contributions to housing solutions. Kentucky State Supreme Court Justice Pamela R. Goodwine was honored with the William E. McAnulty Jr. Award at the annual Black History Month Celebration, acknowledging her impact in the judiciary.

Institutions are also responding to sector challenges. Asbury University launched its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to help tackle the nursing shortage in Kentucky, while Madisonville Community College was honored with the 2025 Bellwether Award in the workforce category, illustrating its dedication to workforce development.

In terms of infrastructure investments, F & M Bank received funding from the U.S. Department of the Treasury for community development efforts totaling $167,877. The Lexington Habitat for Humanity has partnered with Gray Construction for a new townhome project in downtown Lexington, focusing on increasing affordable housing opportunities.

Recognition within the hospitality industry also featured prominently, with Joe Bologna receiving a lifetime achievement award from the Kentucky Restaurant Association and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail being awarded the Best of Business: Marketing Campaign accolade. Additionally, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce recognized McBrayer PLLC as one of the Best Places to Work.

Various entities are preparing for growing demand and expectations. The YMCA of Central Kentucky appointed new officers and board members for 2025, with Steve Byars taking the role of chair. The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council has voted to rejoin the National League of Cities after a 14-year absence, expressing renewed commitment to collaborative governance.

These leadership changes and recognitions across multiple sectors signify an active engagement in community development, healthcare advancement, and organizational excellence, underscoring Kentucky’s dynamic growth environment.