Key regional leaders have united to create the Northern Kentucky Regional Alliance (the “Regional Alliance”), which will mobilize energy and resources in Northern Kentucky for initiatives with emphasis on, but not limited to, health, education, job growth and community vibrancy.
Karen Finan
It has selected executive and business leader Karen Finan as its President & CEO.
Prior to this role, Finan was partner at Gilman Partners since September 2013, where she built a talent recruiting practice specializing in real estate, economic development and ancillary industries. She also served as senior vice president of the Northern Kentucky Tri-County Economic Development Corporation (2005-2013) and was responsible for national marketing and business development for Duke Realty Corporation (1991-2005). Active in the regional community, Finan currently chairs the Northern Kentucky Education Council and Aviatra Accelerators. She is past chair of Redwood and a board member of Notre Dame Academy.
“This is an important transitional time for Northern Kentucky and the region,” Finan said. “We intend to identify and move forward with a variety of key initiatives that are important to our businesses and community.”
The Regional Alliance will explore a new model to align regional community and business leaders and resources. It is an evolution from Forward Quest (1996-2005), Vision 2015 (2005-2015) and Skyward (2015-2017) and from tactical management to strategic leadership and influence.
“This is a long-term commitment to direct investment and tangible results,” Finan said. “Northern Kentucky is poised for dramatic growth, and we want to leverage the positive momentum occurring throughout the region.
“We are extremely excited about the future of Northern Kentucky and the regional support this holds for our community.”
“We have an impressive, dedicated board of business leaders and executives from various industries on both sides of the river,” Regional Alliance board chair Jim Henning said. “This wide spectrum of viewpoints will enrich our strategic oversight and help select the best partners for important initiatives.”
The Regional Alliance board is comprised of:
• James P. Henning, President, Duke Energy (Chair)
• William P. Butler, Chairman & CEO, Corporex Companies
• Kevin Canafax, Vice President, Regional Public Affairs, Fidelity Investments
• Garren Colvin, President & CEO, St. Elizabeth Healthcare
• Kay Geiger, President, PNC Bank
• Andrew Hawking, Regional President, BB&T
• Bob Heil, President & CEO, KLH Engineers
• Paul Hemmer, Jr, President, Paul Hemmer Companies
• Ellen Katz, President & CEO, Greater Cincinnati Foundation
• Tim Maloney, President & CEO, Haile Foundation
• Candace McGraw, Chief Executive Officer, CVG
• Tim Schroeder, Chief Executive Officer, CTI
• Gerard St. Amand, Interim President Northern Kentucky University
• Rob Strub, Chief Operating Officer, Citi
• Paul Verst, President & CEO, Verst Group Logistics
Learn more about the group and as initiatives evolve at NKRegionalAlliance.com.
