Special to NKyTribune
Longtime educator and community advocate, Tim Hanner, has announced his retirement as founder and Senior Director of Navigo College and Career Prep, a division of Children, Inc.
“Increasing health issues and wanting to spend more time with my wife, children, and grandchildren has led to the difficult but necessary decision to step down,” Hanner said. “I am confident that my work with NaviGo and other programs will continue to improve the lives of students in our community.”
Bryan Padilla and Tim Hanner (Photos provided)
After retiring as Kenton County Superintendent in 2011, Hanner founded NaviGo College and Career Prep Services, a non-profit organization designed to support middle school and high school students as they navigate the decisions for life after high school.
In 2017, Hanner made the decision to have the organization complete an acquisition process with Children, Inc., a Greater Cincinnati non-profit focused on improving the lifelong success of children and families through high-quality educational program, prenatally through college and career.
Children, Inc. CEO, Shannon Starkey-Taylor said, “Tim has been an amazing leader in our community and our organization. His insight and knowledge have been a valuable asset to our organization and the entire region. While I am sad to see Tim leave, I know his impact will be felt for generations to come.”
This impact has been long-standing and includes many innovative and quality programs and partnerships, the most recent being NaviGo College and Career prep that now serves children throughout Kentucky and Ohio. To date, NaviGo has helped thousands students navigate the path of life after high school.
Tim Hanner
“Tim helped mold me from a quiet, troubled child into a leader and intellectual,” said Bryan Padilla, former member of the NaviGo Student Board of Directors and NaviGo Scholar. “Whether he intended to or not, Tim served in part as a father figure for me when my father left my life.
“Tim played such a huge role in helping guide me through the decisions and actions I needed to take to end up where I am today — MIT — where I am a living testament to the iron-willed commitment of educators and mentors in the NKY and Cincinnati region to uplifting their students.”
Hanner’s extensive career to support students in our region has led to some amazing outcomes.
He created a STEM campus; Hanner’s Heroes, a program that encourages students to mentor to other, younger students; and the Superintendent’s Advisory Board and Student Ambassador Program — both student leadership and empowerment programs.
He also launched the Success Academy, a military school for high school students, and the Northern Kentucky Education Team and the Kentucky Education Action Team, partnerships that advocate for and support critical issues in public education.
During his tenure as superintendent, the Kenton County School District was selected as a national Literacy and Math Content Lead District by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a Next Generation of Learning Model Site District by the Stupski Foundation, and a model district site by the Harvard Executive Leadership Program.
“Tim has taught me that the greatest impact you can have in this world is through people, and that is exactly why his legacy will live on in every kid that has had the fortune of his mentorship for decades to come,” Padilla added.
NaviGo Scholar JoeyFeltner and Tim Hanner
In 2010, he was named Kentucky Superintendent of the Year and was recognized for creating innovative educational programs in the Kenton County School District, including starting the Born Learning Academy and collaborating with the United Way to engage families in school activities from prenatal care through preschool. Recent recognition also includes the 2012 Paul Mason Legislative Advocate for Children Award (presented by the Kentucky PTA), the 2012 Distinguished Service Lifetime Achievement Award (presented by the Kentucky Association of School Administrators), and the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award (presented by the Northern Kentucky Education Council).
“Tim has done so much to ensure that children have what they need to progress in their lives, their education, and their careers.” said Dr. Jim Votruba, retired president of Northern Kentucky University and a NaviGo Ambassador, “NaviGo is yet another example of Tim’s vision as well as his ability to translate vision into practice.”
NaviGo Prep, a division of Children, Inc. will continue its important work of supporting students and families as they decide college and career choices under the leadership of Dave Fleischer.
Fleischer currently serves as the Executive Director of the Ignite Institute. He comes with nearly 30 years of experience working on successful management operations at all Toyota North American manufacturing facilities. He will continue his position with Ignite.
“We are excited to have Dave join our team,” Starkey-Taylor said. “His extensive background in strategic planning and implementation as well as his experiences with Toyota and the Workforce Investment Board makes him a natural successor for Tim’s role.”
Hanner will retire effective June 30th.
Hanner and Fleischer are already meeting regularly to ensure a smooth transition for staff and families.
