Congratulations to the 2026 Workforce Innovation award Winners
The 17th Annual Northern Kentucky Workforce Innovation Awards were presented today during the annual meeting of the Northern Kentucky Area Development District (NKADD), the Northern Kentucky Workforce Investment Board (NKWIB), and NKY Works. The winners are:
Workforce Innovator of the Year: Cindy Flynn
Comey and Shepherd Realty Vice President of Corporate and Relocation Services Cindy Flynn was named the Workforce Innovator of the Year. This award is presented annually to an individual at a company who challenges workplace practices and seeks models of innovation. Among her many contributions to workforce development in Northern Kentucky is the development of an innovative program to encourage college graduates to relocate to Northern Kentucky. The program includes a variety of incentives leading to home ownership, coupled with several support elements to ease transition to our community.
Workforce Team of the Year: Kenton County Public Library
The Kenton County Public Library received the Workforce Team of the Year, awarded annually to a nonprofit workforce development organization whose team demonstrates a strong commitment to collaboration and strategic use of community resources. Among the many ways the library supports workforce development is through the Northern Kentucky Accountability Group. This group serves 50+ individuals weekly by providing detailed assistance in networking, resume preparation, digital acumen, and interviewing techniques. Hundreds of individuals - possibly even thousands - have found employment with the help of these services.
Workforce Professional of the Year - Ally Hermes
Ally Hermes of Kentucky Refugee Ministries received the Workforce Professional of the Year Award, which honors a nonprofit workforce partner who provides outstanding support to job seekers and employers. Ally, an Employment Case Manager, was nominated for building trusted relationships and effectively connecting employer needs with job seeker goals. Her nominator, CVG, noted that she goes beyond traditional job placement by understanding each employer’s hiring process, workplace culture, communication preferences, onboarding expectations, and operational needs. This approach results in meaningful employment matches that provide lasting value for both employers and job seekers.
Talia Frye Workforce Investment Champion - Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport
The final award, the Talia Frye Workforce Investment Champion, was presented the the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). The award is presented is presented annual to honor the late Talia Frye, who spent 20+ years at the Brighton Center strengthening our regional workforce ecosystem in countless and lasting ways. CVG was noted for their work in strengthen the regional talent pipeline through strategic partnerships with education, workforce, economic development, and community organizations. CVG connects employers to training resources, untapped talent pools, and workforce development opportunities. They are always among the first employers to try new and innovative approaches to solve our workforce challenges. Their approach enables airport employers to leverage regional resources and partnerships that would be difficult to establish independently, creating a stronger and more connected workforce ecosystem.
Comey & Shepherd Vice President of Corporate and Relocation Services Cindy Flynn was presented the Workforce Innovator of the Year Award for her efforts to create a graduate relocation program. She is shown here with NKWIB and NKY Works Director Correy Eimer.
Savannah McClurg, Lauren Gabbard, Mikaela Brungs and Alicia Copley accepted the Workforce Team of the Year Award on behalf of the Kenton County Public Library. Shown with Correy Eimer.
The Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) won the Talia Frye Workforce Investment Champion Award. They are shown here with Ally Hermes, who was nominated for the Workforce Professional Award by the CVG team. Shown left to right: Correy Eimer, CVG Vice President of Human Resources Gina Stough, KRM Manager Ally Hermes, CVG Workforce Manager Jessica Warner, and CVG Senior Manager of Total Rewards Cyndi Haren.