Congratulations to our workforce innovation award winners
The 16th Annual Workforce Innovation Awards were presented this week as part of the Northern Kentucky Workforce Investment Board (WIB) Annual Awards and NKY Works Annual Meeting, held at the St. Elizabeth Healthcare Education and Training Center. Congratulations to all the award winners and nominees.
Dr. Heidi Murley (second from left) accepted the award on behalf of St. Elizabeth. She is shown here with (left to right): UNKNOWN, Julie McGregor (who serves on both the NKWIB and NKY Works Boards), Lois Post, Brittany Sorrell, Jennifer Martin, and Hiliary Ruth.
St. Elizabeth Healthcare was awarded the annual Talia Frye Workforce Investment Champion award. The Talia Frye Workforce Investment Champion was named in honor of the late Talia Frye, a 20-year veteran of the Brighton Center, where she led many workforce initiatives aimed at continually improving the workforce ecosystem in Northern Kentucky. St. Elizabeth Healthcare was chosen by a committee of local business leaders and workforce development professionals. Also nominated were Arlinghaus Plumbing, HVAC, and Electric, and Bray Construction Services.
Phil Griffin of TradesNKY (center) accepts the 2025 Workforce Team of the Year from Campbell County Judge/Executive Steve Pendery (left) and Brian Bozeman (right). Pendery is Chair of the NKY Works Executive Committee. Bozeman is Chair of the Northern Kentucky Workforce Investment Board.
TradesNKY was selected as the Workforce Team of the Year, an award recognizing a team that works tirelessly to understand the regional workforce ecosystem, recognize potential impactful collaborations and champion workforce initiatives that will "move the needle." The other nominees for the award were the City of Covington Economic Development Department and the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Heather McClanahan of Fives Machining Systems (center) was the 2025 Workforce Innovator of the Year.
The Workforce Innovator of the Year award was presented to Heather McClanahan of Fives Machining Systems, in recognition of multiple initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining new employees. Also nominated were Korey Griffin of Federal Express, and Jaymee Scharf of Impact Community Engagements. The award is earmarked for an individual at a local employer who challenges the “status quo” related to workforce development.
Workforce Partner of the Year Melissa Patchell (fourth from left) is shown above with her Employment Connections team (left to right): Susan Kidwell, Maureen Topper, Jennifer Botz, Lesley DeMarcus, and Monica Smith.
NKADD Employment Connections Supervisor Melissa Patchell won the Workforce Professional of the Year award for her work supporting individuals addressing workforce barriers. The award recognizes a nonprofit workforce partner who builds connections with clients to achieve significant and impactful outcomes. Also nominated was the Brighton Center’s Lauren Allhands.
Fort Thomas Independent School District Superintendent Brian Robinson (center) was selected for the 2025 Workforce Partner of the Year.
The fifth award for the Workforce Volunteer of the Year was presented to Brian Robinson, Superintendent of the Fort Thomas Independent School District. Brian chairs the NKY Works Career Readiness focus area. Other nominees for the award were Kellie Burke of Humana, Sheena Parton of Huff Relocation Services, and John Stanton of the Kenton County Fiscal Court.