CEO

Morris & team led a $2 billion IPO of Rubicon to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), with it named “1 of the World’s Most Innovative Cos.” by Fast Co, an “Industry Disruptor” by Inc. Mag, & a Great Place to Work™ for 5 consecutive years! Rubicon is ONLY 1 of 9 KY. cos. to EVER go public in the 230+ year New York Stock Exchange history!

Glade is an environmental scientist, speaker, & filmmaker dedicated to promoting environmental education & awareness, particularly concerning wetlands & water conservation.

As founder/CEO of Wicked Sheets, she leads a company that specializes in innovative moisture-wicking/cooling bedding products, designed to alleviate night sweats & enhance sleep quality, are a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit offering a unique solution to a more common issue than many realize, sparking intrigue & interest.

Steve is a prominent American entrepreneur & art collector, best known as co-founder of 21c Museum Hotels-a unique boutique hotel chain that seamlessly integrates contemporary art into their design & visitor experience.
Steve Wilson
American Entrepreneur & Art Collector & Co-Founder of 21c Museum Hotels
Interviewed: 05-04-2024

Elizabeth is Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve-a premium bourbon brand under the Brown-Forman Corporation. In February 2023, she became the 3rd person & the 1st woman to hold this position in the brand's 25+year history.

Born in Chester, England, Gemma is a British reality TV Personality, Model, and Accomplished Equestrian. She is the daughter of former England footballer Michael Owen & Louise Bonsall.
Gemma Rose Owen
British Reality TV Personality, ModelAccomplished Equestrian
Interviewed: 05-04-2024

Dan Oliver founded Dan-O's Seasoning, a famous seasoning brand known for its unique blend of herbs and spices.

Lukas has trained 20+ champions with over 4,800 career wins, making him 1 of THE most successful & influential horse trainers in American Thoroughbred racing history!

Prior to LULeague, Lyndon was a Student Development Specialist at TX A&M, where he assisted students in their personal growth & building their professional competencies & leadership skills.

Al's real name is Allen Ray Sarven. He is a well-known figure in the Professional Wrestling industry, BOTH as a performer, trainer & now promoter!

When she became Louisville Metro Police Dept. chief, she became the 1st PERMANENT female African-American police chief in the Commonwealth of KY.'s history!
Chief Jackie Gwinn-Villaroel
Former Police Chief of Louisville Metro Police Department (2023-2024)
Interviewed: 02-23-2024

Macrae is the 15th Head of School for Louisville Collegiate School & has spent over 35 yrs. working in independent school leadership!

Tosca is a South African-Canadian filmmaker, producer, & director. She is the younger sister of entrepreneurs Elon & Kimbal Musk

Chef Damaris Phillips is a "Southern-Style" American Chef & TV Personality known for her Southern-style cooking & charming, warm personality!

American businessman & philanthropist, best known as owner of Gallery Furniture-a retail furniture chain based in Houston, TX. He has garnered fame for his entrepreneurial acumen & community service efforts!

Soozie is an American filmmaker/producer, & has been involved in various documentary & narrative filmmaking projects, having produced & directed Overload: America's Toxic Love Story, By the Wayside & Meant to Be.

Gant founded Gant Hill & Associates in 2002, which specializes in enhancing the best interests & outcomes of its clients that own, invest, lease &/or operate real estate.
Gant Hill, CCIM
President & Principal Broker of Gant Hill & Associates (formerly Venterra Realty)
Interviewed: 11-12-2021

A 1st-generation Sri Lankan-American & Owner at Tuk Tuk Sri Lankan Bites™ with Sam's spin on Southern classics & riffs on her mother's time-tested recipes. Tuk Tuk is 1 of the few Sri Lankan cuisine options in the U.S. & reflects Sam’s Sri Lankan upbringing in the American South.

She collects, curates exhibitions, writes, lectures, & appraises fine quilts. Zegart has curated many exhibits in the U.S. & abroad, & lectures on all aspects of quilt history & aesthetics.

Conrad worked his way through the ranks, rising to Asst. Chief in the LPD & later an Asst. Chief in the newly merged Louisville Metro Police Dept. (LMPD). As a Lieutenant Colonel with the LMPD, Conrad was Commander of the Administrative Bureau. Chief Conrad left the LMPD in 2005 to become Chief of the Glendale (AZ) Police Dept.
Chief Steve Conrad-(2012-2020)
Former Louisville Metro Chief of Police (2012-2020)
Interviewed: 05-01-2019

Under Barker, TARC was designated as the nation’s Urban System of the Yr by the Community Transportation Association of America.
J. Barry Barker (1951-2024)
(Retired) Executive Director of TARC-(The Transit Authority of River City)
Interviewed: 03-29-2019

How does a South African born beverage entrepreneur, who has founded 3 beverage companies, end up establish their first company actually based in Louisville.

Learn more about Mark's career as a licensed marriage & family therapist (LMFT) & COO & Co-Founder of The InnerView Counseling & Consultation Services.

Learn the underpinnings of why Kirt walked away from a commercial real estate career, and is now solely focused on finding the humanity behind some of today’s most inspiring individuals.

Abby Drane leads Uspiritus, whose mission is healing the hearts and minds of vulnerable youth and their families.
Abby Drane
Past President/CEO, Bellewood & Brooklawn (formerly Uspiritus, Inc.)
Interviewed: 12-02-2016

Ian leads the Dallas Opera & formerly led the Kentucky Opera, all fueled by a lifelong love of opera.
Rebecca Eaves
Past President-(2013-2019), The Arrow Fund (Animal Welfare Organization)
Interviewed: 04-01-2016

Karen Morrison sees her job as president and CEO of Gilda’s Club as winning the job lottery.

Pam Darnall focuses her professional life on helping children and families facing abuse and violence.

Dr. Donna Hargens’ unwavering belief that every child can learn serves her as she leads the country’s 28th largest school system, with more than 101,000 students and nearly 17,000 teachers and staff.
Donna Hargens
Former Superintendent, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS)-(2011-2017)
Interviewed: 10-10-2014
Jim Allen
Vice Chairman at Baird & Former, President and CEO, Hilliard Lyons
Interviewed: 10-10-2014

Chef Edward Lee wakes every morning with a passion for his work, and for learning and discovering new things.
Chef Edward Lee
Internationally Renowned Chef & Founder of 610 Magnolia & Milkwood Restaurants
Interviewed: 10-11-2013

Gill Holland’s curiosity has led to careers as an independent film producer, building developer, and former lawyer.

Lora Tucker loves leadership responsibility – and making a difference – and has used that love from childhood through her military career and as CEO of the Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana.

A passion for the arts and to make things better by introducing new generations to the art drives Stephen Klein in his career.
Stephen Klein
Former President of The Kentucky Center for the Arts (2005-2013)
Interviewed: 03-25-2011

Over the years, Kent Oyler has started 19 different business ventures and created over 1,000 jobs.
Kent Oyler
Former President and CEO, Greater Louisville, Inc. (2014-2020), OPM Services & Entrepreneur (1992-2015)
Interviewed: 03-25-2011

Terry Blackwell has devoted her life to helping people realize their potential and inner abilities.

Diane McGraw loves to create a plan, gather the necessary resources, and watch it all come together.
Diane McGraw
Past Executive Director, Greater Louisville Sports Commission (2006-2009)
Interviewed: 09-26-2007

Sandra Frazier starts each day thinking about how she can contribute something that will make a difference.

Cynthia Knapek has a tremendous amount of civic pride in her hometown of Louisville and loves doing work that will impact and improve her community.

For Chuck Denny, continuous self-improvement is a driving force that motivates him every day.
Chuck Denny
Former President and C.E.O., National City Kentucky/Tennessee Banking
Interviewed: 03-07-2007

Tyler Allen began life with a great foundation and believes that he has a responsibility to give back to the community.
Tyler Allen
President, USA Image Technologies, Inc. & Co-Founder of 8664.org
Interviewed: 03-07-2007

Steve Higdon orients his life and career around his family, striving to be the best husband and father he can be.
Steve Higdon
Past President & CEO of (GLI)-Greater Louisville, Inc. (1997-2005)
Interviewed: 03-07-2007

Bill Samuels, Jr., is wired to achieve and seeks opportunities that have a beginning, end, and outcome.

Jim Host loves Kentucky and he believes it has more potential than any other state in the country.
Jim Host
Former Kentucky Commerce Secretary & Founder of Host Communications
Interviewed: 09-27-2006

Dr. Whitney Jones understands the preciousness of time and the need to take action on the things that are most important in life.

Growing up in Kansas, Steve Sexton learned a lot about the importance of a strong work ethic and goal setting.

Joe Regan is motivated by seeing lives changed through improved education and expanded employment opportunities.
Joe Reagan
Former President & CEO, “GLI” Greater Louisville Chamber of Commerce (2005-2012)
Interviewed: 05-24-2006