- In Memoriam
- Coming SoonCivic Engagement
For 20 years, Mike Berry has been at the helm of the Kentucky Derby Festival (KDF), one of the nation’s largest and most notable civic celebrations.
Jerry E. Abramson
Former Mayor of Louisville Metro (2003-2011) & (1986-1999), Executive in Residence at Bellarmine University, and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs in the White House for President Barack Obama
Interviewed: 03-24-2017
Tom Cottingham is a serial entrepreneur who builds successful publishing companies in the digital age.
Abby Drane leads Uspiritus, whose mission is healing the hearts and minds of vulnerable youth and their families.
Terry Forcht is a leading Kentucky entrepreneur and investor and the founder of Forcht Group of Kentucky.
Donald E. Lassere leads the Muhammad Ali Center and fosters its mission of building and expanding on the Center’s educational programs, partnerships, and other outreach initiatives.
Ingrid Hernandez delivers high quality design while building personalized client relationships.
Mitzi Friedlander has spent much of her career bringing stories to life for the blind. After 50 years of recording books, Friedlander holds the record for most talking book titles narrated for the National Library Service.
Mitzi Friedlander
Narrator & Storyteller, American Printing House for the Blind
Interviewed: 04-01-2016
Dr. Barry Denton
Past Executive Director, Louisville Metro Police Foundation (2013-2016)
Interviewed: 12-04-2015
Heather Howell’s desire to inspire her children and fear of failure power her in selecting her projects and in growing beverage brands.
Vickie Yates Brown brings passion to all of her projects – from shaping health care policy to the Nucleus project.
Vickie Yates Brown
Kentucky Secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Human Services, Former President and CEO of Nucleus: Kentucky’s Research and Innovation Center
Interviewed: 10-23-2015
Terri Foster knew from a young age she had musical gifts, and now seeks to use her gifts to help other young people develop theirs.
The 1993 tragic murder of their daughter, Mary, thrust Pat Byron and her husband, John, into advocacy work for domestic violence victims.
Robin Miller grew up in a family active in politics and the community, spurring her to serve in the public sector.
Diane Medley and her business partner founded their CPA firm to treat people in a way that they can achieve their dreams.
Major General (retired) Robert S. Silverthorn Jr. credits growing up in a military family as his inspiration and drive to achieve excellence.
Karen Morrison sees her job as president and CEO of Gilda’s Club as winning the job lottery.
A commitment to environmental responsibility as a principle of her faith powers everything Heather Warman does.
Summer Auerbach is committed to local independent businesses and leads Rainbow Blossom Natural Foods.
Marty Storch’s competitive nature and commitment to continual improvement shape his contributions at the Louisville Metro Parks department.
Gill Holland’s curiosity has led to careers as an independent film producer, building developer, and former lawyer.
Lynnie Meyer, a well-known civic leader and fundraising executive in Louisville, is fueled by her commitment to the community.
Over the years, Kent Oyler has started 19 different business ventures and created over 1,000 jobs.
Kent Oyler
President and CEO, Greater Louisville, Inc. (2014-present) & CEO, OPM Services & Entrepreneur (1992-2015)
Interviewed: 03-25-2011
Madeline Abramson served as Louisville’s first lady for 21 years and is a tireless community volunteer.
Madeline Abramson
Former First Lady of Louisville Metro (1986-1999) & (2003-2011)
Interviewed: 03-25-2011
Living with a core of gratitude and an attitude of caring and sharing, Bernard Trager founded and built Republic Bank, always with a heart to serve.
David Jones Sr. co-founded Humana Inc. and considers the good job opportunities and chance for success that the company ultimately provided as his greatest achievement.
Matt Bevin’ intellectual curiosity and love of learning have led him through several career opportunities in his lifetime.
Matt Bevin
Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky (2015-2019) and Past CEO & Principal, Integrity Asset Management
Interviewed: 12-04-2009
A Louisville native and self-proclaimed life-long student, Dan Jones has a vision for the future Louisville landscape. And his vision is coming to life.
A custom builder and remodeler, Joe Pusateri thrives on challenge and using his talents to the best of his ability.
Driven by a desire to give back drives Cathe Dykstra to lead the Family Scholar House and help families thrive.
Dale Orem
Former Mayor of Jeffersonville, Indiana (1984-1991) & NFL Referee (1980-1998)
Interviewed: 07-24-2009
Georgia Davis Powers (1923-2016)
Former Kentucky State Senator (1968-1989) & Civil Rights Activist
Interviewed: 05-30-2008
Michael Dalby is passionate about business and believes a strong and growing economy lead to a strong community.
John Yarmuth has dedicated his life to public service so that he can make a difference for others.
Ed Glasscock is motivated by three main priorities, love of family, dedication to clients, and commitment to the community.
Dr. Kevin Cosby is driven to see people grow and see their mind, life, and relationships transformed.
Dr. Kevin W. Cosby
Senior Pastor, St. Stephen Baptist Church & President, Simmons College of Kentucky
Interviewed: 03-21-2008
Terry Blackwell has devoted her life to helping people realize their potential and inner abilities.
Steve Trager gets to make a positive impact every day in the lives of his associates and customers.
Dr. James Ramsey has a passion for public service and a vision for education and economic growth in Kentucky.
Owsley Brown Frazier has dedicated his life and fortune to improve his hometown for future generations.
Owsley Brown Frazier (1935-2012)
Philanthropist & Founder/Chairman, Frazier International History Museum
Interviewed: 09-25-2007
Christine Johnson likes to make things happen and connect people who see opportunities to move things forward.
Ben Richmond fills a responsibility to steward his parent’s work in the civil rights movement and to further the principles and values taught by Dr. Martin Luther King.
Maria G. Hampton
Past VP & Sr. Branch Executive, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (2005-2014)
Interviewed: 05-24-2007
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.
Tyler Allen began life with a great foundation and believes that he has a responsibility to give back to the community.
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.
Ed Mannassah
Executive in Residence, Bellarmine University & Former Publisher of C.J.
Interviewed: 12-06-2006
Heather French Henry is inspired by hard work and dedication and believes that everyone can choose to make a difference with the time they have.
Joe Regan is motivated by seeing lives changed through improved education and expanded employment opportunities.
Debbie Scoppechio (1949-2017)
Founder, Scoppechio (formerly Creative Alliance) Ad Agency
Interviewed: 10-20-2005
Christopher 2X is driven by the plight of the poor and wants to help them transform their mindset.
