Learning Grove has named Patricia “Patty” Nagelkirk, regional leader in youth development, education strategy and cross-sector collaboration as vice president of youth workforce and executive director of NaviGo.
Nagelkirk brings extensive experience working across education, nonprofits, philanthropy, business and civic sectors to build stronger pathways to opportunity for young people.
“Patty has an exceptional ability to see the big picture and then bring people together to turn it into action,” said Learning Grove CEO Shannon Starkey-Taylor. “She understands that preparing young people for the future isn’t the responsibility of one school, employer or organization; it takes an interconnected community working toward shared goals, and it’s why she is such a natural fit to lead this work forward.”
Nagelkirk is no stranger to Learning Grove or Northern Kentucky. From 2020–2023, she advised Learning Grove’s senior leadership through post-merger integration and organizational strategy. Her deep regional experience also includes Leadership Northern Kentucky, a leadership role with Vision 2015 and helping launch Ready by 21 in Northern Kentucky with the Northern Kentucky Education Council.
Previously, at United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Nagelkirk led the region’s largest education portfolio and directed up to $17 million in annual community investment, helping shape ambitious regional goals around education and youth success. She later founded Patricia Nagelkirk Consulting, advising regional and national organizations on strategy, organizational change and cross-sector collaboration.
“My career has been anchored in a question: What does it take to change the odds for children and young people?” Nagelkirk said. “NaviGo sits at a powerful intersection of education, youth development and workforce opportunity. I’m excited to work alongside the Learning Grove teams—and our school, business and community partners—to build on a strong foundation and create even more meaningful pathways for young people.”
Nagelkirk succeeds Kathy Burkhardt as NaviGo’s leader. Learning Grove President and CEO Shannon Starkey-Taylor expressed the organization’s deep appreciation for Burkhardt and her commitment to NaviGo.
“We are tremendously grateful to Kathy for the leadership, heart and commitment she has given NaviGo,” Starkey-Taylor said. “Her dedication to young people, her relationships and her investment in this work have helped position NaviGo for its next chapter. We celebrate Kathy’s contributions with enormous gratitude as we welcome Patty and look toward the future.”
Nagelkirk holds a master of social work in policy, planning and administration from Western Michigan University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Calvin University.
Learning Grove