By Judy Clabes
NKyTribune editor
Six powerhouse Northern Kentuckians have distinguished themselves through their businesses, their community service, their exceptional character, and their generosity of spirit to earn the NKyTribune’s NewsMaker distinction this year.
Their distinctive awards will be presented on October 7 at Wenzel Distilling’s event center (Madison Ave.), at a breakfast-by-the bite with coffee reception from 8-10 a.m. The networking meet-and-greet is free to all (no registration required) thanks to our sponsors so that the public has a chance to express gratitude to these individuals for all they have done to improve our community.
Please drop in. There’s plenty to celebrate. Awards will be presented about 9 a.m.
Beginning on Monday, the Tribune will feature each of these NewsMakers in a very special feature story outlining their own special stories. For today, we are providing very brief summaries.
The NewsMakers ’26 awardees are:
• John Cain — A Renaissance man — leader, business owner, lawyer, former chair of NKY Chamber of Commerce, a philanthropist, a magician, husband to Carla for 38 years, a dad to four daughters, grandfather, world traveller — and good ol’ down-home son of Biz and Jackie Cain who became president and CEO of Wiseway Supply when his dad died — and lead it until he retired in 2024. But he didn’t just hold a place — he established branches in Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio, ultimately serving the region from Missouri to the East Coast and Florida to Michigan. He has been the ultimate community volunteer, earned awards from local and national organizations — and just keeps giving back. He says: “I am so very blessed.”
• Barbara Drees Jones — She avoids the limelight and disdains attention, yet she is one of a few family members who are running the 75-year-old family business, one of the largest homebuilding enterprises in the country headquartered right here in Northern Kentucky, the Drees Company. As v.p. of marketing for the company and president of Drees Homes Foundation, she is taking the company’s philanthropy to the next level. Drees Pavilion and the Drees Overlook in Devou Park were her ideas — and there’s plenty more. She was the first female president of the Northern Kentucky Homebuilders Association — and, with Barbara, there’s always more. A remarkable woman, making a remarkable difference.
• Terry Foster — For 50 years, Terry Foster has touched countless lives through his loving, expert care in St. Elizabeth’s emergency room. In addition to being an emergency nurse, he is an author, comedian (it just comes naturally), international speaker, humanitarian, hospital ambassador, volunteer, TV star, life squad member, a teacher, a father and grandfather (He really likes that last part.) He loves life, embraces life, laughs at life — and is always ready with a helping hand and a remarkable generosity of spirt. “He lives his values with consistence and grace,” said one admirer. Says Terry: “Every day is a gift.’
• Christin Godale — Living her dream and forging a new frontier as CEO of Northern Kentucky’s LifeSciKY, Christin sees no limits. She is leading efforts to expand scientific research, education, entrepreneurship and job creation. She is a super scientist among super scientists, recruiting top researchers from around the world to her laboratory space where miracles can happen. “We’re leading a movement,” she says. “We’re activating life sciences strategy.” She earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience, did her own research in cell signaling pathways and neurobiology, has contributed to scholarly publications, is a frequent speaker at academic and industry conferences, and sits on several academic and scientific boards. “She is a force of nature,” says an admirer. Says Christin: “Just Keep Moving.”
• Kevin Murphy – A brilliant lawyer, a champion of the underdog, and a community-involved good citizen who now chairs the Northern Kentucky Convention Center Board he has served for three decades. His volunteer activities are legendary as are his courtroom skills. He has been a teacher, a truck driver, a mentor, a speaker and lecturer and — always a man of faith. After his wife’s cancer, he raised two wonderful, independent daughters — and became the ultimate daughter Dad. He persevered — and kept his sense of humor, kept his family intact, and eventually wrote a book. He is working on a second book. And, today, he is fighting his own battle with Multiple Myeloma. “What sets Kevin apart,” says a long-time associate is his “universal respect for others.” Says Kevin: “I stay positive and pray a lot.”
• David Schroeder — Everybody’s favorite librarian, the affable Ludlow native was always drawn to books and history and the library. Now after 40 years at the Kenton County Library — and director since 2007 — he has retired and is looking forward to a life of travel and more learning. He distinguished himself as one of the most influential librarians in the state — and as a prolific community servant. He has served on the boards of Kids Voting, Covington Partners, Kentucky Public Archives, the UK Library Alumni Association and as president of both the Friends of the Kentucky State Archives and president of the University of Kentucky Library Association. All the while growing the Kenton County Public Library system in both depth and breadth — and uncountable innovative ways. He taught all of us that a library is more than books. It is the heart and soul of a community.
These NewsMakers are chosen each year by a committee of NKyTribune staff and a rotating selection of former NewsMakers. This is the 11th year for the awards. Here are some of the former honorees (not a complete list) who are still distinguishing themselves in our community: Garren Colvin, Candace McGraw, Will Zeigler, Jack Moreland, Rhonda Whitaker, Brent Cooper, Catrena Bowman, Dr. Doug Flora, Nancy Grayson, Joseph Chillo, Shannon Starkey-Taylor, Lytle Thomas, Chuck Session, Julie Kirkpatrick, Tom Saelinger, Robert Hoffer, Terri Bernstein, Dr. Michael Grieske, Wonda Winkler, David Drees, Lee Crume, Tony Lamb, Cady Short Thompson, Fernando Figueroa, Carri Chandler, Gaby Batshoun. . .
Obviously, winners of this award do not rest on their laurels. They just keep on giving — and making a difference. This is the beauty of the depth of the human capital in Northern Kentucky. This is how we achieve quality of life for all — and why it’s so important for us to say ‘thank you.’
Join us on October 7 so we can say ‘thank you’ together.
