Horizon Community Foundation of Northern Kentucky brought together nonprofit leaders, community partners, donors, fundholders, business leaders and supporters from across the region recently to celebrate the people whose leadership, service and dedication are making Northern Kentucky stronger.
The 2026 Horizon Nonprofit Awards Luncheon, held at the St. Elizabeth Training & Education Center, recognized six individuals whose contributions exemplify the impact of Northern Kentucky’s nonprofit sector. The annual awards shine a spotlight on the people working behind the scenes to lead organizations, serve on boards, volunteer their time and create meaningful change throughout Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties.
“Every day, people across our nonprofit community are showing up with compassion, creativity and a commitment to making Northern Kentucky a better place,” said Nancy Grayson, president and CEO of Horizon Community Foundation of Northern Kentucky.
“The Horizon Nonprofit Awards give us an opportunity to pause and celebrate these incredible individuals and the difference they are making. Their leadership reminds us that strong communities are built by people who are willing to serve, collaborate and invest in others.”
The 2026 Horizon Nonprofit Award recipients are:
• Executive of the Year – Large Organization: Andy Brunsman, Be Concerned
• Executive of the Year – Small Organization: Bruce Kintner, Samaritan Car Care
Clinic
• Nonprofit Staff Member: Wendy Lemen, LifeSciKY
• Nonprofit Board Member: Jackie Hirt, Easterseals Redwood
• Volunteer of the Year: Craig Gliva, Big Brothers Big Sisters
• NextGen Leader Award: Rachael Parker, ArtsWave and MeetNKY
This year marked the introduction of the NextGen Leader Award, recognizing an emerging nonprofit professional who is helping shape the future of Northern Kentucky through leadership, innovation and community impact. Rachael Parker was selected as the inaugural recipient of the award.
Horizon Community Foundation extends its gratitude to the 2026 award recipients, event sponsors and everyone who joined in celebrating the people who make Northern Kentucky stronger.
Horizon Community Foundation connects people with purpose by helping individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits achieve their charitable goals and invest in the future of Northern Kentucky. Since its founding in 2017, Horizon has united resources, inspired generosity, and fostered meaningful partnerships to strengthen the region through strategic philanthropy, collaborative leadership, and grantmaking. Through these efforts, Horizon helps donors support the causes they care about most and creates lasting, positive change across Northern Kentucky.
Horizon Community Foundation