A group of prominent Northern Kentucky business and civic leaders have created a new community-wide foundation that will focus on funding key community needs and programs in Northern Kentucky.
They have engaged Nancy Humphrey Grayson as president.
The Horizon Community Funds of Northern Kentucky aims to increase philanthropic giving by Northern Kentucky individuals, corporations and organizations for Northern Kentucky purposes, foster this giving community, and build a qualified public charity resource base to better service social needs and projects benefitting the public good.
The Horizon Community Funds is fueled and governed by a group of Northern Kentucky philanthropic business and civic leaders whose talents and expertise have benefited companies and organizations of all kinds.
Each member of the Horizon Funds of Northern Kentucky Council of Trustees was selected for their success, experience, reputations for fiscal responsibility, and dedication to philanthropic initiatives.
“I am privileged to chair this astute Council to create a long overdue public charity vehicle designed to bring everyone into shared action for lasting service and support for Northern Kentucky. By our collective giving, bigger impacts and outcomes are possible,” said Bill Butler, Chairman of Corporex Companies, LLC.
The Council of Trustees is building, but initially includes these founding members:
Rich Boehne, President & Chief Executive Officer, The E.W. Scripps Company
Bill Burleigh, Retired Chief Executive Officer, The E.W. Scripps Company
Bill Butler, Chairman, Corporex Companies, LLC
Kim Halbauer, Senior Vice President & Investment Advisors Executive, Fifth Third Bank
Kris Knochelman, Judge Executive, Kenton County, and owner of Schneller Plumbing
Bob Kohlhepp, Retired Chief Executive Officer, Cintas
Jon Moeller, Chief Financial Officer & Vice Chairman, Procter & Gamble Co.
Paul Sartori, Principal, Legacy Financial
Chuck Scheper, Chairman, Bexion Pharmaceuticals
Mike Schlotman, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, The Kroger Co.
Chuck Session, Vice President, Government & Community Affairs, Duke Energy Kentucky
Paul Verst, President & Chief Executive Officer, Verst Group Logistics and Zenith Logistics
Jim Votruba, Retired President, Northern Kentucky University
Bob Zapp, Retired Chief Executive Officer, Bank of Kentucky
“I have lived nearly my entire life in Northern Kentucky,” said Knocklemann. “I was born here and raised my kids here. I’ve had opportunities to move, but we’ve always decided to stay. Anyone who lives here, knows this is a special place, not just because of the great location and quality of life, but because of the people – hardworking, humble, and always willing to lend a hand. I truly believe that the people in this community want to make it a better place, not only for their kids and grandkids, but all citizens who call Northern Kentucky home. I am excited to be a part of The Horizon Funds and to make a lasting impact on the place that means so much to me.”
The Horizon Community Funds will focus on helping break the cycle of poverty, supporting the arts, sparking development and innovation, enriching education, and improving the health and wellness of Northern Kentucky. The organization will have options for the full spectrum of donors, from those who want to give to a general community fund to those who want to choose what charities benefit from their gifts. The primary service area will be Boone, Campbell and Kenton Counties of Northern Kentucky.
“By bringing together those with a philanthropic interest we can better influence and support our growing Northern Kentucky region,” said Bob Zapp, retired Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Kentucky.
The Council of Trustees selected Nancy Grayson as President of the Horizon Community Funds to lead the organization and to develop funding programs and community engagement. Grayson previously served as the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Northern Kentucky Education Council, where she guided strategies related to established regional education goals. She also has served on numerous boards of organizations, and currently serves on the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence Board of Governors, Kentucky Historical Society Governing Board, Metropolitan Club Board of Governors and United Way Northern Kentucky Action Council.
“I am deeply honored to have been selected as President of the Horizon Community Funds of Northern Kentucky,” says Nancy Grayson. “Northern Kentucky has a history of working together to achieve our common goals. We now have the opportunity to join together again to not only create additional resources for our community, but to establish a legacy foundation for future generations.”
The Horizon Community Funds of Northern Kentucky was established in 2017 as a 501(c)3 organization and community foundation.
For more information on the organization, visit www.horizonfunds.org.
I pray that this new non profit organization focus on the Godly principles of would Jesus do? All of these individuals have been excellent civic service minded people and the selection of Nancy Grayson as President is very wise, as she has always displayed love in her leadership positions. Northern Kentucky is a great place to live and worship Jesus. History is the light to our future. Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition of Godly Principles.