NKY Chamber of Commerce announces Executive Committee and Board of Directors for 2024-2025

The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce (NKY Chamber) announced Tuesday its 2024-2025 Board of Directors, executive officers and board chair, Jason Payne of Republic Bank.

In his role as senior vice president and market manager for Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati at Republic Bank, Payne succeeds John Hawkins, president and CEO of MPI Consulting.

“The NKY Chamber has done a phenomenal job under John’s leadership of leading, advocating and engaging the business community. Being a part of the next chapter to continue the legacy as a key stakeholder organization in the community is an incredible responsibility and opportunity,” said Payne. “I look forward to my term as Board Chair and working with my board colleagues and the talented team at the NKY Chamber to advance initiatives that move the business community forward.”

Jason Payne

A long-time NKY Chamber volunteer, Payne has served in several volunteer roles with the NKY Chamber, including serving on the Board of Directors (2015-present), Board Treasurer (2019-2023), Executive Committee (2019-present), Finance Committee (2015-present), Business Referral Network Chair (2007-2011), and Vice Chair of Leadership Development (2016). He is a 2012 graduate of the NKY Chamber’s Northern Kentucky Leadership Program, where he was elected Class President.

Under Payne’s leadership, the NKY Chamber of Commerce Board will focus on the three strategic goals of the NKY Chamber of Commerce, as established by the Board of Directors, which include:

• Prioritizing member value and optimizing member engagement,
• Focus on developing, attracting and retaining world-class talent at NKY and
• Supporting policies and practices that support the competitiveness, development and integration of enterprises in NKY.

The NKY Chamber of Commerce board for 2024–2025 includes:

Executive Committee

• Jason PayneRepublic Bank, Chairman
• John HawkinsMPI Consulting, former chairman
• Geralyn IslerBusiness Benefits Insurance Solutions, Treasurer
• Jay WuestPNC Bank, Secretary
• Allyson CookERIGO Employer Solutions, Vice-President, Women’s Initiative
• Michael HallCiti, Vice Chairman, Talent Strategies
• David KayFifth Third Bank, Vice Chairman, Leadership Advisory Board
• Kristen Smitherman-VoltaireTurner Construction, Vice President, Inclusive Business Strategies
• Jimmy BeatriceBusiness Benefits, Vice Chairman, NKYP
• Jan MullerCarespring Health Care Management, Vice President, Spokesperson
• Gina DouthatNKY Public Transport Authority (TANK), Vice-Chairman, Membership and Special Events
• Garren ColvinSt. Elizabeth Healthcare
• Brady JollyJolly Enterprises
• Barb JohnsonWells Fargo Advisors
• Ray TakigikuBexion Pharmaceuticals

Members of the board

• Chip BachTurfway Park Racing and Gaming
• Gaby BatshunGlobal Business Solutions, Inc.
• Angel BeetrootGilman Partners
• Bowman CoffinNorthern Kentucky Community Action Commission
• Adam CaswellGravity diagnostics
• Joseph ChilloThomas More University
• Lee CrumeBE NKY Development Partnership
• Brent DegenhardtSolutions for facilities across the city
• Normand DesmaraisTiER1 Performance Solutions
• Josh Duckworthaltafiber
• Fernando FigueroaGateway Community and Technical College
• Karen FinanOneNKY Alliance
• Paul FurtadoPrysmian Group
• Pam GoettingGoering Center for Family and Private Business
• Patrick HughesDBL Law
• Janka’s DayMazak Corporation
• Tony JohnsonHuntington Bank
• Julia Kirkpatrickmeet NKY and Northern Kentucky CVB
• Kris KnochelmannKenton County Judge-Executor
• Laura LyonsATech Training, Inc.
• Candace McGrawCincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
• Paul MeierCrestview Hills City
• Gary MooreBoone County Judge-Executor
• Ken MuthDuke Energy
• Shannon OldfieldCincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
• Steve PenderyCampbell County Judge-Executive
• Billy SantosTruist
• W. Lee SchebenHeritage Bank
• Reshamar ShortKroger Company
• Dr. Cady Short-ThompsonNorthern Kentucky University
• Jan SiegFifth Third Bank
• Mike Sipple Jr.Centennial, Inc
• Lace StarlingLINKS to media
• Julia TapkeRobert W. Baird & Co., Inc.
• Francisco (Paco) TelloPerfect Van Melle
• Kenneth WebbBank of the Republic
• Wonda WinklerBrighton Center, Inc.
• Anna WilkTiER1 Performance Solutions

NKY Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Brent Cooper said he looks forward to working with the new board and Payne in the coming year.

“Jason is an exceptional business and community leader driven by a spirit of service,” said Cooper. “His background as a community leader and long-time volunteer with the NKY Chamber of Commerce, combined with his professional experience, provides him with a solid foundation and a wealth of knowledge as he begins his term as NKY Chamber of Commerce president. I look forward to working with him.”

Payne began his term as chairman of the NKY Chamber of Commerce board on September 1.

Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce