NKYL

Dr. Carl J. “Jack” Brueggemann was born in Covington in 1931. He is a cradle Catholic who grew up in the St. Augustine parish where he received many Sacraments and was an altar server from fourth grade throughout high school and college. Jack entered Covington Catholic at its original site, at Mother of God School on West 6th Street. During his years at CCH, he participated in several sports: basketball, boxing, tennis, and baseball. Additionally, he was the editor of the school yearbook and graduated in 1949 as the Valedictorian. The classmates from 1949 were very close and continue to keep in contact to this day, although there are only four remaining. Jack then graduated from Villa Madonna College, now known as Thomas More University and the University of Louisville School of Medicine.

It was in September of his sophomore year of medical school at a Welcome Dance, which the nurses had sponsored, where he met the love of his life, Carrie. Carrie and Jack were married the following August and have been married for 66 years. “Doc”, as he is known by so many, always recognized he was able to do so much professionally and in the community because Carrie was managing their family. Together they have seven children, 19 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and one expected in May! Doc and Carrie’s five sons, two sons-in-law, and eight of their grandsons are all CCH graduates!

Doc began his private medical practice on West 19th Street in Covington in 1960, across the street from St. Augustine Church. During those days, he saw patients in his office, made rounds for those in the hospital, performed house calls, delivered babies, and gave anesthesia to those having tonsils removed. Doc later expanded his practice to include Dr. Pelstring, Dr. Rutterer, and Dr. Burns. Today, the practice has grown as one of the Family Practices of St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Doc Brueggemann has cared for thousands of patients across Northern Kentucky and has received numerous recognitions and awards. Currently, Doc and Carrie are active member of St. Agnes parish. He continues to give back to the community as a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. While he no longer goes out on home visits, he screens calls and distributes appropriated funds for those in need.

During his career, he always stayed involved at Covington Catholic. In 1952 and 1953, Jack helped Art Bowman coach the JV basketball team. In 1961, he began doing physicals for the basketball team. CCH started the football program in 1968 and in 1976, Doc Brueggemann made the initial push to build a football stadium at Covington Catholic. The SCORE Committee (Steering Committee for an Outdoor Recreational Enterprise) was formed. This committee raised the funds needed and physically helped construct Wooten Field, the track, and renovations to the baseball facility.

During his tenure as team doctor, from 1972 to 2014, most parents will remember the wave of his hat signaling the player was going to be okay. The players remember his kindness and care for their medical and emotional needs and most significantly, Doc leading them in praying the Hail Mary before and after each game. He was a Member of the School & Sports Medical Committee of the Kentucky State Medical Association from 1977 to 1993.

For nearly 75 years, Doc Brueggemann has been an integral part of the mission at Covington Catholic, serving as a parent volunteer on the School Board and Development Committee and still administering flue shots to the faculty and staff until 2019. Doc and Carrie also provide a scholarship for students of CCH in need of financial assistance and attend many CCH events. You can still find Doc at many football and basketball games. His commitment to CovCath, the administration, faculty, staff, and students, and particularly the student-athletes, has been equaled by few alumni.

Doc Brueggemann is the ultimate Colonel, “With A Spirit That Will Not Die!”

Faithfully Devoted… This phrase sums up Ken and Kate Williams. They are two people faithfully devoted to God, each other, their family, and their community.  After unexpectedly losing two sons, Kenny injured in a fall and Brian in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Ken and Kate almost immediately turned their grief into a perpetual resource for others by creating the Kenny & Brian Williams Fund. Ken graduated from Covington Catholic High School in 1963, followed by Kenny ’86, Andy ’87, Brian ’90 (who earned the “That’s My Boy Award” now named in his memory) and daughter Tara (from Notre Dame Academy, ’97).

Since 2002, the Kenny & Brian Williams Fund has provided tuition relief totaling $591,996 to 21 students at Covington Catholic High School (as of April 2023) as well as provide $105,000 in scholarships to 21 graduating seniors for college. In addition, they have awarded $111,285 to families around the Northern Kentucky region who have experienced tragedies of their own. 
 

The Wulfeck brothers, sons of James and Della Wulfeck are the first family to be honored as Northern Kentuckians of the Year. In 1970, Jim Wulfeck Sr. started Jet Machine and Manufacturing, a small job shop in Cincinnati. This marked the formal beginning of the Wulfeck family entrepreneurship story and Wulco Inc. Over the past fifty years, his four sons, all graduates of Covington Catholic - Jim Jr., ‘64; Rick, ‘70; Gary, ‘74; and Ken, ‘77 – have followed their father’s example and created their own entrepreneurial success stories under the Wulco Business umbrella. This year, Wulco, Inc. celebrates 50 years in business and has two current operating divisions – Jet Machine and Rocket Supply. Wulco currently employs over 160 individuals including seven of Jim Sr.’s grandsons; five of which are CCH graduates.

The Northern Kentucky community has felt the impact of the Wulfeck’s business success. The brothers and their families support several schools in the area including Covington Catholic High School, Notre Dame Academy and Beechwood High School. Over the years they have been very active in both Blessed Sacrament and St. Pius parishes. They continued in their parents’ footsteps supporting The Point as well as many other philanthropic efforts including the St. Elizabeth Foundation, Notre Dame Urban Education Center, Diocesan Children’s Home and Transitions Inc. to name a few.

The brothers’ competitive spirit extends beyond business. All four participated in athletics while at CovCath. They each went on to coach their own children in many different sports and now you can find them attending athletic events for their grandchildren. Over the years they have continued to be active at Covington Catholic serving on the School Board, supporting the most recent capital campaign and establishing The Wulfeck Family Scholarship to support the work study program that gives many young men the opportunity that their father gave them.

Jim Jr., Rick, Gary and Ken all reside in Northern Kentucky with their families. Between them they have 12 children (8 boys and 4 girls) all graduates of CovCath, NDA and Beechwood. They also have 24 grandchildren with one on the way.

J. Michael Schlotman ’75 grew up in Park Hills, KY with his parents, Jack and Jean, and his brothers Tom ’74 and Tim ’79. Mike’s father worked for TWA airlines as a baggage loader at Lunken Airport from 1937 until 1948 when he took a job at Cincinnati International Airport (CVG) shortly after it opened. In 1971, Mike’s first year at Covington Catholic High School, Mike’s father lost his job after 34 years. He took a minimum wage job and worked tirelessly to support the family and sacrificed to pay tuition so that his boys could continue at CovCath. Mike and his brother both had jobs and helped to contribute to their tuition. At the age of 13, Mike would take what is now the TANK shuttle into downtown Cincinnati to bus tables at the restaurant in the old Dixie Terminal. Mike said, “It wasn’t easy for me and my family, but it helped me understand that you have to treat every person you meet with respect and kindness, no matter what walk of life they may come from.”
 

While at Covington Catholic, Mike was a member of the National Honor Society, the track team and intramural sports. The track team won the Regional Championship Mike’s senior year. Mike remembered, “In 1975 there wasn’t a track, we were regional champs, and did it while practicing in the parking lot.” Witnessing his dad’s struggles with work, Mike decided he wanted to continue his education. He was accepted to the University of Kentucky and was the first person in his family to go to college. He credits Brother Fortner and the Marianist society at CovCath for helping him navigate the college application process and apply for financial aid. 
In 1979, Mike graduated from UK with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He started his career at Coopers & Lybrand in Louisville, KY and transferred to Cincinnati in 1985 to join Kroger. Mike held a variety of leadership positions in Accounting, including Vice President and Corporate Controller. He was named Group Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 2000. In 2003, he was named Senior Vice President before being named Executive Vice President and CFO in 2015. In December of 2018, Mike announced his retirement after 34 years with the company. 
 

Some of Mike’s recent work at Kroger includes the “Restock Kroger” initiative, a plan to redefine the food and grocery customer experience in America. Kroger also recently partnered with Northern Kentucky University to expand their FUEL NKU food pantry. Mike is very passionate about he new FUEL NKU Zero Hunger/Zero Waste Food Pantry that hopes to help eliminate food waste by 2025 and fight food insecurities on campus. 
Outside of Kroger, Mike is a member of the Board of Directors of Ohio National Financial Services and a member of the CNBC Global Council of CFOs. He is the Chairman of the Kenton County Airport Board (CVG) and was recognized by the Cincinnati Business Courier as an outstanding Director for his service on the Kenton County Airport Board (CVG). In 2016, Mike was inducted into the University of Kentucky’s Gatton School of Business and Economics Hall of Fame.
 

Mike lives in Kentucky with his wife Teri. They have a son, Kyle, who is Partner and COI at Connetic Ventures. Mike loves to golf and spend time with his family in Hilton Head, SC. 
Today, we are grateful for the opportunity to present J. Michael Schlotman with the 2019 Northern Kentuckian of the Year award and honor an alumnus whose story exemplifies the very reason this event exists.

Garren Colvin was born in 1964 to Dorothy Mae and Gordon Colvin.  Garren, the only child and the pride and joy of his parents, grew up in Ludlow, Kentucky.  In his youth, he excelled academically and was a talented athlete.  After graduating from Ludlow High School in 1982, he attended Thomas More College on a baseball scholarship.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Business Administration from Thomas More College in 1986 and a Master of Business Administration from Northern Kentucky University in 1996.

Garren and his wife Susan met at Thomas More College as students.  They have been married for 26 years and have two daughters.  Kylie is a senior, majoring in agricultural and medical biotechnology at the University of Kentucky.  Hannah is a sophomore at Wright State University, where she is majoring in psychology and plays Division I volleyball.  Garren and Susan reside in Crescent Springs Kentucky and are members of St. Joseph Parish.

Garren has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Elizabeth Healthcare since June 2015. In January 2011, Garren was named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to 2011, he served in the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He has more than 30 years of experience in the industry. He joined St. Elizabeth Healthcare in May 1983, beginning as a co-op student while in school at Thomas More College. Garren left St. Elizabeth in 1999 to serve as Corporate Controller for Tri-Health before returning to St. Elizabeth Healthcare one year later in 2000 to take on the role of Vice President of Finance. Under his leadership and direction, St. Elizabeth Healthcare has shown a consistent financial increase and improvement each year. In 2009, this improvement reached new heights as Standard & Poor’s and Fitch upgraded St. Elizabeth Healthcare’s bond ratings to AA- (up from A+). Garren was instrumental in the merger of the former St. Luke Hospitals and St. Elizabeth Medical Center and helped position the former St. Luke Hospitals to achieve a positive financial performance. He also provided key expertise during the consolidation of Patient First and Summit Medical Groups into St. Elizabeth Physicians, and he played an integral part in Comprehensive Cardiology joining St. Elizabeth Physicians.

Most recently, Garren has been active in the transition of the Kentucky offices of OHC – Cancer and Blood Disorder Specialists – in Crestview Hills and Ft. Thomas in becoming part of the St. Elizabeth network. This is significant for oncology patients and the future of oncology care as St. Elizabeth will be establishing a roadmap for Northern Kentucky’s first-ever comprehensive cancer center.

In August 2016, Garren was awarded Cincinnati Business Courier’s C-Suite Award for Chief Executive Officer, and was also named a Hero Against Heroin by Transitions Inc. and received a humanitarian award for his commitment and fight against the heroin epidemic. This year, he is looking forward to chairing the Northern Kentucky United Way Campaign and recently co-chaired the Heart Ball for the American Heart Association.

Garren is a founding member of the Kentucky Health Collaborative and a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He serves on the boards of the Kentucky Health Collaborative, Thomas More College, Tri-State Healthcare Laundry, St. Elizabeth Board of American Nursing Care - Home Care, American Heart Association Cincinnati chapter, American Red Cross, United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and Andy Dalton Foundation. He also serves on various committees at Notre Dame Academy.

Today Garren adds the prestigious Northern Kentuckian of the Year award to his list of honors. We look forward to seeing the impact of Garren’s work for years to come.

Dan Groneck was born in 1950 to Joseph and Edith Groneck, becoming the 11th of 21 children.  Dan attended Corpus Christi grade school and Newport Central Catholic High School.  In 1976, he earned his Bachelors in Education from Northern Kentucky University. Dan has been married to his wife Elaine for 43 years.  They have two sons, Jason and Matthew, both graduates of Covington Catholic High School. Dan and Elaine have four grandchildren.

During his forty-nine-year career in banking, Dan forged countless relationships in the corporate and non-profit community.  He prides himself on connecting the dots to bring people and organizations together toward a common good.  Dan doesn’t know a stranger and has served as mentor, friend and advocate to many, positioning individuals and organizations for success.

Dan served as the Northern Kentucky President of U.S. Bank from August 2001 until December 2016.    He held several integral roles at U.S. Bank, including Vice President of Residential Lending, Senior Vice President and Director of Commercial Real Estate and Senior Vice President of Corporate Community Development.  Dan served as Advocate and Senior Management Advisor for the Employee Mentor/Mentee Program and the Multicultural and Diversity Program.  

Dan is actively involved in the community and holds positions on several local boards, such as Vice Chair of St. Elizabeth Hospital Foundation, Diocese of Covington Finance Council, Catalytic Development Funding Corp. of Northern Kentucky, Square 1, Inc., the Faith Community Pharmacy, and NKY Education Council.  He also serves on the Northern Kentucky University Dean of Business Advisory Council, the Thomas More College Building Committee, and the Diocesan Catholic Children’s Home Planning Committee. He is an Emeritus member of the Baker Hunt Foundation and the NKU Foundation and past board member of the Dan Beard Council.

Dan’s enthusiasm for non-profit volunteerism started in high school and has never stopped.  He continues to be passionately involved in many charitable activities.  He has held leadership positions with the Diocese of Covington’s Parish Annual Appeal, the Alliance for Catholic Urban Education, the Covington Catholic Northern Kentuckian of the Year Luncheon, the Thomas More College Capital Campaign, the United Way and Fine Arts Fund Campaigns, and the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati. Dan is genuinely committed to each and every cause that he takes on. He is known to bring people together in Northern Kentucky in order to advance the causes he cares so deeply about.  Anyone who knows Dan, knows that his impact on our community is simply beyond measure.

“Luceat Lux Vestra” (“Let Your Light Shine”) is the motto Bishop Roger Foys chose for his episcopacy. Taken from the Gospel of St. Matthew (5:16) the complete passage reads, “…Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” Bishop Foys’ mission and ministry is to spread the Gospel and to build up God’s kingdom — all for the glory of God.

Roger Foys was born July 27, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, the third of four children, to Martin and Theresa Foys. Father Foys was ordained a priest May 16, 1973 for the Diocese of Steubenville. As a priest, he held many diocesan positions: diocesan treasurer, Presbyteral Council chairman, moderator of the Curia, vocations director and several positions in the Tribunal. In 1982 he was appointed vicar general and made a
monsignor in 1986. Pope John Paul II made him a Prelate of
Honor in 1986 and a Protonotary Apostolic in 2001.

Father Foys served as pastor at several parishes and was pastor at St. Joseph Parish and St. Francis Parish, Toronto, Ohio, for over 20 and 15 years respectively.

Msgr.
Foys was consecrated and installed, July 15, 2002, as the 10th bishop of Covington. When faced with an aging presbyterate to serve the pastoral needs of the diocese and a modest number of seminarians, Bishop Foys placed his faith in God, jettisoned plans to consolidate parishes, and began focusing on promoting vocations to the priesthood. To date Bishop Foys has ordained 29 priests for the Diocese of Covington — 50 percent of the diocese’s active priests. There are currently 20 seminarians discerning a priestly vocation for the diocese.

For his efforts in promoting vocations Bishop Foys was honored, in 2014, with “The Good Shepherd Award” from the Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio.

Bishop Foys often expresses his gratitude for the sacrifices made by his parents and religious sisters for providing him with a Catholic school education. Bishop Foys attended the former St. Stephen Slovenian Grade School, Chicago. He is a graduate of the Franciscan University of Steubenville and completed his seminary studies at St. John Vianney Seminary, Bloomingdale, Ohio. He also pursued studies at Catholic University of America in Washington, D. C. and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

Bishop Foys knows firsthand the value of a Catholic school education not only for individuals but also for communities. When speaking of a Catholic school education he is quoted as saying, “There are alternatives to Catholic schools, but there is no substitute.” Bishop Foys has strengthened the Catholic schools in the diocese’s urban core — the diocese’s mission territory — by restructuring the Alliance for Catholic Urban Education (ACUE). Under his leadership over $2.2 million dollars has been raised for tuition assistance for ACUE students.

Bishop Foys understands that Catholic church and school buildings are more than bricks and mortar but are a concrete example of the faith of God’s people and are beacons of hope to communities. In 2010 Bishop Foys established the Buildings and Properties Office to assist parishes and schools in maintaining and expanding facilities, as well as overseeing diocesan property. Under his leadership the Curia offices were returned to the See City of Covington and the Covington Latin School, whose campus resides on cathedral property, realized a major renovation and building project, revitalizing the corner of Madison Ave. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, which has become known as Cathedral Square.

In addition, building and renovation projects have occurred outside of the urban core, most notably the erection of two dedicated 24-hour adoration chapels at St. Barbara Parish, Erlanger, and St. Patrick Parish, Taylor Mill; the erection and dedication of the Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel on the campus of Thomas More College; and the establishment of a new parish, Cristo Rey, Florence (projected to be completed August 2016) which serves the expanding local Latino community.

As an admirable leader for Northern Kentucky Bishop Foys, the chief shepherd of the Diocese of Covington, has “let his light shine.” All praise and glory to Jesus Christ, now and forever.
 

Andrew J. VonLehman (Andy) was born and raised in Northern Kentucky, and his steadfast belief in family and his community is part of everything he does.  Both privately, and as part of VonLehman CPA and Advisory Firm, Andy has worked tirelessly to help build a strong and vital Northern Kentucky community.  Since 1946, the VonLehman firm has been an integral part of the regional business community -- providing accounting, tax and business advisory services to thousands of individuals and hundreds of family owned and family managed companies.  Now serving Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana, the firm is one of the largest private accounting and business advisory firms in the region.  Through Andy’s influence, the firm is also known as a generous and responsible corporate citizen, providing scholarships, financial and business support, and vigorous advocacy for our region’s not-for-profit community.

Andy joined the firm shortly before graduation from Thomas More College in 1975.  Throughout the past forty years, he has been passionate about the firm’s commitment to helping and promoting the success of its entrepreneur clients, regardless of the business or industry.  During his time as president of the firm, he implemented many strategic initiatives including expansion of consulting services for both commercial and not-for-profit clients.  Andy now serves as chair of the firm’s Manufacturing and Distribution Service Group which includes various multi-generational family owned and foreign owned entities.

A compassionate leader with an extensive record of community and professional service, he has served as the past President and long term Board member of The Point (an organization that provides opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities).  In addition, he is a Trustee Emeritus of Redwood School, Vice-Chair of the Northern Kentucky Port Authority, has served as a member of the Major Gifts Committee of Thomas More College, and has participated on numerous Capital Campaigns for organizations with which he has been associated.  Andy was a recipient of the 2011 Bishop Hughes Award and has chaired the Covington Diocesan Parish Annual Appeal.  He is past President of CPAmerica International, an association of leading, private CPA firms throughout the United States.

Andy is a 1971 graduate of Covington Catholic High School and played basketball on three consecutive Ninth Region Championship teams.  He also pitched for CCH’s 1970 Ninth Region Champion baseball team.  

Andy and wife Barb have been married 39 years and are long time members of St. Pius X.  They have two married adult children and five grandchildren.  Andy’s deceased father (Joseph) was a 1938 graduate of CCH and son Drew is a 1998 alum.  Three other brothers and numerous nephews have attended CCH as well.

And, when asked about the future, Andy’s top bucket list item is to stand in the Winner’s Circle at the Kentucky Derby as an owner, friend of an owner, jockey or horse…whatever it takes.
 

Donald S. LaRosa was born in 1930 in Cincinnati to Mary Panaro LaRosa and Anthony LaRosa.  His father and uncles, who were in the produce business, taught him strong work ethics.  Buddy graduated from St. Bonaventure Grade School, Roger Bacon High School and holds an associate degree in Business Technology.  Buddy served in the United States Navy from 1948 until 1952.

Buddy married JoAnn Augustine in 1952.  They have four children; Denise, Michael, Mark and Tom; 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.  JoAnn LaRosa attended Mother of Mercy High School, was a devoted housewife, mother and grandmother. She was also an excellent cook and baker.

In 1954 Buddy began his first restaurant on Boudinot Avenue in Western Hills after his discharge from the United States Navy.  In April of 1973 a fire nearly destroyed the restaurant.  The youth of the community, through their high school coaches, helped Buddy rebuild in 40 days what architects said would take six months to repay Buddy for his past support of high school activities.  This experience strengthened Buddy’s commitment to the Youth in Cincinnati.

In 1975 Buddy LaRosa’s High School Sports Hall of Fame was founded.  The Hall of Fame has seven new inductees each year and honors 12 local high school students for their academic and athletic achievements.  LaRosa’s also showcases two athletes weekly on our website.  Buddy supports many schools and charitable organizations, Children’s Hospital, Freestore Foodbank, WCET TV 48, and is a board member of LaRosa’s, Inc., Adopt a Class Foundation and Hamilton County Parks.  

Buddy is founder of the Greater Cincinnati Police Athletic League and Golden Glove Boxing Programs providing many inner city youth the opportunity to develop lifetime skills through hard work, discipline, sportsmanship, self-respect and pride. This program has generated National and World Champions as well as Olympic hopefuls.

LaRosa’s has 49 Franchise restaurant locations throughout Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Indiana, 16 company owned restaurants and 10 specialty locations; i.e. Kings Island, The Cincinnati Zoo, Children’s Hospital, Great American Ballpark & Paul Brown Stadium. The One Number Computer Center and our Bakery sets LaRosa’s apart for our customer service and product freshness.  LaRosa’s Inc. employs approximately 1500 team members.

Buddy’s philosophy is; “To live a full life, be a credit to my family and community, and touch young people so that one day they too may experience the joys I have had.” 
 

Paul Verst was born in Wilder, Kentucky to Bill and Betty Verst and is the second oldest of seven children. He attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School on John’s Hill Road.

Paul began high school at Covington Latin where he played basketball. After completing his junior year, he transferred to Covington Catholic and graduated in 1973. It was in high school where he was introduced to coin collecting, a passion he enjoys to this day.

Paul commuted to classes at Xavier University where he earned a BSBA in Accounting in 1977 and MBA in Management in 1979. During this period, he worked full-time for the family business and with his brother, Bill, raised cattle and hogs on the farm his dad owned in Alexandria. These are also the days when he began taking up the gentlemanly game of golf. Collectively Paul, his dad, mom and brother, Bill, have five holes-in-one.

Paul T. Verst is President and Chief Executive Officer of Verst Group Logistics, a family-owned, third party logistics and supply chain management company specializing in contract packaging, warehousing, and transportation. Paul assumed the leadership reins from his father, Bill, in 1992. Since then, he has overseen the expansion of company facilities. Today, Verst Group Logistics companies comprise 4.5 million sq. ft. of state-of-the-art warehousing space in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana and Zenith Logistics in Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Louisville. Verst also has transportation operations in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Louisville. Collectively, the Verst companies employee 1200 people.

Of utmost importance to Paul is the commitment to putting the customer first. "Customers tell us that our family ownership and hands-on management style inspire confidence. That's something we're proud of," Paul says. "We strive to earn our customers' trust every day.”

A strong believer in giving back, Paul is currently on the boards of the Dan Beard Boy Scout Council, Kenton County Airport Board and Gateway Community & Technical College Foundation. Active in the logistics industry, he is Chairman of the International Warehouse Logistics Association, Inc. and a member of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, the Warehousing Educational Research Council and the World Presidents’ Organization. He has served Xavier as the class agent for the Class of 1977, and is a member of the Xavier Hall of Fame nominating committee and the President’s Advisory Council. He is past chair of the Tri-County Economic Development Foundation, the Cincinnati Grocers Manufacturers Representatives, the Ohio Warehouse Association, and the Executive Board of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

At his home parish of St. Joseph Cold Spring, Paul is past President of the Parish Council and Co-Chaired the most recent Strategic Planning Committee, along with the Capital Campaign. He presently is on the Educational Endowment Fund at St. Joseph.

Paul is a lay minister in the Diocese of Covington and an active parishioner at St. Joseph Parish, Cold Spring where he serves as an extraordinary minister. The Very Rev. Gerald Reinersman, pastor of St. Joseph Parish said, “Paul exemplifies faith in action. He often begins his day at 6:30 a.m. mass here. At a recent groundbreaking for the company’s newest warehouse, it was important to Paul that prayer be a part of the ceremony.”

Paul is one of 137 grandchildren and resides in Cold Spring with his wife of 28 years, Sue. They have three children, Christine, Christopher ‘07 and Patrick ‘13.  His hobbies include golf, reading, coin collecting, Xavier basketball and spending time at their summer house in Charlevoix, Michigan. 
 

Robert M. Hoffer (Bob) is widely known for his work in employment law as a partner at DBL Law. His employment law practice covers all issues impacting employers on a daily basis. He has also represented hospitals and physicians for over thirty years on employment and medical negligence issues and he has successfully litigated employment cases in federal and state courts. He is the current president elect of the Kentucky Defense Counsel and a member of the Northern Kentucky Human Resource Association. 
 

Bob is a graduate of the Covington Latin School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University, Cum Laude, in 1976. He went on to study law at Salmon P. Chase College of law, and graduated with a J.D. in 1980. 
 

Bob’s philanthropic and community commitments are varied and significant. He is the chair of the Diocesan Catholic Children’s Home Foundation and the co-chair of the Children’s Home capital campaign. He is a member of the Carmel Manor Board of Directors and the Carmel Manor Council Ethics Committee. He is a former member of the Diocesan Pro-life Commission and a former member of the advisory board for the Sisters of Divine Providence. 
 

Bob was honored in 2010 with the Covington Latin School “Bonitatem Award” for Outstanding Community Service and in 2009 with the Northern Kentucky Chamber “Leader of Distinction” award. He was also the elected vice-president of “Leadership Northern Kentucky 2007.”
 

Bob resides in Ft. Mitchell with his wife, Diane and four children. He is a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish and a former member of the Blessed Sacrament Church Pastoral Council, where he served for three years as the president. He continues to be active with the Blessed Sacrament Curcillo retreat program. Bob’s father, Ralph, is a 1943 graduate of CCH, as are his three sons, Jordan ‘11, Kevin ‘04 and Eric ‘01. As a Covington Catholic parent, Bob has been active in the Senior Christian Awakening retreat program for several years.
 

Early Years
Bob Castellini grew up as one of eight children, his parents’ only son.  He attended grade school at St. Mary’s school in Hyde Park.  At the young age of ten, he experienced the death of his father, then only 48 years old.  In the absence of his father, his older sister Claire assumed a managerial position in the family business, and Bob continued his education, first at a Jesuit boarding school in Minnesota, then by earning a Bachelor’s in economics from Georgetown University and finally with an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.  He served two years in the Army achieving the rank of first lieutenant and received an Army Commendation Medal before returning home to run his family’s business in January of 1967.  
 

Growing the Business  
Castellini Companies celebrated their 100th anniversary in 1996. Now in their 115th year with 3 generations of Castellini’s as leaders, they have come a long way.  Starting as a small purveyor they are now a large, multi faceted operation with hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue that encompasses virtually every aspect of the produce business.  Specifically under Bob’s leadership, the company expanded in the 1970’s and 80’s, increasing the capability of distributing value added products to both foodservice and retail segments.  Their operations encompass a 12 state region. 
 

At the heart of Mr. Castellini’s business philosophy is empowering good people to do what they know how to do well.  Reflecting on his philosophy of empowerment, he quotes  Theodore Roosevelt: “The best leader is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done and the self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” 
 

Castellini companies have endured the test of time by anticipating customer needs, offering a great value at a fair price and treating their workers like family.   With over 1,400 employees, Castellini Group of Companies serves as a primary employer in Greater Cincinnati, with specific emphasis in the Northern Kentucky region. Six companies operate in Wilder, Covington, Independence, and Richwood and his corporation employs many Covington Catholic alumni and parents.

The Reds! 
Mr. Castellini is widely known for leading a group that purchased a majority share of Major League Baseball’s oldest franchise, the Cincinnati Reds, in early 2006.  He currently serves as the principal owner and chief executive officer of the ball club and is one of the team’s most passionate fans.  Mr. Castellini has been involved in baseball for more than thirty years and has been a partner in the Baltimore Orioles, the Texas Rangers and the St. Louis Cardinals teams.  

A Man of Integrity 
Bob finds great strength in his Catholic faith and his philanthropic commitments to the Greater Cincinnati community. He was raised with a strong sense of Catholic identity and obligation to the Church, watching his mother attend daily mass for the majority of her life. He is also influenced strongly by two of his sisters who are vowed members of religious communities. 
 

Bob serves on numerous boards and committees. He is chairman of the Joint Banks Steering Committee which is leading the cooperative efforts to finish development of Cincinnati’s riverfront.  He is a board member of Xavier University, The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, 3CDC and the Cincinnati Arts and Technology Center.  He serves as the chairman of the Cincinnati New Equity Fund and New Markets Tax Credit Fund.  He is a member and past president of the Cincinnati Commercial and Commonwealth Clubs, the Cincinnati Business Committee and the Queen City Club. 
 

Some of his past civic involvements include board memberships of Babson College and Denison University where three of his children attended school.  He also served as president of Cincinnati Zoo, as well as the Chairman of the boards of TriHealth, Inc. and Good Samaritan Hospital.  
 

Bob and his wife Susie will be celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary May 21st.  Their four children, Beth, Bob, Phil and Tricia, and twelve grandchildren were taught at an early age the importance of giving back. 
 

The first day of school at the new Pendleton County High School, Dennis Griffin spotted Joyce Bowen getting off the bus, and knew right then he was looking at the girl he would marry one day.   While Joyce’s impression wasn’t quite the same of the lanky boy from Butler, eventually his persistence paid off and this June they will be celebrating their 47th year of marriage.

Dennis Griffin was born to John and Rosellen Griffin on November 14, 1942, the first of of twelve children.  Being the oldest, Dennis’ childhood was cut short by the need of his mother to help her with the younger children and the massive household chores that comes with feeding and clothing such a clan and there were always babies that needed changing.  As his father was building his company, and the boys got old enough to work, they would spend afternoons and weekends working at their small plant.  Once in high school, Dennis was able to play basketball and baseball for the high school team, and one of his fondest memories was playing Mr. Twiddles in the school play ‘The Duchess of York”. Of course part of that fun was that the girl he was so crazy about was the lead in the same play.

Joyce Ellen Bowen grew up in Gardnersville, Ky. with her parents George and Nora Bowen, her one brother and three sisters.  Her parents owned the town’s local grocery store, and Joyce as the oldest girl, was left to care and cook for the family while her parents worked. Her reward from her parents was giving her piano lessons and Joyce spent her teen years playing piano and directing in her church’s choir.

Joyce and Dennis graduated in the first class of Pendleton County High School in 1960.  Meanwhile, Dennis had aspirations of being a civil engineer and headed to the University of Kentucky. Nearing the completion of his first year, Dennis’ father told him that he was needed at home to help with the family business so he left U.K. and returned home to work.  Dennis had fallen in love with his Mechanical Drawing class he had completed, and would find that he would use those learned skills constantly throughout his life.

By the summer of 1963, Dennis and Joyce married and moved into their first home. In October of 1964, their first child, Traci Lynn was born and Joyce stayed home to care for her.    In 1966, Mr. Griffin purchased their first  acquisition of a rendering plant in Columbus, Indiana and Dennis and Joyce packed up their daughter and set off to Columbus...not anticipating the life’s journey that would lie ahead of them.

The years of the late sixties and seventies was the period in which Griffin Industries would expand rapidly by acquiring new locations and building new plants. Dennis used those drawing classes from UK, and would design every plant and piece of equipment that the company would use, all on his drafting table he still has in his office today.  But with that, would come many weeks and months at a time that he would be out of town building those plants, leaving his young family behind in Columbus.   Both sons, Tony and Toby were born in 1968 and 1971 respectively. Joyce was left to raise the three children and care for their home without the help of any family living close.   It was a difficult time but that time in their lives still holds many fond memories for the family.

Once back in Kentucky in 1972, the family settled in Edgewood and Dennis’ travels became shorter times gone with the acquisition of the company’s first airplane. The company’s expansion plans continued but fell beyond just locations with the product lines of Griffin Industries expanding into new markets.  Over the years, Dennis has accumulated many patents and trademarks for innovative pieces of equipment and products that have revolutionized the rendering industry. He is recognized among his industry peers as being the foremost expert in his field and is often called upon for consulting purposes as well as being a very vocal presence in Washington lobbying for industry issues such as BSE and BioDiesel funding.

Over the years, both Dennis and Joyce have been active in many committees and efforts of the community.  They have also been members of St. Pius X parish and Summit Hills Country Club for over 35 years.  Joyce was the active mother in her children’s schools, and served six years on the school board of Covington Catholic while her sons were here. Her efforts of insisting for higher academic standards for athletes to compete is still in place today.  She also served for many years on the Catholic Social Services board and the Marydale Board. Joyce has many interests which includes gardening, music and reading. She has been a 17 year member of the “Joy Luck Book Club II”.

An invitation by NKU President Ralph Tessenier started Joyce’s service to Northern Kentucky University as a early member of the Foundation Board.  Many years of service on this Board included co-chairing the Spiral Stakes NKU functions with Marcia Hosea and the two ladies are credited with raising the first significant funds to the Foundation. An appointment by Governor Paul Patton in 2000 started Joyce’s inclusion as a member of the NKU Board of Regents and was renewed by Governor Ernie Fletcher. During those 20+ years of service, Joyce has been involved with the strategic planning and tremendous growth experienced by the University.

Meanwhile, while leading Griffin Industries in becoming an international company, Dennis also found time to leave his mark on the community by serving on the state and local Chamber of Commerce Boards as well as being part of the NKY Future Vision committee appointed by Governor John Y. Brown to create the vision and growth plan for NKY which is credited for merging the water and sanitation districts for Kenton, Boone and Campbell counties. Very active in the National Renderer’s Association as a multi term director and officer, Dennis has also sat on many national industry boards. He served as the President of AIK (the Associated Industries of Ky) which serves over  500 businesses of industry in our state.  One of his more recent boards he has served on is the Ag Development Board that was created to distribute the funds from the tobacco settlements to help farmers and new businesses centered around agricultural purposes, receive funds to create new jobs and products manufactured in Kentucky known as the Ky Proud initiative.  Serving with KY Agricultural Commissioner Ritchie Farmer, Dennis has really enjoyed being able to help people with new ideas and a hard work ethic, have the opportunity to live the American dream and help our state redevelop.

Most recently, Dennis’s work responsibilities have shifted to being the Chairman of GFT, Inc, which manages the Griffin Family Trust investments and charitable contributions.  The Griffin family and the company have been significant donors to various parishes and schools, Welcome House, The Point, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  There have been various donations to NKU over the years to various causes including the Bank of Ky Center and to the new College of Informatics with Griffin Hall.  The Dennis & Joyce Griffin family most recently made a large donation of funds that enabled Covington Catholic to purchase a much needed building and land adjoining its campus.

While these years of community service has certainly made a mark on society, and the growth of the business has made Griffin Industries one of the largest privately held companies in the region, Dennis and Joyce never lost sight that their first priority was always taking care of their family.

Over the last twenty years, both Dennis and Joyce have had to care for parents that were incapacitated for years at a time, and Joyce still cares for her 92 year old father who continues to live on his own.  

During their children’s years at home, Dennis and Joyce instilled the importance of education by demanding nothing less than “A” efforts, and developed their work ethic by  requiring the kids to work in the family business during their high school and college summers. Upon graduation, all three were required to work for another company before settling into a position within the Company. Traci followed in her mother’s footsteps by working at Western-Southern as a Methods Analyst before becoming the Marketing and Purchasing Director at Griffin.  Tony was an Investor Analyst at Pacholder Investments before managing the Bakery Feeds division of Griffin Industries and is currently the Chief Financial Officer of GI.  Toby remained at Fifth Third for 15 years before finally making his move into the family business and is now the Retirement Benefits Manager for the 2000 employees of the company.

Now that their time has become more of their own, the Griffins are finding their most enjoyment comes from spending time with their five grandchildren and attending their many sporting and school events.  Traci and her husband Michael Kautzman have Mitchell a sophomore at CCH and Marcus who will be a freshmen there next year. Tony and his wife Cheri have Austin and Paige who attend Villa Madonna Academy, and Toby  and his five year old daughter London live in Erlanger.   The family enjoys traveling together and regularly have big Sunday dinners cooked by Joyce at the family homestead.

Dennis and Joyce Griffin are the example of the American Dream.  Starting out with just each other and their hard work ethics, the life that they have created is nothing short of one that we read about in books.  Always keeping family first, they have always maintained a responsibility of taking care of others and sharing their blessings with those less fortunate and have instilled those same values in their children. Northern Kentucky is very blessed to have benefitted from the success and good fortune of these two high school sweethearts from Pendleton County.

Family
John, a native of Northern Kentucky, was raised by his parents, John and Juanita Domaschko, along with his sister Dee Domaschko Heine in Erlanger.  He learned the value of a strong work ethic by watching his father work two jobs to provide for the family.  He remembers his parents advising him and his sister to do their best and to always contribute in a positive manner.  John’s approach to his education, his career and his community illustrate his belief in this advice.  John became engaged to Jane in November 1970 just eight days before he entered the Army.  They married in March 1971. When asked his secret to being married for 38 years, he responded “marry someone for whom you have deep respect and who is your best friend. To find that person is more of a blessing than something over which you have much control.” John and Jane welcomed their first child Anne in 1975 followed by John in 1978.  They experienced typical family activities such as vacations, Reds games, gatherings with relatives, school and sporting events.  Both John and Jane remember growing up with lots of laughter and now share their happiness with their children’s families. Anne and her husband Brian Sam-Bodden have a son, Michael (5 ½).  John V. and his wife Sarah have a daughter Lauren (1 ½).  

Education/Accounting
John attended St. Henry grade school.  He continued his education at Covington Latin High School after the sixth grade and graduated in 1966.  John received his B.A. in Economics from the University of Cincinnati in 1970.  While in college, John worked at John D. Reis Certified Public Accountants.  Shortly after graduating he enlisted in the Army.  Upon his return from the service he continued working for Mr. Reis and went back to the University of Cincinnati to obtain a B.B.A. in Accounting in 1974.  Later that year, John took the Uniform CPA Exam and earned the highest score of any individual that took the test in Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. As a result of this accomplishment, John received the Elijah Watts Sells award for earning one of the highest scores in the United States.  He became a partner with Mr. Reis in 1976 when Reis and Domaschko Certified Public Accountants were formed.  Through various company name changes, John worked as a managing partner for 13 years.  In 1989, Domaschko and Company, PSC was created.  He sold the firm in 1991 to begin his own consulting firm, MC Squared, Inc.  

Philanthropy
In 2006, John closed MC Squared and began dedicating more of his time serving the community through his board involvement.  At one point, John served on 14 boards and was chairperson of five of them.  Currently John is the interim president of Vision 2015, Northern Kentucky’s regional planning initiative.  His other board memberships include: The Public Broadcasting Service in Washington D.C., the Commonwealth Fund for KET, St. Elizabeth Medical Center Board of Trustees, Thomas More Foundation Board and the University of Cincinnati Foundation Board of Trustees.  In 2008, John also became the inaugural chair of the executive committee for the NKU College of Informatics Development Council. John Domaschko’s proven leadership and dedication to public service have enhanced the lives of Kentuckians in education, health, public broadcasting and the arts. Among his most recent awards were the 2008 Walter R. Dunlevy award from the NKY Chamber of Commerce and the 2006 Northern Kentucky Lincoln award which he shared with his wife Jane.  He also received the Distinguished Philanthropist Award from the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy.  As far back as 1988 it was apparent that John would make his mark and was recognized by the University of Cincinnati as one of its twentieth century alumni who had made significant contributions to the city in which they live or work.

Music
Another interest of John’s is his love of music.  He has played bass guitar in three bands, The Dingos, Glory Days, and The Suits.  When John was fourteen, he and his fellow band members played their first concert in the spring of 1965 in the cafeteria of St. Henry High School.  At that point, John had only owned his guitar for three months.  They did not have a PA system and there was no singing at their first performance. Within a year the Dingos were formed.   They performed throughout the tri-state area at WSAI radio station dances, clubs located near the University of Cincinnati, the Purity in Oxford (OH), Notre Dame Academy, Covington Catholic High School and at the Highlands High School Canteen.  The Dingos wrote and recorded the single “You Don’t Want Me” in 1967 with Domaschko on lead vocals.  “I think we sold six copies and then ran out of relatives,” Domaschko said in an interview.  “We were a working band.  Actually, that’s what made me quit. We played four times on a weekend and I had a midterm at 8:00 am on Monday morning and almost flunked it. I said-I need to get out of this.”  In 1969, John took an extended break from music. Most recently John has been able to tie his talents of fundraising with his passion for music.  He has helped to organize Suits that Rock at The Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center.  In its second year, Suits that Rock brings together business people from all walks of life that do not normally perform to sing and play music for one night.  

Andrew (AJ) Schaeffer, Vision 2015 Chairman and principal in the Drug Enhancement Co. of America in Union, had this to say about John, “There is a degree of energy and enthusiasm that John brings to his work that is contagious at a minimum, infectious in the interim and impossible to avoid in the extreme.  You can’t help in working with John but to be infected with his enthusiasm and energy for the work.”  It is that energy and enthusiasm that make John so passionate about everything in which he is involved.  John is one of those fun-loving guys that lights up the room when he walks in.  He does not know a stranger and makes everyone feel important.  He is man who cares very deeply for his family, his community and the future of Northern Kentucky.  Thank you John for all you do as we congratulate you on this great honor.    

Mr. Matth. Toebben was born in 1931 in Lorup, Germany near the Netherlands border. He grew up on the family’s 60-acre farm, one of 11 children. He learned a strong work ethic early, tilling the family’s potato fields behind a horse-drawn plow.

At age 15 Matth. left home to attend trade school in Borger, Germany. For the next several years, he studied woodworking and at the age of 20, he was ready to start his own business. But under German law he was too young to take the master exam for certification. Jobs were scarce in post-war Germany, so Matth. decided to go to the “land of opportunity.”

In 1953, with $10 his mother had given him from the sale of eggs to soldiers during the war, Matth. left Germany. He spoke no English and carried all of his belongings in a suitcase he had crafted from plywood.

After finally reaching his sister and brother-in-law in Northern Kentucky, Matth. went straight to work as a finish carpenter. He saved all the money he could and taught himself to speak, read and write English.

Matth. and his wife LaVerne met at a dance, fell in love and were married in 1955. That year, he also started his business, now known as Toebben Companies. Over the next several years, as the family grew to five children, he purchased land to build homes and his business continued to grow.

Best known as a homebuilder, Matth. is passionate about all of his endeavors. He believes in “giving back to the community” and education has always been important to him. It is the common thread behind his philanthropy.

Matth. is involved with many local organizations including Thomas More College, Gateway Community and Technical College, Springer School, Villa Madonna Academy, Notre Dame Academy, Holy Cross and of course, Covington Catholic High School. Other organizations that have benefited from his generosity include Redwood Rehabilitation Center, New Perceptions, The Welcome House and Interfaith Hospitality Network.

Matth. Toebben has been very successful and shares that success with others. Just as this “land of opportunity” once gave a young German immigrant the opportunity to succeed, Matth’s generosity of spirit gives others the opportunity to achieve their dreams.
 

Joseph W. Gross was born in Berwyn, Illinois on June 15, 1945.  Joe was named after his father, and also shares his father’s birthday!   Interestingly, Joe’s father was notified of the birth of his son by the Red Cross while at sea piloting a naval ship.  His father would brag about how the crew immediately broke out the champagne and flares to celebrate.  Shortly after Joe’s birth, the family moved to Omaha, Nebraska where over the years seven siblings were born.  His parents taught him the difference between wrong and right, and they instilled in him a strong work ethic.  So much so, that Joe can’t ever remember not working.   Prior to college, Joe held jobs such as a janitor, a mail handler, grass cutter, produce clerk, paper delivery boy and a baker (of doughnuts).  He even sold sandwiches and lemonade (on the side) at a public golf course until he was caught.  During college Joe bought and restored boats in the winter, and then sold the boats in the summer.  In addition to selling restored boats, he was a food merchandiser and a gandy dancer - someone who lays down railroad spikes and ties.  Joe learned early the skills of time management and quickly became a leader among his peers.   These lessons from his childhood would lead Joe down a path of service and eventually facilitate his ability to make a difference in the lives of others.  

Joe received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Creighton University in 1968.  He completed an externship in Hospital Administration from Nebraska Medical Center in 1969.  He went on to receive his Masters in Public Health from the University of Missouri in 1971.  Upon completion of his Masters he was commissioned as an Officer in the United State Army Reserves – Medical Services.  

Joe did not have a mentor to guide him through the early stages of his career.  He learned by working hard, treating others with respect and paying attention to detail.  He worked his way to the top, starting as an Assistant Administrator in 1971 at Wausau Hospitals, Inc.  Joe went on to become the Vice President of Operations and three years later the Executive Vice President where he was responsible for the merger and operation of Wausau Hospital North and Wausau Hospital South, as well as planning for a new hospital.  Later, Joe went to Luther Health Care Corporation where he was President and Chief Executive Officer until 1985.  There he oversaw operations in Eau Claire, Wisconsin for Luther Hospital, Luther Lakeside Apartments and Samaritan Surgi-Center, Inc.  In 1986 St Elizabeth Health Systems hired him as President and Chief Executive Officer and the rest is history.  In 2000, Joe had the opportunity to become an instructor in the Health Services Management Program at the University of Kentucky while working on his Doctorate.  

Since joining the family at St. Elizabeth Health Systems, Joe has accomplished much and has made a significant impact that will be felt by generations to come.  He introduced: the Women’s Wellness Center, a hospital foundation, a local MRI company, a new psychiatric hospital, a new outpatient center and a medical group practice.  Consequently this expanded both the North and South facilities.  The hospital has received numerous awards for their efforts: top 100 cardiovascular hospitals in America, top 100 hospitals in America, top 10 hospitals to have a baby in America, ranked in the top five percent of hospitals in America for quality in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.  In 2005, St. Elizabeth won the Cincinnati Business Courier “Best Place to Work in Cincinnati” competition.  In April 2006, St. Elizabeth was named the first and only Magnet™ Hospital in Greater Cincinnati, one of 200 worldwide, by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.  In February 2007, St. Elizabeth received the distinction of being designated one of America's 50 best hospitals by Healthgrades.

Outside his accomplishments at the hospital, Joe has given back to the community by serving in various roles throughout Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.  He is currently a Fellow in the American College of Health Care Executives as well as a Member of the Board of Directors for the Greater Cincinnati Hospital Council, Fifth Third Bank, Tri-County Economic Development Corporation, Gateway Community & Technical College Foundation and the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati. Joe also serves as a Member of the St. Elizabeth Hospital’s Board of Trustees.  In 2003, Joe served as Chair of the Kentucky Hospital Association and in 1995 as Chairman of the United Way Campaign for Northern Kentucky.  From 2002-2004 he served as a Member of the Kenton County Airport Board.

Joe has the same passion for his hobbies that he has for his work.  When he is not working and serving the community, he likes to restore and build classic cars, fish, bird hunt (especially grouse in Wisconsin).  Joe also spends time at the cabin that he built with his own hands - a cabin that for five years he was meticulous about regarding every detail - from cutting the trees to decorating the inside.  This work of art is something that Joe calls “his little piece of heaven.”

Joe has received numerous awards throughout his career.  He was named the 2002 Cincinnati Business Courier Newspaper Healthcare Manager of the Year. He was named the American College of Health Care Executives Senior Healthcare Executive of the Year in Kentucky in 2001. Joe was elected as Regent of the American College of Health Care Executives for Kentucky from 1997 – 2001.    

All in all, Joe proclaims that he has been very fortunate through the years.  He has a wonderful wife, Jane, and a family both at home and at St. Elizabeth who have been supportive of him through the years.  It is that support that has enabled him to help meet the needs of others.  Additionally, the truism “It is what you do and not what you say” guides Joe each day.   It is these words of wisdom and the support of his family and extended family that set in motion this quiet visionary to make a difference.

John A. Yeager is the founder and president of Ashley Development, a full-service construction firm.  Over the years he has become a respected leader in the Northern Kentucky community.  But he didn’t get where there by accident.  When John was growing up, his father, a banker and a strong Chamber advocate, always stressed the importance of community service and hard work.  Time and again he told his sons, “There will always be a job for anyone who works hard.”  

John took that lesson to heart.

John was born in 1944 in Charleston, West Virginia.  He entered the University of Kentucky in 1962 and, after graduating in 1966, went on to serve as a pilot in the United States Air Force.  John trained as a jet pilot but ultimately chose to fly a C-130 Hercules aircraft.  As a C-130 Hercules pilot, he traveled to air shows around the world with the Army’s elite jump team Golden Knights.

John met his wife, Bonnie Sherman of Lakeside Park, on her first day at UK.  It was “Love at first sight.”  They married in 1969 while stationed at Pope AFB in North Carolina. Upon completion of active duty, the couple moved to Northern Kentucky and took his first (civilian) job with the Pease Company of Hamilton, Ohio.

John founded Ashley Development in 1972.  He applied the lesson his father taught him and, along with his partners Bill Kreutzjans and Paul Bogenschutz, has built a multi-million dollar company.  Ashley Development now has annual sales of over $17 million.

A strong work ethic isn’t all John learned from his father.  He has also held true to his father’s advice to give back.  Some of John’s charitable and community activities include:  Current president of The Point/ARC of Northern Kentucky; former chair for Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, past president of Homebuilders Association of Northern Kentucky; and board member for Kenton County Airport, Tri-County Economic Development Corporation, Forward Quest, Northern Kentucky University Construction Management Advisory Board, Northern Kentucky Special Olympics, St. Charles Care Center, and St. Elizabeth Foundation.

John’s tireless dedication to numerous social and charitable organizations will continue to have a profound impact on the community for years to come.

John and Bonnie will celebrate their 37th wedding anniversary on September 6.  They have three sons: Jason, Jeremy and Justin; and they are the proud grandparents of a grandson, Andrew Joseph (Drew).  Jason is married to Crista Thomas.   Bonnie will celebrate their 37th anniversary on September 6.