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NKY Chamber of Commerce 

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Newport KY bridge

Preparing and connecting civic leaders to serve and lead in Northern Kentucky.

Launch NKY Center for Civic Leadership at ÎÞÂë×¨Çø is a public-private partnership with ÎÞÂë×¨Çø, the NKY Chamber of Commerce, and the OneNKY Alliance. This 12-month, 3-level leadership program, which runs from March 2026 to February 2027, will help you develop the skills and traits needed to become a civic-minded, regionally-grounded leader, serving the community in meaningful ways in Northern Kentucky.

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Newport KY skyline at night time.

Program Benefits

As a participant, you’ll benefit from in-depth leadership development through monthly sessions led by ÎÞÂë×¨Çø faculty and regional leaders, as well as one-on-one mentorship with established community leaders. Your cohort of peers will help you build a network and learn collaboratively, creating pathways to future leadership opportunities in Northern Kentucky.

Our ideal participants include:

  • Early- to mid-career professionals with a commitment to Northern Kentucky.
  • Individuals who have participated in other regional leadership programs like Leadership NKY who are ready to ascend into leadership roles in our community.
  • Individuals seeking to learn and grow leadership skills and civic engagement.
  • Individuals eager to contribute to nonprofits, boards, elected offices, or community initiatives.

More Info for Applicants

  • Limited to 30 participants per cohort
  • Three consecutive four-month levels with monthly full-day sessions
  • Sessions typically held on the first Friday of the month from 9-4 at ÎÞÂë×¨Çø
  • Graduates will be placed in Launch NKY’s leadership database to connect with current and future opportunities

Tuition and Enrollment

  • $4,000 per participant (NKY Chamber members)
  • $5,000 per participant (non-members)
  • Scholarships available for nonprofit participants upon request and availability
  • Application opens September 25, 2025 until January 31, 2026. 

 

About the Program

This 12-month, three-pillar program series moves from broad leadership topics to specific leadership asset areas, culminating in a focus on future leadership roles.

Three Pillars of Civic Leadership Development:

 

1. DEVELOP AS A LEADER
Expand your skills for leading others effectively

  • Leadership That Works: What separates great leaders from the rest
  • Emotional Intelligence: Managing emotions, difficult conversations, and feedback
  • Connect & Communicate: Teambuilding, conflict, and diversity
  • Leading Through Change: Gaining buy-in and thriving during uncertainty 
     

2. KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY
Navigate local government and civic systems

  • Government 101: How governance in our region actually works
  • Make Your Voice Count: Being strategic in your civic engagement
  • Act Ethically and Effectively: Laws, policies, and expectations in the civic space
  • Invest in Social Capital: Building your networks and leveraging community resources
     

3. FIND YOUR FIT 
Align your individual assets with community needs

  • Lead Authentically: Where your purpose, values, and strengths can take you
  • Bridge the Gaps: Identifying community challenges and opportunities 
  • Connect the Dots: Matching your passion with local needs
  • Take Action: From planning to doing!
     
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2026-2027 Dates:

The cohort will be in session and in person on campus on the following days:

  • March 6, 2026
  • April 3, 2026
  • May 1, 2026
  • June 5, 2026
  • July 10, 2026
  • August 7, 2026
  • September 4, 2026
  • October 2, 2026
  • November 6, 2026
  • December 4, 2026
  • January 15, 2027
  • February 12, 2027
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Bob Heil

Inaugural Executive Director – Launch NKY Center for Civic Engagement @ ÎÞÂë×¨Çø

Bob Heil has spent more than 40 years shaping northern Kentucky through leadership and vision, serving on nearly 30 boards in fields like Education, Business and Economic Development.  

Heil joined KLH Engineers in 1987, eventually rising to serve as president and CEO after graduating from ÎÞÂë×¨Çøâ€™s master’s program in executive leadership and organizational change in 2012. His strategic vision and focus on fostering a healthy workplace culture made KLH a leader in engineering and community engagement. Beyond his success in his career, Heil has become a cornerstone of civic life. He is the only person to chair the NKY Chamber of Commerce, the Be NKY Growth Partnership and the OneNKY Alliance.

Heil’s influence can be seen across the region, on boards dedicated to Children’s Advocacy, Mental Health and Community Vibrancy. His leadership is evident throughout our NKY community both physically and in many ongoing programs and initiatives.

Bob Heil