• 2026 NEXT GENERATION LEADER AWARDS APPLICATION (NGLAs)

  • The deadline for applications to be submitted electronically is Friday, October 2, 2026. Please email Kfrizzell@nkychamber.com for any extension requests!

  • The Next Generation Leader Awards (NGLAs) recognize young professionals (ages 21-40) in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati region for significant accomplishments within their professional field, as well as their commitment to and impact on the community. These prestigious awards are hosted annually by Northern Kentucky Young Professionals (NKYP). NKYP is a program of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

    Awards will be presented in 10 categories:

    • Arts, Entertainment & Hospitality (visual/performing arts, tourism, restaurants, hotels, retail, museums, etc.)
    • Education (teachers, school principals/vice principals, coaches, school board members, etc.)
    • Entrepreneurship (start-ups, business owners, small business incubators, etc.)
    • Medical & Healthcare Services (physicians, nurses, healthcare administrators, etc.)
    • Financial Services (accounting, banking, insurance, mortgage brokers, financial planners, etc.)
    • Professional Services (architects, commercial developers, business development/sales, attorneys, HR, real estate)
    • Media and Marketing (public relations, marketing professionals, writers/editors/content creators, media relations coordinators, graphic designers, communication strategists, brand ambassadors, social media managers, etc.)
    • Public Service & Community-Based Organizations (nonprofit professionals, first responders, social work, public sector workers, public health workers, state employees [non-policy/legislative], armed services, etc.)
    • Advocacy & Government Affairs (lobbyists, policy advocates, government affairs professionals, public affairs strategists, legislative aides, local and government professionals, civic engagement leaders, etc.)
    • Operations & Infrastructure (skilled trades, technology, transportation, logistics, etc.)

    SCORING

    Two regional experts from each category will use a scoring rubric to evaluate the submissions. Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

    • Professional Achievement
    • Community Impact
    • Demonstrated Leadership

    *10 Bonus points are given to anyone who was a PRIOR YEAR FINALIST

  • DISCLAIMER: NKYP reserves the right to modify, combine, or discontinue award categories based on the number and quality of nominations received. If a category does not receive a sufficient number of qualified applicants, NKYP may choose not to present an award in that category, combine it with a similar category, or make other adjustments as deemed appropriate by the Awards Committee. All category determinations and award decisions are made at the sole discretion of NKYP.

  • Personal Information

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Date of Birth *To be eligible to apply, a person must be 40 years old or younger on November 19, 2026.*
     - -

  • The NGLAs recognize young professionals in ten industry categories. Each applicant should only apply under one category that best aligns with your career path, role and job responsibilities. 


  • Categories*
  • Browse Files
    Drag and drop files here
    Choose a file
    Cancelof
  • Browse Files
    Drag and drop files here
    Choose a file
    Cancelof
  • Browse Files
    Drag and drop files here
    Choose a file
    Cancelof
  • Browse Files
    Drag and drop files here
    Choose a file
    Cancelof
  • 0/250

  • Current Employment Information

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Should be Empty: