Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Kentucky for 2023. The Bluegrass region stands out as one of America’s most productive areas, boasting a significant number of manufacturers and a plethora of industries. The state is enriched with numerous rivers and water impoundments, offering a remarkable 1,100 miles of commercially navigable waterways. Kentucky encompasses a vast expanse of commercial forest land, totaling 12.7 million acres, which accounts for only half of the state's overall land area. Its economy exhibits regional variations, shaped by sectors including manufacturing, trade, mining, agriculture, and tourism. Included in this year’s awardee list are individuals serving in some of the state’s most notable companies and organizations including Papa John’s, the University of Kentucky, and Norton Healthcare.
Among this year’s awardees is Mary Meixelsperger, Valvoline’s Chief Financial Officer, who for seven years has overseen the company's global financial organization and the corporate development team. Awardee Janet Norton serves as Vice President and Chief Legal and Regulatory Affairs Officer for Baptist Health, where she manages a team of eight attorneys and provides board support for over 30 affiliated corporations. Also awarded is Dr. Sarah Moyer, Chief Medical Officer for Humana Healthy Horizons in Kentucky. In her role, she ensures that the company prioritizes the well-being of all members, associates, and communities throughout the state of Kentucky.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Kentucky for 2023.
1. Sarah Moyer
Chief Medical Officer, Humana Healthy Horizons of Kentucky
Sarah Moyer is the Chief Medical Officer for Humana Healthy Horizons in Kentucky, Humana’s Kentucky Medicaid business. Dr. Moyer, a board-certified family physician, believes that health is local and that it is critical to engage all parts of the community to implement bold, innovative ideas to improve health outcomes for everyone. As CMO of Humana Healthy Horizons in KY, she leads the quality, population health and health equity, utilization management, and care management strategies to ensure that Humana Healthy Horizons is putting health first for all members, associates, and communities across the state of Kentucky.
Prior to joining Humana Healthy Horizons, Dr. Moyer served as the director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, leading the community through the navigation of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and opioid epidemic. She also served as the Quality Improvement Director while faculty at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Department of Family and Geriatric Medicine, empowering the next generation of healthcare providers to ensure everyone can achieve their best health.
Dr. Moyer earned a Master’s in Public Health from Dartmouth College, a medical degree from Temple University, and an undergraduate degree in physics from Colorado College. She completed her family medicine residency at Wake Forest University. She now calls Louisville, KY home, and enjoys spending her free time with her husband and four children.
3. Janet Norton
Vice President & Chief Legal & Regulatory Affairs Officer, Baptist Healthcare System
Janet Norton is Vice President and Chief Legal and Regulatory Affairs Officer for Baptist Health. As chief legal officer, she oversees a staff of eight attorneys who provide legal services for Baptist Health and provides board support for more than 30 affiliated corporations. Norton also oversees Baptist Health’s compliance, government relations, information cybersecurity, enterprise risk management, and insurance departments and has responsibility for litigation matters. Norton joined Baptist in 1988 as corporate counsel and was named vice president and general counsel in 1999 and chief legal officer in 2014. In 2017, she served as interim co-CEO of Baptist Health, while the system conducted a national search for a permanent CEO.
Prior to joining Baptist Health, Norton served as legal counsel at Humana Inc., and as an attorney with the Kentucky Court of Appeals. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and the University of Kentucky School of Law. Norton serves as a board member and chair of the Kentucky Institute on Patient Safety and Quality Inc.; as a board member for the Partnership for Commonsense Justice Inc. and St. Joseph’s Home, Little Sisters of the Poor; and as a volunteer for several additional community organizations. She is a graduate of the Leadership Louisville program and the Health Enterprises Network’s Healthcare Fellows program and was named one of Louisville Business First’s Enterprising Women in 2020.
4. Kimberly Blanton
Chief Nursing Officer, UK HealthCare
Kimberly Blanton is the Chief Nursing Officer for cardiovascular services, neurosciences, interventional services, and infection prevention and control at UK HealthCare. She is a board-certified nurse executive with 25 years of progressive nursing experience, including key management positions throughout UK HealthCare.
Blanton completed her master’s in health care administration at the University of Phoenix in Arizona in 2009, followed by her doctorate in nursing practice at the University of Kentucky in 2020. She began her career in 1998, serving as a critical care nurse in the UK HealthCare neurology intensive care unit.
Blanton took on multiple nursing leadership roles during her initial 11 years before leaving in 2008 to serve as director of critical care nursing for Pikeville Medical Center. In January 2011, she rejoined UK HealthCare as a hospital operations administrator. Prior to accepting the chief nursing officer role, she was the enterprise nursing operations director for the cardiovascular service line, interventional services, and infection prevention and control.
5. Mary Meixelsperger
CFO, Valvoline Inc.
Mary Meixelsperger has served as Valvoline’s Chief Financial Officer for more than seven years. In this role, she is responsible for the company’s global financial organization and the corporate development team, including strategy and transformation organizations. Her financial responsibilities include financial accounting and reporting, treasury, financial planning and analysis, risk management and credit, investor relations, tax, and internal audit. Valvoline has $2.8B in system-wide sales (including franchisee sales), $2.9B in assets, and more than 10,000 employees, with more than 1,800 stores, more than double the store count since joining Valvoline.
Prior to joining Valvoline, Meixelsperger served as an SVP and CFO of DSW Inc. (now Designer Brands Inc.), a leading branded footwear and accessories omni-channel retailer. From 2005 to 2014, she was CFO, controller, and treasurer at Shopko Stores. She began her career in public accounting at Arthur Young and Co.
Meixelsperger sits on the board of Genesco and serves as audit committee chair. She also is a member of the advisory board for Fifth Third Bank of Kentucky, a founding member of Extraordinary Women on Boards, and a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors. An avid supporter of the community, Mary is a member of the executive committee of the board of directors and immediate past chairperson for United Way of the Bluegrass, continuing a long career commitment to United Way’s mission in the communities where she has lived and worked. A Wisconsin native, Meixelsperger earned her undergraduate degree in accounting, with distinction, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is a certified public accountant (inactive).
6. Kristen Trenaman
Vice President of Public Relations and Marketing, Help at Home
Kristen Trenaman is the Vice President of Public Relations and Marketing at Help at Home. She first joined the organization in 2021. Trenaman is a results-driven PR and brand management leader with over 20 years of corporate communications experience in health care, home care, and QSR industries. In her current role, she is responsible for the development of innovative PR and marketing strategies and programs that position the company as a leader in the home care industry and enhance the company’s brand and reputation.
Previously, Trenaman was a senior director of corporate communications at Papa John's International and before that, a director of communications and brand at BrightSpring Health Services. Earlier in her career she worked with Humana Inc. as a director of strategic communications. Trenaman earned an undergraduate degree in communication from the University of Louisville.
10. Amy Fuller
Vice President of Market Development, BrightSpring Health Services
Amy Fuller is the Vice President of Market Development and Chief Architect of the Home Health sales division for BrightSpring Health Services. Before leading the Home Health team, Amy was responsible for building the sales team and strategy for Hospice and Personal Care for BrightSpring Health Services. As a start-up division of an already successful organization, Amy's fledgling service lines of home health and hospice have
In Amy's early years, she started and eventually sold several successful healthcare start-ups, some self-funded and others funded through VC and Private equity. Her most recent experience, prior to joining BrightSpring Health Services, was as regional vice president at LHC Group, where she was nominated 2016 Servant Leader.
12. Jill Bell
VP of Marketing and Public Relations, Molina Healthcare
Jill Bell is the VP of Marketing and Public Relations of Molina Healthcare. Molina Healthcare is a Fortune 500 company that is focused exclusively on government-sponsored health care programs for families and individuals who qualify for government-sponsored health care. Jill has over 30 years of extensive experience in communications, media relations, sales, marketing, government affairs, community engagement, foundation administration, and corporate giving. She is an experienced executive with proven results.
Before joining Molina Healthcare, Bell was a VP and chief marketing and communications officer at Passport Health Plan and before that, a field marketing manager at Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. Earlier in her career she worked with Kentucky Derby Festival as a vice president and managing director. Bell graduated from the University of Louisville with an undergraduate degree in marketing.
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15. Jeanine Triplett
Executive Vice President, Delta Sigma Pi International Business Fraternity Leadership Foundation
Jeanine Triplett is a proud graduate of the University of Louisville with an undergraduate degree in communications and a master’s degree in community development. Jeanine has spent her entire professional life working in the area of non-profits, development/fundraising, communications, and marketing. She currently serves as the Executive Vice President of the Delta Sigma Pi International Business Fraternity Leadership Foundation.
Her previous professional positions include serving as a chief development and communications officer for the Girl Scouts of Kentucky, the VP for development and communications for the Center for Women and Families (Domestic Violence – Sexual Assault Non-Profit Organization and program), and as the director of development and communications for Mercy Academy.
Jeanine’s volunteer work includes serving on the board of the James Baker Hall Foundation, The Woman’s Club of Louisville, and as president of the University Club of Louisville (faculty/staff/alumni club). She is a Delta Zeta sorority alumna and currently serves as a member of the Delta Zeta Foundation board as a trustee and served as a national president from 2013 to 2015. She has remained involved with the sorority since she graduated from the University of Louisville. She also has served on the board of DeSales High School in Louisville and the Friends of Metro Animal Services.
17. Mary Harville
President & CEO, Kentucky Lottery
Mary Harville began her professional career 35 years ago. Today, she is the President and CEO of the Kentucky Lottery. Established in 1989, the Kentucky Lottery was the first lottery in the United States to be implemented as a corporation. Harville is a senior leader of the corporation and oversees annual sales exceeding $1.8B.
Mary is an attorney who first came to the lottery industry from private practice in 2004. In that time, she’s worked extensively in all areas of the Kentucky Lottery as they’ve achieved record sales and dividends for the Commonwealth. Her colleagues know her as strategic, goal-oriented, internally motivated, and someone who not only relies on knowledge and experience but also on collaboration and teamwork to get the job done. Mary is a life-long Kentuckian with over 30 years of professional experience and an established reputation in the state’s business and legal community. She proudly holds both her JD and undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky.
21. Katherine Armstrong
Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Churchill Downs
Katherine Armstrong, SVP of Human Resources at Churchill Downs Incorporated, brings over three decades of unparalleled experience in steering global HR strategy to new heights. A seasoned professional in the field, Katherine has built a reputation for driving transformative change in organizations through strategic leadership in mergers and acquisitions, culture transformation, and executive compensation.
Katherine has been at the forefront of shaping HR strategies on a global scale. Leveraging a deep understanding of the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions, she has played a pivotal role in seamlessly integrating diverse workforces, aligning cultures, and ensuring a smooth transition during critical organizational changes. She spearheads initiatives to foster positive workplace cultures that drive employee engagement and organizational success. Katherine understands the pivotal role that culture plays in shaping an organization's identity and has consistently demonstrated the ability to align it with strategic business objectives.
In the realm of executive compensation, Katherine leads board engagement and is recognized for designing and implementing innovative and effective compensation strategies that attract, retain, and motivate top-tier talent. She has a keen understanding of the evolving landscape of executive compensation and has successfully tailored solutions to align with organizational goals, ensuring competitiveness in attracting and retaining top executives.
Katherine holds the distinction of being a Master Certified Executive Coach and I/O Psychologist. With a focus on working with C-Suite and senior-level executives, she has played a pivotal role in advancing and scaling their business portfolios. She is instrumental in developing leadership capabilities, driving strategic thinking, and fostering the growth of key executives. Katherine consistently demonstrates a commitment to excellence and a passion for elevating the HR function as a strategic partner in achieving organizational goals. As a thought leader and practitioner in the field, she continues to leave an indelible mark on the HR landscape, shaping the future of organizations through a unique blend of strategic vision, operational acumen, and a deep understanding of the human element in business.
24. Ashley Quinlan
Vice President of Global Distribution and Digital Marketing, Samtec
Ashley Quinlan is the Vice President of Global Distribution and Digital Marketing of Samtec. She first joined the company in 2011 as strategic marketing director. Ashley’s greatest strength is the ability to identify gaps in the market and capitalize on those opportunities. Her focus has primarily been on sales and marketing, with her greatest successes centered around business strategy. She has excelled in B2C within the food and beverage industry and in B2B with strategies targeting technologists and engineers. She deeply values brand building, consumer insights, and strong channel management.
At ease and self-assured with groups or in making new contacts, Ashley is extroverted, learns and reacts quickly, and works at a faster-than-average pace. She is an engaging communicator, poised, and capable of projecting enthusiasm and warmth and motivating other people. She has a strong sense of urgency, initiative, and competitive drive to get things done, with an emphasis on working with and through people in the process. She understands people well, can read a room and adapt on the fly, and uses that effectively in influencing and persuading others to act.
Ashley earned an undergraduate degree in marketing and finance from the University of Kentucky. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, real estate investing, renovation, and design projects, and mostly spending time with her husband and two children at the lake.
25. Suzanne Schapira
Vice President of Talent Management & Development, Legrand North America
Suzanne Schapira began her professional career 23 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Talent of Management and Development at Legrand North America, the global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures. Schapira has previously served with Hewlett-Packard and Bank of America. She spent time at Dollar Tree as a senior manager of talent management, with USAA in a number of roles including talent management director, and with Corning Incorporated also serving in talent management. Schapira graduated from Alliant International University-San Francisco Bay with a PsyD in organizational consulting and an MA in organizational psychology, and from The George Washington University with an undergraduate degree in psychology.
28. Michele Kenner
Assistant Vice President, St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Michele Kenner is the Assistant Vice President of Physician Services and Engagement for St. Elizabeth Healthcare, a five-hospital system in Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. Supporting a Medical Staff approaching 2,000 physicians and advanced practice providers, she is responsible for system-wide physician relations, medical affairs, continuing medical education, graduate medical education, physician leadership development, and special projects. She also serves as the operational lead for the cardiac surgery practice at St. Elizabeth, which was recently named as one of fifty (50) hospitals deemed Top in the Nation for cardiac surgery by Healthgrades.
Michele has worked in Northern Kentucky for over 20 years and has been active with community organizations such as GoPantry and Habitat for Humanity. She serves on the board of the American Lung Association (South Central Ohio) and was recognized as part of the American Heart Association’s Leaders of Impact campaign in 2022. She is currently on the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Executive Leadership Team and is a member of the Cor Vitae Society.
Michele earned her undergraduate degree in sociology and a master’s degree in health services administration from Xavier University. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and holds a credential in Certified Professional Medical Services Management from the National Association of Medical Staff Services.
31. Laura Fowler
Director and HR Business Partner, Equifax Workforce Solutions
Laura Fowler is the Director and HR Business Partner of Equifax Workforce Solutions. Equifax Inc. is an American multinational consumer credit reporting agency headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and is one of the three largest consumer credit reporting agencies, along with Experian and TransUnion. Laura is a human capital leader and strategist with over 20 years of industry expertise. Her strong business acumen was developed through regional and national support to include healthcare, technology, e-commerce, and hospitality organizations.
Alongside her work, she dedicates herself to her community as a fundraiser for The Cabbage Patch Settlement House and 100 Black Men of Louisville, a career coach and professional resume writer for Connect the Dots, and as a volunteer with Wayside Christian Mission and the YMCA of Greater Louisville. Most recently, she became a founding member of Metro Louisville Women in Business for Good, a Grapevine Giving Circle.
An expert in her field, Laura is a certified professional through the Society of Human Resource Management, a human capital management certification. She has earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from Spalding University and a master's degree in human resources leadership from Sullivan University. Over the years, Laura has also expanded upon her knowledge by becoming an accredited DiSC trainer and completing a graduate program in organizational development at Cornell University. Currently, she is pursuing a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at California Southern University.
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32. Krysia Lazarewicz
Vice President of Business Development, Wiley Education Services
Krysia Lazarewicz is the Vice President of Business Development at Wiley Education Services. Lazarewicz leads Wiley’s strategic partnerships with colleges and universities. Her team applies deep experience, market insights, and custom services to align university programs with learner and labor needs. As a result, she helps universities prepare more people for successful careers once their partnership with Wiley begins. Lazarewicz strives to help learners change the world in ways that matter to them. So, she finds it fulfilling to expand access to education through Wiley’s university partners. This work allows more learners to acquire the skills to elevate themselves, their families, and their communities.
Lazarewicz ’s professional experience spans multiple facets of education. She was the general manager of Advancement Courses, VP of curriculum at Learning House, and associate content specialist at Pearson Higher Education. She launched her career in education as a sixth-grade math and science teacher. Lazarewicz earned her BA in biology at Bowdoin College and completed a Master of Education through the Lesley University collaborative program with Shady Hill School. Previously, she was certified as a professional teacher in Kentucky, Maine, and Massachusetts. She lives in Crestwood, Ky.
33. Sarah Ahmad
Chief Executive Officer, CAQH
Sarah Ahmad, CEO of CAQH, is a healthcare leader and explorer with over 25 years of experience spanning operations and innovation. She loves applying human-centered design to transform the healthcare experience. Prior to joining CAQH, Sarah was the SVP of health and wellness at Shoppers Drug Mart, Canada’s largest pharmacy and health retailer where she was responsible for a portfolio of pharmacy services, medical clinics, provider technology, retail home health stores, and digital health solutions.
Previously, Sarah served as chief innovation officer at Magellan Health and SVP of innovation and transformation strategy for Highmark Health. In addition, Sarah held many key leadership roles in product development, clinical operations, and network development at Humana Healthcare.
Sarah holds an undergraduate degree from Tulane University, a Master of Health Services Administration from Webster University, and an MBA from the University of Louisville. Sarah enjoys traveling the world with her husband and 2 children and introducing them to new people and cultures.
37. Amy Hoover
Chief Information and Technology Officer, Manna Inc / Bridgeman Foods
Amy Hoover is the Chief Information and Technology Officer of Manna Inc / Bridgeman Foods. Manna is an affiliate of several restaurant concepts. Manna affiliates operate Wendy’s restaurants, Golden Corral Buffet and Grill restaurants, Fazoli’s restaurants, Mark’s Feed Store restaurants, Jimmy John’s, and The Layover Bar and they are still growing. Amy has an expertise that lies at the nexus of technology and business strategy. In her role, she has orchestrated an array of technology initiatives for Manna's restaurant concepts, collaborating across diverse teams to drive innovation and security. Yet, at the core of her technological achievements lies a profound commitment to a people-first ethos, deeply rooted in her origins within the service industry.
Amy's innate ability to engage and impact people at a personal level, coupled with her flair for delivering transformative tools, has revolutionized how technology shapes everyday interactions in Manna's restaurant organization. Guiding multiple ventures in innovation and automation, she prioritizes alleviating the operational load on the restaurant operations teams while simultaneously fortifying the security and seamlessness of the guest ordering and payment process. Her team's unconventional approach has further enabled them to orchestrate the successful integration of technology across various businesses, optimizing support center operations in the process.
Amy genuinely believes that people are the heart of every department, company, and industry. She attributes the remarkable success of her department to the exceptional technologists on her team, who share her passion for harnessing technology to enhance human experiences.
38. Heather Gate
Executive Vice President of Digital Inclusion, Connected Nation
Heather Gate, Executive Vice President of Digital Inclusion for Connected Nation, is responsible for strategy development and implementation of programs that impact digital inclusion for all people in all places. Gate has more than 17 years of experience working in digital inclusion with the mission of improving the lives of vulnerable populations across the country via technology access, adoption, and use. She has extensive experience engaging with minorities, rural communities, families, and others on the frontlines of the digital divide and working behind the scenes as an advocate and tactician with local, state, and federal leaders.
Gate served as the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Communications Equity and Diversity Council until the end of her term in June 2023. She previously served as the vice chair of FCC’s Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment (ACDDE) from 2017 to 2019 and as the chair of the committee’s Digital Empowerment and Inclusion Working Group from 2017 to 2019.
Gate has long advocated for digital inclusion for low-to-moderate-income individuals. That has included teaching basic digital skills to new computer users, designing online learning platforms, creating state/community broadband and digital equity plans, and implementing various digital inclusion programs focused on a disadvantaged population’s specific needs.
Gate has also led the design, creation, and implementation of several programs to ensure there are adequate resources for digital skills training, device distribution, and support to ensure minority businesses and vulnerable populations are not denied the wide range of opportunities made possible by next-generation networks. She understands what’s at stake when families, communities, and small businesses are left out of a digital world because she has worked directly with and for vulnerable populations across the country. She has gained additional experience and insight while serving as a leader on the ACDDE over the last two charters that can continue to be leveraged to improve the digital landscape and provide further recommendations that will empower the FCC to more effectively work toward closing the Digital Divide.
Having been raised in Zimbabwe and educated in the United States, Gate brings a global perspective on service and working to ensure vulnerable populations have access to resources that help to improve quality of life and offer opportunities for advancement. She holds an undergraduate degree in computer science from Kentucky State University and earned the President’s Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a graduating student. She also has a master’s in computer science and a master’s in public administration from Kentucky State University.
39. Julie Benton
President, &well Agency
Julie Benton has a passion for supporting brands that make the world a better place, with over 18 years in agency management, exclusively with health, wellness & education brands. She is adept at keeping her finger on the pulse of the healthcare space, anticipating the future needs of her clients and helping them adapt to meet the changing demands of consumers.
With a career that began in account service roles, she has used her background to emphasize and enable speed, quality, and value for her clients. Julie’s leadership style is to serve her team and clients, with an emphasis on innovation, authenticity, transparency, and team engagement – resulting, among other things, in an average agency employee tenure of 9 years.
At &well, Julie’s hard work and innovations continue to pay off. In 2023, &well was named one of the Best Places To Work by Louisville Business First and recognized as a Top 10 Healthcare Marketing Agency of 2023 by Healthcare Business Review Magazine. Additionally, Julie is an active member of the Louisville community, recently graduating from the Louisville Bingham Fellows program, which supported the growth of downtown Louisville – specifically Black-owned businesses.
42. Kaylee Price
Senior Vice President, RunSwitch PR
Kaylee Carnahan Price, Senior Vice President at RunSwitch PR, provides expertise in strategic communications, crisis communications, and campaign management. From Fortune 500 companies to members of the US Congress to business associations big and small, clients trust Kaylee to tell their stories.
After beginning her career in key political campaign positions across the country, Kaylee joined RunSwitch PR at its launch. She has helped grow RunSwitch to become the region’s largest and most experienced firm while mentoring dozens of teammates along the way. She is relied on for her on-the-spot strategic planning and action-oriented approach that gives clients confidence and equips them with the tools they need to influence outcomes.
Kaylee regularly works in conjunction with the government affairs teams at organizations like Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Distillers’ Association on some of the state’s most prominent issue campaigns. With every project Kaylee takes on — electing strong leaders to all levels of government, economic development initiatives, education reform, hunger initiatives, volunteering at her church, Our Savior Louisville, and more — she is eager to help make Kentucky better every day.
Originally from Illinois, Kaylee moved to Kentucky in 2005 and earned her undergraduate degree from Western Kentucky University. Kaylee and her husband Adam are proud to call St. Regis Park, KY home along with their dog, Governor.
43. Katie Marks
Vice President of Marketing, AffirmedRx a Public Benefit
Katie Marks is an accomplished and results-driven marketing professional, currently serving as the Vice President of Marketing for AffirmedRx, PBC, a leading player in the pharmacy benefit management industry.
Katie is a multi-faceted professional who has been successful in operational efficiency and process development, extensive payment innovation, product and people development, and marketing strategy. She provides the AffirmedRx team with a unique blend of experience and business knowledge, coupled with the familiarity of brand development and marketing innovation. She is dedicated to making a positive impact in the healthcare industry - her commitment to ethical marketing practices and her ability to adapt to evolving market trends have been pivotal in maintaining AffirmedRx's reputation as a trusted and progressive PBM brand.
Throughout her career, Katie has been relied upon to lead teams and implement marketing strategies to build value for multi-million dollar clients. Her broad range of industry experience includes leadership roles with Wells Fargo Financial, Stored Value Solutions, and AIG US Warranty.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Katie was recognized as one of 13 Best Buddies of Kentucky Champions of the Year for 2023. She is passionate about creating one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Originally from Illinois, she has been in Kentucky for 24 years and resides just outside of Louisville, KY. She has one teenage daughter who is studying at the University of Tennessee. Katie has degrees in marketing and finance from the University of Kentucky and is proud to work for a Public Benefit Corporation trying to change the healthcare industry for the better.
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44. Megan Williams
Chief Operating Officer, Meritrust Wealth Management
Megan Williams is a highly accomplished financial executive with a distinguished career spanning more than two decades in the financial services industry. As the Chief Operating Officer at Meritrust Wealth Management, Megan is recognized for her remarkable contributions and leadership, both nationally and within the state of Kentucky. Most recently, with the unexpected sale of MCM to a national CPA firm, Megan’s strategic acumen and hands-on management style have been pivotal in shaping Meritrust’s future growth trajectory.
Megan's journey began with an undergraduate degree in English literature from the prestigious Cornell University. Her unique background in literature has enriched her approach to financial services, bringing a creative and holistic perspective to her work. In 2010, Megan furthered her education by obtaining an Executive MBA from Villanova University. Megan kick-started her career at Vanguard, a financial industry giant, where she was a part of a prominent leadership development program.
Megan's career has been marked by leadership roles at several organizations, where she has consistently demonstrated her exceptional skills in financial planning, wealth management, risk management, sales, and operational leadership. Her diverse experiences have uniquely positioned her to excel in her current role at Meritrust Wealth Management. A distinguishing feature of Megan's career is her expertise in wealth management firms that are part of CPA firms. This unique perspective has allowed her to offer clients an integrated and comprehensive approach to their financial well-being. She is also a seasoned coach, contributing to her holistic approach to serving clients. Her dedication to staying informed about the latest financial trends and regulations ensures that Meritrust's services remain innovative, compliant, and tailored to the unique needs of its clients, many of whom are entrepreneurs and business owners.
Throughout her career, Megan has been a devoted advocate for her community, actively volunteering and serving on various boards. As a member of Women Influencing Louisville and her recent appointment to the Metro United Way's Community Impact Committee, she continues to be a positive force for change in Kentucky. She serves as an inspiring role model and dedicates her time to mentoring and supporting women in the industry. Megan's values are rooted in transparency, integrity, and trust. She believes in the power of financial empowerment and is committed to helping Kentuckians achieve their financial goals.
46. Myrna Redfield
President, CEO & Program Manager, Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership
Myrna Redfield has over 31 years of experience working in the nuclear field leading organizations working on the US Department of Energy (DOE) environmental cleanup mission. Redfield has performed in roles of increasing responsibility, including more than 29 years of Paducah-specific experience. Today, she leads Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership’s 10-year, $1.4B Deactivation and Remediation Project at the DOE Paducah site, which is focused on the deactivation of the site’s largest process gaseous diffusion building, C-333 Cascade, and the environmental remediation of the C-400 Complex. Her responsibilities include ensuring the contract performance and safety of roughly 1000 employees, including two union organizations.
Redfield has partnered with DOE Senior Management during key regulatory and technical negotiations, supporting the Oak Ridge and PGDP Environmental Remediation Projects. She has established strong relationships with key regulators and DOE to ensure project continuity in achieving an overall regulatory strategy to meet the requirements of the Paducah Site D & R mission. In addition to this, Redfield has successfully developed strategies and integrated them into work execution plans. A talented communicator, she plays an integral role in ensuring customer satisfaction. Her understanding of the Paducah Site scope has enabled her to proactively support regulatory and strategy program development. Redfield graduated from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez with an undergraduate degree in industrial engineering.
49. Paula Garner
Chief Executive Officer, Maryhurst
Paula Garner leads the state’s oldest child welfare agency in Kentucky. Maryhurst transforms the lives of nearly 500 children and families every single year and sees some of the state’s most severe cases of neglect and abuse. The organization aims to prevent abuse, restore hope, empower survivors, and promote resiliency among Kentucky’s children. Garner is a 23-year veteran of Maryhurst, most recently serving as the nonprofit’s COO between 2016 and 2020 before taking over the CEO role. She holds master’s degrees in social work and business administration, and she sits on several area leadership groups in the child welfare space – including an interagency initiative focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Under Garner’s leadership, Maryhurst’s future-focused work prioritizes stability and independence for all youth overcoming trauma, as well as continued growth in its community-based counseling service that offers well-being resources to families facing crisis. Garner is committed to giving Maryhurst an active presence in the wider Louisville community, and she recently represented the agency in Leadership Louisville’s 10-month development program. In addition to her background as a therapist and business leader, Garner is an active supporter of her church community and a proud mother of two daughters.
50. Jennifer Gebhart
Senior Director of Software Development, Global Payments Inc.
Jennifer Gebhart is the Senior Director of Software Development at Global Payments Inc. Global Payments empowers simple, fast, secure payments for everyone. It has built a complete, worldwide commerce ecosystem that delivers software and services at scale to millions of companies around the world from ambitious startups to global enterprises. Its team of 27,000 experts is dedicated to clients’ success. Gebhart has 19 years of experience. She began her career in 2004.
Gebhart is a hard-working, tenacious, caring communicator. Her passion for people is key in the technology field, especially important with the convergence of engineers and business. She excels by speaking in both technology and business operations. Gebhart has excelled at various positions and roles throughout her entire career. Not only does she bring people together, but she’s known for delivering as a team time and time again.
Before joining Global Payments, Gebhart was an assistant vice president at Farm Credit Mid-America and before that an IT services manager at CafePress Inc. Earlier in her career she worked with Trover Solutions as a training and quality assurance supervisor. Gebhart graduated from Sullivan University with an undergraduate degree in information technology.
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