LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky Nonprofit Network (KNN), the state association of nonprofit organizations, has elected three new members to its board of directors: Jessica Berry, Vice President of Mission Advancement, YMCA of Central Kentucky; Russell Harper, Executive Director of State Government Affairs, CVS Health; and Niki Kinkade, Executive Director, Art Center of the Bluegrass.
Berry is a native of Lexington and leads the YMCA of Central Kentucky’s advancement and fundraising efforts. She is a member of the board of directors of Bluegrass Tomorrow and the Child Care Council of Kentucky. She is also a Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence member and is a respected child and education advocate. Berry holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Kentucky.
Harper, a resident of Oldham County, manages CVS Health’s legislative and regulatory affairs and represents the company with Governors, Attorneys General, and state lawmakers. He has over 15 years of experience in government and is a respected industry leader in the healthcare sector. He previously served as President of the Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts and served in the Kentucky House of Representatives leadership offices. He serves as chair of the KNN Public Policy Committee. Harper is a graduate of the University of Kentucky.
Kinkade, of Danville, took the helm of the Art Center of the Bluegrass in 2017 and is leading the organization by expanding and creating a national glass museum. She previously served as Executive Director of the internationally recognized Great American Brass Band Festival. In addition to serving as a founding member of KNN’s Racial Equity in the Nonprofit Sector Task Force, she currently serves on the Kentuckians for the Arts Advisory Committee and the board of directors of the Danville Creative District. She is an active member of the Danville Rotary Club. She holds a BA in Art History from the University of South Florida and a MA in teaching from Willamette University.
Sarah Jefferson, Vice President and Director of Cash Management with Traditional Bank of Lexington, was elected as KNN’s board chair for 2023. Florence Tandy, founder and CEO of Leadership Bridges of Erlanger, was re-elected as vice-chair. Alan Engel, a retired nonprofit executive of Louisville, was elected as secretary. Judy Simpson of Cincinnati, Director of Finance with Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, was re-elected as treasurer.
