SPECIAL SECTION Meet the Presidents

Photos taken by Dick Arnspiger + Mike Cyrus Features written by Rocko Jerome + Peter Chawaga

ROBERT CHRISTIAN

OnPoint Warranty

“The insuretech, mobile, and warranty industries are exciting,” says Robert Christian, President & Chief Risk Offi cer at OnPoint Warranty Solutions, LLC. “The industries are ripe for innovation, and the addressable markets across both B2C and B2B opportunities has never been bigger.” OnPoint is different than other companies. “OnPoint empowers our team of Service Avengers, driving the best warranty service experiences possible. We’re launching innovative mobile solutions and warranty programs which drive value for our clients and homeowners. Our insuretech platform was designed with the latest technology to enable our clients to own as much of the customer experience as they’re comfortable with, while outsourcing remaining pieces of technology and administration to OnPoint. Our revolutionary insuretech platform ensures we’re dispatching the most qualifi ed technician for every job, in a market with continuing labor shortages.” OnPoint is focused on delivering innovative warranty products and stamping out bad service globally. “Our unwavering focus on service and technology has been instrumental in OnPoint’s rapid growth.” OnPoint was initially funded by local investors with previous experience in the industry, as well as a former CEO of Samsung Electronics America.

Robert believes in serving others, supporting them, and helping them get what they need to be successful. “Our insuretech platform is more fl exible than any other platform out there,” he says. “We are also big on speed. We’re dedicated to helping clients to launch programs quickly.”

CHRIS SMITH

OnPoint Warranty

“My primary job as a leader is to serve my staff and customers by enabling them to accomplish their goals through vision, knowledge, tools, and resources...then getting out of their way,” says Chris Smith, Chief Service Avenger at OnPoint Warranty. “My job is to get people to do things that they might not normally do on their own. OnPoint is focused on motivating staff by showing encouragement, celebrating victories, and showing support in what they are doing in business and outside. Thirdly, leadership is creating a culture where people can be immersed quickly in company values and where people can feel comfortable and accepted for who they are.” Chris is all about improving lives through service. “In our business, we do that by repairing broken products in the home,” he says. A broken AC in the summertime causes a great deal of homeowner stress. We try to limit the budget impact of such events by offering insurer-backed warranty product protection and services. One of our core values is to ‘Have a Healthy Sense of Urgency’ and get products repaired ASAP.” OnPoint tries to stamp out bad service daily by delivering insuretech and warranty solutions which optimize the purchase and service experience for consumers and homeowners. “We only work with service companies that share these same values. In my personal life, I try to live a life where people fi nd me approachable and ready to listen,” says Chris. “By doing so, personal needs are often surfaced, providing opportunities for me to serve those needs inside and outside of the business.”

877-668-4681 onpointwarranty.com

DEANA KAREM

Je ersontown Chamber

A lifelong Louisvillian, Deana Karem considers it an honor to work for the businesses of Greater Louisville as the President and CEO of the Jeffersontown Chamber. She’s spent her entire career working for this community in some capacity, working hard to be a leader and a voice for transformational change. “It’s still challenging today, but I feel like I am making a difference,” she says. “Working as a leader and an advocate for business allows me to participate in important community initiatives. We support economic development and workforce strategies and assist in companies’ challenges around workforce. Our programs, services, and events focus on bringing people together to support networking so that companies themselves can expand their opportunities to reach clients and customers. Finally, our Jeffersontown Chamber does all of these things, and we facilitate community engagement to continue supporting the quality of life in Jeffersontown.” The Jeffersontown Chamber is the producer of the annual and beloved Gaslight Festival. This 54-year tradition has grown from a small street festival to an eight-day, thirteen-event community celebration.

The Chamber has been around for nearly 60 years and started as a small businessman’s group. “That same group went on to plan and develop a business park that today is home to nearly 2000 businesses and more than 30,000 employees,” Deana says. “The Jeffersontown economy is a major contributor to our regional economy. So we facilitate the important business networking around town, and we are building a foundation where Jeffersontown is acknowledged and appreciated as a great city with a thriving economy in greater Louisville. This is so important to me, my board, and our members.”

502-267-1674 jtownchamber.com

DR. KEVIN COSBY

Simmons College of Kentucky

“The health of the Black community will be determined by how well we strengthen Black-led institutions,” says Dr. Kevin Cosby. He’s the President of Simmons College, Louisville’s only HBCU (Historically Black College and University). The Simmons College experience is about giving the students opportunities that have historically been denied them, while also following the tradition of other HBCU graduates such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and Diane Nash, who not only gained knowledge for themselves but gained knowledge to help benefi t their community. “Being a leader means to cast a compelling vision and inspire others to make that vision a reality,” Dr. Cosby says. “Black Louisvillians have historically been the victims of extraction and exclusion. Simmons is the only ‘come-up’ HBCU in American history that lost its campus but came up from economic deprivation, social injustice, and racial misclassifi cation. Seventyseven years later, it returned to the campus it lost; it earned accreditation and was designated as an HBCU.”

Dr. Cosby has curated an environment where students can explore the world from a familiar place with the support of a welcoming, learning family. Developing and nurturing the potential of tomorrow’s Black leaders – tomorrow’s difference makers – is their purpose. It represents the dreams of the formerly enslaved persons who built their college more than 140 years ago.

502-776-1443 simmonscollegeky.edu

RON GALLO The Community Foundation of Louisville

Ron Gallo’s keys to leadership? “Staying curious. Listening hard. Continually adapting. Empathy. I would say these are the primary ingredients of leadership.” Ron is President and CEO of The Community Foundation of Louisville. He’s excited about the future of that group as well as the community it serves. “Community foundations have the privilege of being at the nexus of generosity and the potential to sustain what is good, challenge what needs to be changed, and identify and promote solutions to our region’s most vital issues. We have just fi nished a Strategic Plan that has us leaning into that potential,” he says. Ron believes in never succumbing to the seduction that he must always be right just because he is the boss. “By not doing so, one stays agile and dedicated to continual improvement,” he says. “Also, understanding that the environment in which one works is always evolving and being attuned to those changes will keep one’s enterprise competitive and innovative.” “We’re motivated by the prospect of real change, especially in the area of racial equity coming to Louisville,” Ron continues. “I sense that we are fi nally and belatedly ready to look – honestly – at our racial history and that we want the next chapters to be different. That will take a lot of work and the movement of hearts – and fi nancial capital – but I am convinced that this journey will determine the future of Louisville for all its residents.” Ron adds a note of optimism that even with all the challenges before us as Americans that get us down, frustrated, alarmed, and afraid, he believes in and is guided by the wisdom Stevie Wonder offered us half a century ago. And that is: ‘Love’s In Need of Love Today.’”

502=585-4649 cflouisville.org

SARAH DAVASHER-WISDOM

Greater Louisville Incorporated

Representing over 1,800 businesses, GLI is the voice of the business community. “Businesses trust us to advocate for their best interests and grow our economy, so there are more opportunities throughout our community,” says Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, President and CEO. She’s proud to lead GLI, which has historically led some of the most signifi cant investments and innovations our region has ever seen. Businesses look to them to navigate challenging times, celebrate with them during big wins, and support them through their day-to-day needs. “We are nearly two years into our NOW Louisville fi ve-year strategic plan, and we are starting to see the fruits of our labor,” says Sarah. “The ability to attract and retain talent remains the biggest pain point for many businesses. We’ve utilized the talent pillar of this plan to roll out unique initiatives that are not only meeting these acute needs but also helping to solve the talent shortage long-term.” Sarah’s job requires juggling priorities, but her desire to make our community a better place keeps her motivated. “We offer a range of services that save businesses money and time and help them grow,” she says. “For example, we offer several cost-saving group programs that save small businesses dollars on some of their largest expenses, including health insurance, offi ce supplies, and talent solutions. We also work one-on-one with our investors to facilitate strategic connections within the community to grow their networks and help them meet their goals. While GLI’s main goal is to grow the regional economy, we know that is only possible by supporting the growth of individual businesses.”

502-625-0000 greaterlouisville.com

KRISTEN PAWLAK

KP Designs Decorating Den Interiors

Since 2008, Kristen Pawlak, DDCD has owned and operated KP Designs/Decorating Den Interiors, an independent franchise stemming from the largest home interior design company in the country. With that combination of tailored service and national resources, she and her team have found that their work can truly make a difference for clients.

“It’s so rewarding to have such an impact on clients’ lives and their everyday surroundings,” Pawlak explained. “We value the clients who become friends. Also, just the beautiful look of a fi nished design — in person or in photos — is a major reward. It is still such a thrill to see it all come together.” Pawlak describes herself as a leader who strives to recognize and encourage her team members’ strengths, and her fi rm supports local charities like the Kentucky Humane Society, Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and more. Ultimately, it all stems from Pawlak’s emphasis on community and collaboration.

“I believe 100% in teams and teamwork,” she said. “I love to be surrounded by good people, even if it’s just a few, and I would never want to do this business alone. I strive for the right balance of delegation and benevolent control.”

502-245-0052 KPDesigns.DecoratingDen.com

ROSEMARY A. ALLEN, Ph.D.

Georgetown College

As the fi rst woman president in the 193-year history of Georgetown College, Dr. Rosemary Allen leads a vibrant Christian community in the heart of the Commonwealth.

“I arrived in 1984 for a one-year position but remained for 38 years, becoming the 26th President of the College in January 2022. Interacting with students is the best part of my job, helping them solve problems and develop plans. This semester I also continue to be in the classroom teaching Shakespeare. “I am a collaborative leader, with a sincere belief that we are stronger when we act together. A good leader is engaged, committed, honest, and gives the organization’s success priority over their own.” For the fi fth year in a row, Georgetown College ranks as the top college or university in Kentucky for placing graduates into jobs or graduate school. “Since 1829, Georgetown College has been graduating leaders who are key to well-being of the Commonwealth. As we prepare to enter our 300th year, we will continue to be an essential part of the economy and the character of the Bluegrass.”

502.863.8000 georgetowncollege.edu

KAREN HARBIN

Commonwealth Credit Union

After visiting Commonwealth Credit Union as a recent Eastern Kentucky University graduate to obtain a car loan, Karen Harbin found herself joining the company as its chief accountant before eventually being named its president and CEO in 2012. Since then, she’s led the business to open 12 additional branches, with three more on the horizon for next year, while taking a hands-on approach to leadership – a leadership style that has helped earn them the #1 spot on the Best-in-State Credit Unions list by Forbes.

“I strive to be more than just a name on a paycheck for our team members,” she said. “I work to be a familiar face to my employees throughout our 17 branch locations and the individuals throughout the 25 counties in our service area. I never would have imagined that getting a car loan foreshadowed my being hired and eventually taking the reins as president and CEO.”

For Commonwealth Credit Union team members, knowing Harbin means knowing her passion for supporting the wider community through strategic partnerships and community service. “We embrace partnering with organizations whose values align with ours,” she said. “We vet our partners through the social responsibility lens of health and wellness, fi nancial empowerment and the advancement and care of women and children.”

800-228-6420 ccuky.org

JAYME JACKSON

TOP Marketing Group

At TOP Marketing Group (publisher of TOPS magazine), Jayme Jackson has fostered an encouraging and motivational environment for team members.

“I have an open-door approach and some days it feels like there are always people sitting in my offi ce. I love that!” Jackson exclaimed. “In some companies, there is a great divide between the C-suite and employees, but I prefer being an active part of the creative process. My leadership style is simple: I am thrilled when my team succeeds and I will stay late, make calls and do whatever is necessary to help that come to fruition.”

Jackson’s hardworking approach and enthusiastic nature stem from the opportunity to do work she is truly passionate about: helping local businesses achieve their goals.

“We have clients that will tell you that when they started their companies or decided to take it to the next level, TOPS was the game changer,” Jackson said. “We have such a wonderful platform to introduce Louisvillians to all of the resources they should be utilizing. We highlight places they should be dining, the fi nancial institutions they should be partnered with, the medical services they should be seeking and more, all wrapped together with fun, engaging content and amplifi ed by our digital marketing division.”

jayme@topsmarketing.com topslouisville.com