Kentucky, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Kentucky is undergoing notable leadership shifts across various sectors, emphasizing its dedication to economic development and community welfare. Key appointments include Dana Royse at New Vista and Amanda Turcotte at Commerce Lexington. The healthcare sector is reinforced with new medical professionals, and significant grants have been awarded to enhance local initiatives. Recognitions for contributions to mental health and small business success highlight the state’s commitment to growth and well-being.
Lexington
In a series of significant leadership appointments and recognitions, Kentucky is witnessing substantial changes across various sectors. The latest updates reflect the state’s commitment to economic growth and community development.
Leadership Appointments
- Dana Royse has been appointed as the president and chief executive officer of New Vista, a notable organization dedicated to mental health services.
- Amanda Turcotte joins Commerce Lexington as the new director of executive administrative services, aiming to enhance operational efficiency.
- Jon Reifsnyder is promoted to digital banking operations officer at Central Bank, alongside Donna Turner, who is now the senior vice president, loan processing manager.
- The Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation board gains three new members as Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell appoints Linda Rumpke, Frank Penn, and Steve Olt.
- Heather Graham and Fritz Giesecke are appointed to the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, supporting agricultural initiatives.
Health Sector Developments
- Shengnan Zheng, MD, joins the cardiology team at Saint Joseph Medical Group, enhancing patient care in cardiovascular health.
- Saint Joseph Health Medical Group – Surgery welcomes Rebecca Douglass, DO and Jorge Lodeiro, MD to its team in Lexington.
- Deanna Wigginton, APRN, is appointed as the lung cancer navigator at the Saint Joseph Health – Cancer Care Center, aimed at improving patient experiences and outcomes.
Community Initiatives
- Sherry Holley and Megan Holley-Slaughter are newly named co-chairs for the Go Red for Women campaign, focusing on heart health awareness.
- Betsy Dexter from Commerce Lexington has been selected for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Business Leads Fellowship Program.
Education and Training
- Jacqueline Gordon Duvall is appointed the new director of athletics for Fayette County Public Schools, marking a new era in local sports leadership.
- Matthew Grimshaw, MBA, the president of Saint Joseph Health, has been appointed to the Kentucky State University Board of Regents, contributing to higher education governance.
Acknowledgments and Awards
- Saint Joseph Hospital achieved recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of the best regional hospitals for 2025-26, with its facilities, Saint Joseph East and Saint Joseph London, also noted as high-performing hospitals.
- The Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation received a $70,000 grant from WHAS Crusade for Children aimed at enhancing pediatric care.
- In the nonprofit sector, the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation has been awarded a $600,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation for its new Preservation Center at Hopemont.
Economic Growth and Business Recognition
- DV8 Kitchen & Bakery has been named Commerce Lexington’s 2025 Small Business of the Year, highlighting its role within the community.
- Frontier Nursing University received the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award from Insight Into Academia, recognizing its contributions to mental health education.
Community Engagements
- Leadership Central Kentucky has announced new regional leaders as part of its 2025-26 program, fostering community leadership skills.
- Business Ventures Corporation has revealed inductees into the 2025 Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame, including prominent figures like Larry Benz and William P. Butler.
Conclusion
The recent appointments, grants, and recognitions in Kentucky illustrate a dynamic pathway toward fostering community engagement and economic development. As new leaders step into pivotal roles, the state is poised for continued growth and success across multiple sectors.
FAQs
What recent leadership changes occurred in Lexington, Kentucky?
Dana Royse was appointed as the president and CEO of New Vista, while Amanda Turcotte joined Commerce Lexington as the director of executive administrative services. Jon Reifsnyder and Donna Turner also received promotions at Central Bank.
Which healthcare professionals joined Saint Joseph Medical Group recently?
Dr. Shengnan Zheng joined the cardiology team, alongside Dr. Rebecca Douglass and Dr. Jorge Lodeiro, who joined the surgery team.
What significant grants have been awarded in Kentucky?
The Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation received a $70,000 grant for pediatric care, and the Blue Grass Trust secured a $600,000 grant for its Preservation Center.
Key Features Chart
| Category | Changes | Grants | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leadership Appointments | Multiple key positions filled, including Dana Royse at New Vista | Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation: $70,000 | Saint Joseph Hospital: Best Regional Hospitals 2025-26 |
| Healthcare Additions | New professionals at Saint Joseph Medical Group | Blue Grass Trust: $600,000 | DV8 Kitchen: Small Business of the Year |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Fayette County Schools Budget Director Claims Retaliation Over Financial Warnings
Budget Crisis Escalates in Fayette County Public Schools
Closure of LexCity Church Leads to Property Sale and New Developments
Pedestrian Struck and Killed by Train in Lexington
DeShana Collett Leaves University of Kentucky Amid Governance Changes
Lexington Introduces New Ambulance to Enhance Emergency Services
DeShana Collett Departs University of Kentucky Amid Governance Disputes
Additional Resources
- Lex 18: Deadline for Kentuckians to get Real ID approaching
- Wikipedia: Kentucky
- Kentucky.com: Local news updates
- Google Search: Kentucky news
- Lane Report: Transylvania welcomes new trustees
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky
- FTBOA: TCA director appointments
- Google News: Kentucky
- Newswise: Key executive appointments at UK Healthcare
- Google Scholar: Kentucky healthcare appointments
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
