News Summary
Lexington is undergoing significant transformations in its medical and educational sectors with the introduction of new professionals and board appointments. Notably, Lauren Ridderikho, DO, has joined the Lexington Clinic. Additionally, Kentucky Community and Technical College System Foundation appointed new trustees. Central Bank has announced new hires aimed at improving client services, along with various other appointments across healthcare, education, and the arts, enhancing the community’s infrastructure and resources.
Lexington Welcomes New Medical Professionals and Expands Local Institutions
Lexington has recently seen significant changes in its medical and educational landscape with the introduction of new professionals and institutional board appointments. Lauren Ridderikho, DO, has joined the Lexington Clinic’s family medicine team at the Beaumont location, enhancing healthcare accessibility in the community. This appointment reflects a growing focus on expanding healthcare resources within Lexington.
In higher education, the Kentucky Community and Technical College System Foundation appointed three new trustees: Nick Phelps, Adam Marley, and Chad Harpole. Phelps has also been elected secretary, while Linda Rumpke will serve as treasurer. These appointments are positioned to strengthen the governance of the community college system as it addresses the educational needs of Kentuckians.
Central Bank has also made strategic moves in its workforce, announcing several new hires and promotions aimed at improving client services and commercial lending. Among the new appointments are Ryan Leigh Chapman as director of client services and Jennifer Ward as vice president and commercial lending officer. These changes are expected to enhance the bank’s operational efficiency and customer experience.
The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College has appointed Rebecca Wilkes as the new director of the UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, furthering the institution’s commitment to veterinary science. In the performing arts, the Lexington Ballet has welcomed Joey-Lynn Mann as the new senior ballet mistress, who will contribute to the development of ballet programming in the area.
In the legal sector, Robin McGuinn of Stites & Harbison, PLLC, has been appointed chair of the firm’s employment law service group. This leadership role is likely to influence the firm’s approach to employment law and its services offered to clients. Eli Barber has been named the new chief financial officer at Bluegrass Hospitality Group, reflecting strategic growth within the hospitality sector.
In cultural endeavors, Brittany J. Green has been appointed as the 2025-2026 Saykaly Garbulinska Composer-in-Residence by LexPhil, representing a commitment to nurturing artistic talent within the Lexington area. Additionally, Kristin B. Ashford, PhD, WHNP-BC, FAAN, has taken over as the Dean of Nursing at Frontier Nursing University, a role expected to foster educational excellence in nursing practice.
Jones Walker LLP also announced the addition of Laura D’Angelo as a partner in its corporate practice group, with a focus on the gaming industry. Her experience is expected to provide vital insights into the legal complexities of this expanding economic sector.
The Lexington Legends’ front office staff will see an expansion for the 2025 season, as the organization hires new members for various roles. This initiative indicates the team’s commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities ahead of the upcoming season.
In other significant appointments, Rachel Ray has been named executive director of the International Book Project, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting literacy, while Sarah Jefferson was promoted to chief experience officer at Traditional Bank, a role intended to improve overall customer satisfaction.
Healthcare representation continues to grow, with Olivia Riddle, BSN, RN, appointed as the student representative to the board of directors of the Kentucky Association of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives at Kentucky Christian University. Additionally, Amanda Fickey from Kentucky State University has been selected for Babson College’s Entrepreneurship Education Ecosystem Leadership Program, showcasing local talent in entrepreneurship and education.
The University of Kentucky recently recognized faculty members for their significant contributions, with notable award recipients including Tiffany Messer and Tomo Kawashima, along with a research team from the Plant and Soil Sciences department. This acknowledgment serves to highlight the importance of academic research and teaching excellence in the university’s mission.
In public safety, Assistant Chief Joey Harris of the Lexington Fire Department has been accepted into the Fire Service Executive Development Institute, a program designed to develop leadership skills for fire service professionals. Gina Greathouse will also be honored for her 30 years of leadership in economic development within Lexington.
Further recognition includes Bardstown Bourbon Co., which was awarded Global Brand Innovator of the Year at the global Icons of Whisky awards in London. This accolade highlights the distillery’s impact on the global market. Left Bank Bourbon in Jefferson County also joined the ranks as the newest member of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, strengthening the presence of Kentucky bourbon on both local and national stages.
In urban development, the Lexington Planning Commission has approved The Railyard, a $6 million mixed-use development featuring 32 residential units alongside commercial spaces. This project reflects ongoing efforts to enhance community infrastructure and livability in Lexington.
Republic Bank & Trust Company has been recognized nationally, ranking 17th as a Top 50 Community Bank by S&P Global Market Intelligence based on its 2024 performance, underscoring the financial institution’s commitment to community engagement. Meanwhile, the Bourbon & Beyond festival was awarded Pollstar’s Music Festival of the Year for events with over 30,000 attendees, highlighting the region’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Lastly, the Kentucky Blood Center has expanded its partnership with The Milk Bank to add a seventh drop-off location for frozen breast milk donations, enhancing support for newborns in need throughout the community.
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Additional Resources
- WDRB News
- Wikipedia: Kentucky
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- Google Search: Kentucky drivers licenses
- Lex 18 News
- Google Scholar: Kentucky government services
- Kentucky.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky
- WKYT News
- Google News: Kentucky appointments
- NKY Tribune
