COVINGTON, KY – The City of Covington celebrated the graduation of the inaugural class of the Covington Mayor’s Academy on April 28, 2026, marking the successful completion of an eight-month immersive program designed to connect residents and stakeholders with the inner workings of City government.
Launched in August 2025, the Covington Mayor’s Academy brought together 29 participants selected through a highly competitive process that drew nearly 100 applicants. The program was created to educate, involve, and engage community members while fostering stronger relationships between the City and those who live and work in Covington.
Throughout the program, participants met monthly for in-depth sessions led by local elected officials and senior City staff. Topics covered a wide range of City functions, including administration and budgeting, public safety, public works, parks and recreation, legal, human resources, and neighborhood services. Participants also toured City facilities, attended public meetings, and gained behind-the-scenes insight into how decisions are made and services are delivered.
The inaugural class reflected the diversity and vibrancy of Covington, representing neighborhoods from Mainstrasse to Latonia and bringing a wide range of professional experiences from education, healthcare, public service, business, and beyond.
Members of the Inaugural Covington Mayor’s Academy Class:
- Amanda Arelle, Eastside – Software Engineering Manager, Availity
- Connor Boland, Eastside – Property Manager, UC Health
- Tami Burgoyne, Licking Riverside – Senior Complex Claims Specialist, W.R. Berkley Corporation
- April Coffee, Westside – Business Coach, Small Business Development Center
- Maureen Eiting, Old Seminary Square – Chief of Staff / VP Sales Ops, DentalXChange
- Sarah Flem, Mainstrasse – Insurance Executive, Great American Insurance
- Dan Francis, West Latonia – Retired Minister, Latonia Baptist Church
- Cari Maria Garriga, Licking Riverside – Professor, Thomas More University
- Kelly Harper, Westside – Career Center Director, Cincinnati State
- Bonnie Harrison, Licking Riverside – Manager, Internal Revenue Service
- Helene Hill, Helentown – Administrative Assistant, Covington Independent Schools
- Leroy Hodge – Executive Director, Neighborhood Investment Partners
- Gregg Hothem, South Covington – Retired
- Chuck Kemp, Central Business District – Commercial Real Estate Advisor
- Michael Lange, Lewisburg – Real Estate & Construction Professional
- Kelly McCollough, Peaselburg – Senior Instructional Designer, University of Cincinnati
- Melissa McQueen, South Covington – Executive Assistant to CEO, CHNK Behavioral Health
- Laura Menard, Westside – Hospital Librarian, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
- Lydia Noll-Giska, Wallace Woods – Social Worker, NKY Children’s Advocacy Center
- Emily North, Mainstrasse – Marketing & Communications Manager, Christ Hospital Health Network
- Chad Ragan, Wallace Woods – Chief of Staff, DuBois Chemicals
- Tracey Rowe – VP of Early Childhood Services, Learning Grove
- Colton Sayers, Westside – Occupational Therapist, UC Health
- Stevie Smith, Wallace Woods – Outreach Programmer, Kenton County Public Library
- Bil Spicer, Mainstrasse – Retired
- Nicole Tepe, Central Business District – Lawyer, Frost Brown Todd
- Shelley Volpenhein – Business Owner, The Fieldhouse
- Alexander Willet, Peaselburg – Realtor, Sibcy Cline
While most participants reside in Covington, the program also welcomed individuals who work for organizations based in the city, further strengthening connections across the community.
“The Mayor’s Academy is about building lasting connections between City Hall and the community,” Mayor Ron Washington said. “This inaugural class will leave not only more informed about how their city works, but equipped to be ambassadors for Covington—sharing that knowledge, and encouraging others to get involved.”
The City is now looking ahead to the next class of the Mayor’s Academy and encourages interested residents and stakeholders to apply.
Applications for the 2026–2027 Covington Mayor’s Academy are open now through June 1. Interested individuals can apply online here.
Eligible applicants must either reside within the City of Covington or be employed by a business or organization located within the city.