(Photo shows graduation of inaugural Mayor's Academy class in May, 2026.)
COVINGTON, Ky. – The City of Covington is proud to announce the 30 members selected for the 2026-2027 Covington Mayor’s Academy, an immersive eight-month program designed to educate, involve, and engage residents and stakeholders in the work of City government.
Selected through a competitive process, the participants represent a wide cross-section of Covington’s neighborhoods, from Botany Hills to South Covington. They also bring with them diverse professional experience, spanning local universities, major health networks, public agencies, large employers, and small businesses, reflecting the diversity of the Covington community.
"Covington is made up of so many individuals from diverse backgrounds united by a shared commitment to strengthening our community and that is reflected in this fantastic class,” Mayor Ron Washington said. “Following graduation, these community leaders will be encouraged to continue shaping a brighter, more vibrant future for Covington’s neighborhoods."
The Mayor’s Academy will meet monthly from August 2026 through April 2027, with sessions led by local elected officials and senior City staff. Topics will include everything from city administration and budgeting to public safety, public works, economic development, and housing strategies.
Members of the Mayor’s Academy Class:
- Shayna Bluemlein, Mutter Gottes
- Michael Campton, Old Seminary Square
- Thomas Cislo, Wallace Woods
- Connor Creaghead, Mainstrasse
- Luke Darpel, Peaselburg
- Christopher Davis, Wallace Woods
- Desta Donnell, Latonia
- Paul Farmwald, Mainstrasse
- Rob Fischer, Latonia
- Matt Fitzenberger, Kenton Hills
- Michele Fitzenberger, Kenton Hills
- Kim Frank
- Jonika Greene, Austinburg
- Samuel Greenhill, Latonia
- Angelina Harlow, Peaselburg
- Abdul Haseeb, Holmes High School Student
- Leslie Huesman, Licking Riverside
- Melissa Kelley, Eastside
- Jerry Lockard, Helentown
- Wilson Mejia, Peaselburg
- Jack Morgan, Eastside
- Cheryl Nachbauer, Levassor Park
- Shauna Reilly, South Covington
- Jameela Salaah, Eastside
- Damian Sells, Wallace Woods
- Emalee Taylor, Botany Hills
- Hillary Thomas, Peaselburg
- Cole Waymeyer, West Latonia
- Allison Wendling, Licking Riverside
- Robighn Woodbury, Mainstrasse
While most participants live within Covington, eligibility was also extended to individuals who work for organizations based in the City.
Building Understanding and Connection
Over the course of the Academy, participants will tour City facilities, hear directly from department directors, explore behind-the-scenes operations, and attend public meetings. The goal is not just to educate, but to build lasting relationships between the City and its residents.