The Academies of Louisville Alliance
Established in 2024, the Academies of Louisville Alliance marks the next step in advancing the Academies of Louisville initiative, which started in 2017. Housed by KentuckianaWorks and GLI, the Alliance is committed to providing the essential support and resources to elevate the mission. Our team works diligently to enhance the experience for over 19,000 high school students, 200+ business partners, and the 15 schools we serve, driving meaningful connections between education and the business community.
Meet the Team
REGINA PHILLIPS
Director
regina.phillips@kentuckianaworks.org
EMILY DREXLER
Business Partner Recruiter (GLI)
edrexler@greaterlouisville.com
SHON ADAMS
Business Partner Coordinator
shon.adams@kentuckianaworks.org
SAUNDRA GIBSON
Business Partner Coordinator
saundra.gibson@kentuckianaworks.org
TOSHA RIDENOUR
Business Partner Coordinator
tosha.ridenour@kentuckianaworks.org
RYAN CUMMINGS
Communications Coordinator
ryan.cummings@kentuckianaworks.org
JUSTIN RICHARDS
Community Relations Coordinator
justin.richards@kentuckianaworks.org
Funding for the Academies of Louisville Alliance is generously provided by the Jefferson County Public Education Foundation and the Gheens Foundation.
The Academies of Louisville Guiding Team brings together diverse leaders from education, business, and community organizations to shape the future of career-focused learning in Jefferson County Public Schools. This dedicated group provides strategic direction, fosters partnerships, and ensures the Academies model prepares students for success in college, career, and life. Their collective expertise and commitment drive the continuous improvement and expansion of this innovative educational approach.
ACADEMIES OF LOUISVILLE GUIDING TEAM
Tony Georges (Chair)
Heaven Hill Distillery
Kerri Richardson
C2 Communications
Tom Anonson
Class Act Federal Credit Union
Sharnika Glenn
UPS
Rocki Rockingham
GE Appliances
Justin Morris
Humana
Carol Timmons
Communications Consultant
Erica Bailey
Omni Louisville Hotel
Jim Lancaster (Past Chair)
Lantech
Justin Keeton
Messer Construction
Sharise Horne
MSD
Kim Blanding
Norton Healthcare
William Summers V
Republic Bank
Phil Tanner
Tom Drexler Plumbing
Julie Owens
University of Louisville Health
Mark Hamner
Papa Johns
Chad Anglin
WireCrafters
Franklin Jelsma
Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP
Emelie Dyer
Americana Community Center
Clark Welch
Greater Louisville, Inc.
Marcia McClendon
Goodwill Industries
Dr. Corrie Shull
Board, Jefferson County Public Schools
Deana Karem
Jeffersontown Chamber
Jennifer Helgeson
Junior Achievement
Michael Gritton
KentuckianaWorks
Lyndon Pryor
Louisville Urban League
Beau Johnston
Jefferson County Public Schools
Dr. Joe Ellison, III
Jefferson County Public Schools
Kim Morales
Jefferson County Public Schools
Kristin Wingfeld
Jefferson County Public Schools
Mary Beth Smith
Jefferson County Public Schools
Brandy Corbin
Jefferson County Public Schools -Fairdale Principal
Emily Wirtzberger
Jefferson County Public Schools -Academy Coach, Seneca
Derrick Ashby
Jefferson County Public Schools -AP, Iroquois
Dr. Nickie Cobb
Jefferson Community & Technical College
Dr. Douglas Craddock
University of Louisville