The Kenton County Fiscal Court approved on May 5 the recipients of the 2026 Dr. Jon Draud Pioneer Award, recognizing residents for outstanding community service and integrity.
The award, now in its ninth year, honors individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to Kenton County through their actions and leadership. This year’s honorees are Karen Finan and Charles “Chuck” Korzenborn.
Finan has been recognized for her decades-long effort to unify Northern Kentucky, including her leadership in launching the OneNKY Alliance as president and chief executive officer and overseeing construction of the OneNKY Center. She previously led Northern Kentucky Tri-ED, now known as BE NKY Growth Partnership, where she played a key role in attracting new businesses to the region.
Korzenborn served as Kenton County Sheriff from 1999 to 2025. During his tenure he modernized operations within the office while maintaining responsibilities such as tax collection, court security, and service of process. He also promoted collaboration with local law enforcement agencies and community partners to improve public safety across Kenton County.
A committee made up of previous award recipients reviews nominations each year before submitting recommendations to the Fiscal Court for approval. Honorees will be formally recognized at future meetings of the Fiscal Court, with their photos displayed in the lobby of the Kenton County Government Center.
In recognition of longtime Commissioner Dr. Jon Draud—a lifelong resident noted for his years in education and government—the award was renamed in his honor this year.
Kenton County emphasizes transparency by providing public access to agendas, meetings, and fiscal information according to its official website. The county maintains administrative offices at 1840 Simon Kenton Way in Covington according to its official website.
Kenton County serves residents throughout Northern Kentucky by focusing on efficient local government according to its official website. The county operates under a fiscal court system led by a Judge/Executive alongside three district commissioners according to its official website.
Community partnerships and redevelopment funding are facilitated by Kenton County for various local projects according to its official website.
