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The Cincinnati Regional Chamber will recognize six outstanding civic leaders during its Annual Leadership Center Celebration on Thursday, August 27, at 5 p.m. at the Mercantile Immersive. The event will honor recipients of the 2026 Nelson Schwab Jr. Distinguished Alumni Award and Civic Quotient (CQ) Award and welcome the Leadership Center’s 50th Leadership Cincinnati Class. Registration is open to the public.
Presented by Excellence Investors Bricker Graydon Wyatt, Medical Mutual, Paycor, Sheakley, The Christ Hospital, and the University of Cincinnati Foundation, with media partner the Cincinnati Business Courier, the annual celebration recognizes Leadership Center alumni whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact on the Cincinnati region.
“More than 4,300 people have graduated from our Leadership Center programs, creating a network of leaders who are helping shape the future of our region,” said Brendon Cull, President & CEO of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber. “This celebration recognizes individuals whose leadership strengthens our economy, our communities, and our quality of life while inspiring the next generation of civic leaders.”
The 2026 Nelson Schwab Jr. Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are:
- Iris Simpson Bush (Leadership Cincinnati Class 35), retired President & CEO of Pig Works
- Former Governor Bob Taft (Leadership Cincinnati Class 5)
- Hope Taft (Leadership Cincinnati Class 12)
The 2026 Civic Quotient (CQ) Award recipients are:
- Bella Gullia (Cincy Next Class 10), Early Career Programming & Events Manager, Fifth Third Bank
- Henrietta Hall (WE Lead Class 18), Police Sergeant, Cincinnati Police Department
“We’re honored to recognize leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to our region,” said Sean Comer, Vice President of the Leadership Center at the Cincinnati Regional Chamber. “Each of this year’s honorees demonstrates what it means to lead with purpose, build meaningful relationships, and create opportunities that benefit our entire community.”
The Nelson Schwab Jr. Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes Leadership Cincinnati alumni whose civic leadership has distinguished them as “leaders among leaders.” First presented in 1985, the award was renamed in 2005 in honor of Nelson Schwab Jr. following a memorial gift from Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP.
The Civic Quotient (CQ) Award recognizes Leadership Center alumni who demonstrate exceptional civic leadership through public service, collaboration, and a deep commitment to improving the Cincinnati region.
2026 Honorees
Nelson Schwab Jr. Distinguished Alumni Award
Iris Simpson Bush
A lifelong champion for Cincinnati, Iris Simpson Bush helped grow the Flying Pig Marathon into one of the nation’s premier running events and a significant economic driver for the region. During her tenure leading Pig Works, she expanded its portfolio of community events while helping local charities raise millions of dollars. She has also been recognized nationally for her leadership in the running industry and locally for her decades of civic engagement and philanthropy.
Former Governor Bob Taft
Bob Taft has dedicated his career to public service, from serving as a Peace Corps volunteer and international development professional to holding leadership roles throughout Ohio government, including Governor of Ohio. During his administration, he focused on education, tax reform, economic development, environmental stewardship, and community revitalization. Today, he continues to educate future leaders as a Distinguished Research Associate at the University of Dayton.
Hope Taft
Hope Taft has been a lifelong advocate for conservation, sustainability, and civic engagement. As Ohio’s First Lady, she established the Ohio Heritage Garden and has continued to champion native plants, pollinator habitats, and environmental education throughout the state. She has helped launch numerous conservation initiatives, supported Leadership programs across Ohio, and remains deeply involved in community organizations and volunteer service.
Civic Quotient (CQ) Award
Bella Gullia
Bella Gullia has built her career around developing emerging talent and strengthening connections between education, employers, and the community. As Early Career Programming & Events Manager at Fifth Third Bank, she leads programs that prepare interns and early career professionals for long-term success. Beyond her professional role, she is an active community volunteer and currently serves as Board Chair of SingOut Cincy.
Henrietta Hall
Sergeant Henrietta Hall has served the Cincinnati Police Department for nearly two decades in roles spanning patrol, investigations, recruiting, community engagement, and public safety operations. A leader in procedural justice and community relations, she has developed training to improve communication with Deaf and Hard of Hearing residents while mentoring young people and serving on several nonprofit boards. Her commitment to service extends well beyond law enforcement through volunteerism, teaching, and youth development.
The Annual Leadership Center Celebration is supported by Excellence Investors Bricker Graydon Wyatt, Medical Mutual, Paycor, Sheakley, The Christ Hospital, and the University of Cincinnati Foundation, with media partner the Cincinnati Business Courier
For more information or to register for the event, visit:
https://cincinnatichamber.com/signature-events/annual-leadership-center-celebration/
About the Cincinnati Regional Chamber
The Cincinnati Regional Chamber is the premier business and civic organization dedicated to growing the vibrancy and economic prosperity of the Cincinnati region. To achieve its vision that Cincinnati is a growing, thriving region where everyone belongs, the Chamber seeks to grow our economy, grow our population, and grow our cultural vibrancy — with the foundation of a strong business community — to foster a welcoming environment for all. The Chamber’s membership offerings, signature leadership programs, government and regional advocacy efforts, community events such as BLINK and Oktoberfest as well as key partnerships with organizations like Cincinnati Experience, Cincinnati Business Excellerator, and the Workforce Innovation Center lead the way in making that vision a reality. For more information, visit cincinnatichamber.com.
Media Contact:
Amy Fitzgibbons, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Cincinnati Regional Chamber afitzgibbons@cincinnatichamber.com | 513.579.3106