The Annual Leadership Center Celebration

The Nelson Schwab, Jr. Distinguished Alumni Award The Nelson Schwab, Jr. Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes outstanding Leadership Cincinnati alumni whose contributions to the betterment of the Cincinnati region distinguishes them as a “Leader Among Leaders.” Since 1985, the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber has been proud to hand out this award to 45 deserving individuals. In 2005, Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP made a memorial gift to the Cincinnati Chamber to honor the leadership and many civic contributions of firm partner, Nelson Schwab, Jr. Funds were used to rename the award the “The Nelson Schwab, Jr. Distinguished Leadership Alumni Award,” an award previously known as the “Distinguished Leadership Alumni Award.” The Cincinnati Chamber has been proud to hand out this award to 44 deserving individuals.

The Nelson Schwab, Jr. Distinguished Alumni Award is intended for individuals with at least 10 years of documented accomplishments both professionally and personally and who have had a significant impact on a large number of individuals and organizations in Greater Cincinnati.

Past recipients have led on significant, region-wide initiatives, changing the physical landscape of our community, improving economic outcomes for organizations and individuals, and worked to make our home a more welcoming place to all. With each award, we recognize individuals who graduated from Leadership Cincinnati and who make it their mission and purpose to ensure a better city for all.

The CQ (Civic Quotient) Award celebrates alumni of Leadership Center Programs who demonstrate a high CQ through publicly facing work. They demonstrate a clear understanding of the state of our region, its culture and history, the relationships and structures that guide decision making, and aspire to act and improve the public good. Given the complex dynamics in a region that sits at the meeting point of three different states, special attention is given to individuals who excel in spaces of collaboration.

The CQ Award is presented to individuals who go beyond influence at their workplace and demonstrate tangible impact for the public good. Special consideration is given leaders who have yet to receive significant recognition for their contributions to the community.

• Qualifications:
  • Focus on collaboration; a bridge builder.
  • Service to community that goes beyond expectations of job.

The impact may be demonstrated in one or more of the following ways:

• • Programs & Projects: The individual designed or implemented one or more high-impact programs or projects
  • Products: The individual has developed influential tools, models, frameworks or other products used to advance our community, 
  • Presentations & Publications: The individual has made meaningful contributions to the body of knowledge on understanding our community through conference presentations, articles, books, etc.
  • Service & Mentorship: The individual has contributed substantial time and expertise to help build the community (e.g., by leading organizations or networks, serving on relevant boards or committees, and/or mentoring others).