Dynamic Leaders Approved for 2023-2024

By: Jenny Mauch

Every fall, the Nominating committee is responsible for developing a slate of leaders for the Board and Executive Management Team (EMT) for the following League year. At the January 2023 General Membership Meeting (GMM), members voted to approve the slate of nineteen leaders, reflective of the dynamic talent in our dynamic women of the JLC. Each leader brings a unique set of experiences and expertise to their respective roles, and united by their belief in our organization and the Cincinnati community. Executive Vice President-Elect, Emily Haun, explained that, “Each and every single one of our members matter – from New Members to Sustainers.” Collectively our leadership will ensure that a variety of perspectives are considered in our work in the coming year. Board Member at Large-Elect, Meredith Comin, shared that, “The JLC is pushing forward with a passion for evolving and [I think] understanding where we have been, so we can get to where we strive to be, is important.” President Elect, Kelly Barber, notes a common sentiment among all the leaders, stating, “we have to design the work with everyone in mind.”

It is a honor to introduce you to our new leaders for 2023-2024:

PRESIDENT ELECT: Kelly Barber has been a member of the Junior League since 2013, holding several leadership roles, including VP of Membership and Chair of Nominating. She is currently leading the Leadership Pipeline Ad Hoc Committee.

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT ELECT: Emily Haun has been a member since 2011 and after serving across several councils, she has discovered a passion for the operational inner workings of the JLC in support of our members and community.

BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE: Meredith Comin has been a member since 2008, contributing to our chapter’s impact through a variety of leadership roles, including VP of Communications and Past President during our Centennial year of 2019-2020.

BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE: Dionn Tronn has been a member since 1981, serving in a variety of leadership roles including Presidential Advisor. She has also coordinated with other leaders to bring Sustainers into the strategic planning for the JLC.

VP OF FUND DEVELOPMENT: Katey Baron has been a member since 2015, serving in several leadership positions including ice hair of the Tour of Kitchens, and currently serves as the Vice Chair of Donor Relations.

VP OF COMMUNITY IMPACT: Rebecca Bryson, a member since 2015, has a deep passion for community. She has served in several leadership roles, including her current role as Chair of Advocacy and Education.

VP OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT: Brittany Gruber has served a variety of leadership positions since joining JLC in 2016, including New Member Advisor and a member of the Nominating committee. Brittany is passionate about giving back to the community and ensuring that it is a safe space for all of the residents to not only live, but thrive.

VP OF SUSTAINER COUNCIL: Kathryn Harsh has contributed to the JLC in a variety of ways since joining in 1990, including chairing several committees, and organizing numerous large fundraisers and events, including the Centennial Gala in 2020. Both Kathryn’s mother and daughter are also members of the JLC, honoring a generational legacy of leadership.

RECORDING SECRETARY: Megan Busam joined the JLC in 2013 and has since served on several committees and held several leadership roles including her current role as VP of Training and Development.

DEI&B VICE CHAIR: Jenny Mauch joined JLC in 2021 and currently serves on the DEI&B Committee. She believes that if we create a culture that fosters a sense of belonging and dignity, our membership will thrive.

NOMINATING VICE CHAIR: Meg Anaker joined JLC in 2018 and currently serves as Chair of the Membership Engagement Committee. No matter the role, Meg believes in the power or relationships and supporting one another.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Melanie Chavez is a Past President of the JLC and has served as a Sustainer for more than ten years; she balances a wealth of leadership roles both professionally and personally, and continues to have impact outside of the League through her work on several boards.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Brooke Olson has a passion for volunteering and has worked with numerous community organizations and advocacy groups. She joined the Junior League of Cincinnati in 2012 and has served in several leadership roles including the Program Development Vice Chair and VP of Community Impact.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Ellie Kelly transferred to the Cincinnati League in 2016. She is currently supporting the work of the Fashion Show fundraiser, and notes that through connections and service the League has always provided purpose in her life.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Jennifer Lindeman joined the JLC in 2021 and began serving as the Vice Chair of the DEI&B committee starting in January of 2023.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Jill Dickert joined JLC in 2017 with the goal of engaging more with her community and meeting a variety of interesting people. She has served on a variety of committees, currently serving as Chair of Tour of Kitchens.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Meggan Thompson transferred from the Greensboro, NC league to the Cincinnati league in 2019 and currently serves on Leadership Development. Her wide range of experiences across both Leagues will be an asset to the work of the committee in identifying our next class of leaders.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Courtney Sutherland joined in 2016 to be more active in the community and engage with women that are also eager to grow and make a difference. She has had the pleasure of serving across several committees, including Co-Chair of New Members.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Nicole Raje moved from Texas to Cincinnati in 2018 and joined the JLC in 2019 in order to become more involved in the community and network with like-minded women. She currently services on the Membership Recruitment Committee.