COVERSTORY

Rising Stars
LYPA lauds the next generation of Lexington leaders
Interviews by Kevin Faris


LYPA really made its mark last fall when the organization hosted a mayoral forum at the Lafayette Club. Both candidates attended, and for several hours, LYPA held their feet to the fire on issues that are of particular relevance to Lexington's growing young professional community.

Lexington Young Professionals Association is a non-profit membership organization comprised of individuals committed to being in Lexington, and focusing on how we can all work together for a more sustainable community as we struggle with the growing pains that face any region that's somewhere between a town and a city.

LYPA president Joy Sanders says, "I think one of LYPA's most important roles in Lexington is to groom the next generation of leaders."

She cites as an example the "Opening Doors mentoring program" in which established community leaders agree to mentor those in the earlier stages of their career and civic involvement. She adds, "The leaders of our community want to be involved with LYPA and have given us great support. Young Professionals of this community are fortunate to have leaders who want to show us the way."

After evaluating a pool of nominees, LYPA selected individuals to be honored on the basis of: vision and leadership; innovation and achievement; impact; and community involvement and contribution. The following profiles are among those selected by LYPA (a complete listing follows in a sidebar). You can also learn more about LYPA by visiting http://www.lypa.org.


Scott Crosbie
Attorney, Wethington Hurt & Crosbie


What was your first job? Janitor; West Virginia Department of Highways.

Why did you move here? I grew up in Huntington, WV and came to Lexington to attend the University of Kentucky.

What is your personal favorite thing about Lex? The incredibly diverse personalities and cultures that have congregated in Lexington from throughout Kentucky and the world. UK has had a lot to do with this.

What is the best thing to happen to Lex in the past 10 years? The growth of our health/science community and the national rankings of our local hospitals and UK professional schools.

What is the worst thing to happen to Lex in the past 10 years? Our city's failure to find a Main Street location for our baseball team to enhance our downtown.

What is Lex's most important goal? Preserve our tremendous rural environment while gaining a national edge in business growth and recruitment.

What is your favorite book? Right now, I am reading Jarhead, by Anthony Swofford. My favorite book of all time is Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain.

What is the first album you ever bought? KISS Alive II.

Who is/was the most influential person in your life? My wife, KC.

Do you have a nickname?

Over the past several years I have been called a few names, but I should not repeat them here.

Who are 3 people you would not mind being stuck with in an elevator? Michael Jordan, Rodney Dangerfield, and David Letterman.

How would you be described in a personal ad? Married for 10 years, two kids, and a third on the way, spouse primary wage-earner, two golden retrievers, lots of debt, and presently happy until my wife finds out about this personal ad.

What do you miss most about being a kid? Playing in the creek, getting muddy, and chasing crawfish.

What is your most embarrassing guilty pleasure? Falls City beer-in the can.

In case of fire (or ice) what three things would you take out of your house? Kerosene heater, long underwear, and a flashlight.

What is your dream Lexington job? Editor-in-Chief, Lexington Herald-Leader. You can allow your imagination to run wild.

What is the best thing about being a Rising Star? It is nice to be honored by so many other professionals who care deeply about the future of Lexington.


Meka Davis
26, Assistant Director, Lexington Fair Housing Council


What was your first job? An employee at McDonald's

Why did you move here? I moved from Louisville to Richmond to attend school, and then to Lexington to be closer to work.

What is your personal favorite thing about Lex? The theaters and restaurants.

What is the best thing to happen to Lex in the past 10 years? Growth.

What is the worst thing to happen to Lex in the past 10 years? Traffic.

What is Lex's most important goal? To improve the education of our children.

Favorite book? Waiting to Exhale, because it was the first book that I read about African-Americans that didn't depict slavery or hardship and the characters were successful, human, and strong.

What is the first album you ever bought? I don't remember, but my favorite is The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill because the music is raw, honest, and uplifting.

Who is/was the most influential person in your life? My mom, because I observed in her strength, unconditional love, and survival.

Who are 3 people you would not mind being stuck with in an elevator? God, Maya Angelou, and Taye Diggs

How would you be described in a personal ad? Passionate, intelligent African-American woman seeksambitious, confident, and humorous African-American male.

Your motto? "Life's a dance. Put on your dancing shoes."

What do you miss most about being a kid? Laughing so easily and long that my belly ached.

What is your dream Lexington job? Director of an organization with a program that I created which tackles the needs of children in foster care or who are in the system.

What is the best thing about being a Rising Star? When I think of "rising" I think of something that is only beginning and that excites me.


Adam Edelen
28, Vice President Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce (also Executive Director of New Century Lexington)


What was your first job? Farm hand for my Dad.

Why did you move here? I moved here to attend UK and fell in love with the fact that Lexington is the only place I've ever been where you can hear crickets two blocks from downtown.

What is your personal favorite thing about Lex? The people-especially the LYPA generation.

What is the best thing to happen to Lex in the past 10 years? Dr. Lee Todd at UK.

What is the worst thing to happen to Lex in the past 10 years? 1994 Race Riots.

What is Lex's most important goal? Developing a knowledge-based economy that provides for our people and preserves our unique quality of life.

What is your favorite book? Pat Conroy's The Prince of Tides

What is the first album you ever bought? Kenny Rogers' The Gambler

How would you be described in a personal ad? Married White Male, with a strong social conscious, who enjoys outdoor activities like dove hunting and snow skiing. Loves to read history, play poker, and engage in good conversation about big ideas.

Do you have an official motto? Deserve Victory! -Winston Churchill

What is your most embarrassing guilty pleasure? Fried bologna sandwiches with Miracle Whip.

Does Lex need a super hero? If so, who and what should be their biggest priority? Lexington doesn't need a superhero, just a new generation of leadership.

What is your dream Lexington job? While Lexington will always be home, I'm not sure my dream job is here. (I'm speaking, of course, of Commissioner of Major League Baseball.)

In honor of 100 years of UK Basketball, who is your favorite all time player? Rex Chapman.

What is the best thing about being a Rising Star? Being recognized by LYPA, the volunteer organization driving the conversation about Lexington's future.


Reggie Hanson
34, Assistant Coach, UK Basketball University of Men's Athletics


What was your first job? My first job was in an ice cream shop when I was in high school.

Why did you move here? I moved to Kentucky from North Carolina in 1982. I was 12. My mother had to raise five kids by herself and she felt Kentucky would have better opportunities for us.

What is your personal favorite thing about Lex? My favorite thing about Lexington is that it's a great place to raise a family.

What is Lex's most important goal? Lexington's most important goal is to keep it one of the safest cities in America.

Who is/was the most influential person in your life? My mother still is and always will be the most influential person in my life.

Who are 3 people you would not mind being stuck with in an elevator? My two daughters and my wife.

Do you have an official motto? What is it? "Always be optimistic."

What is your dream Lexington job? My dream job is to be head coach at a major Division I college-doesn't matter where.

What is the best thing about being a Rising Star? The best thing about being a Rising Star is recognition, but with recognition comes a lot of pressure to keep striving to be the best.


Jeff Haselwood

Vice President, PRIDESTAFF Human Resource Service Company


What was your first job? Bag boy at Kroger's on Southland Drive

What is your personal favorite thing about Lex? Keeneland in the fall, and the new Applebees Park.

What is the best thing to happen to Lex in the past 10 years? The growth of the University of Kentucky and the improvement of Education.

What is the worst thing to happen to Lex in the past 10 years? Other than the recent ice storm, I would have to say not having the funding to complete the new civic center.

What is Lex's most important goal? To continue to grow economically while preserving our image.

What is your favorite book? The Heart of a Leader by Ken Blanchard

What is the first album you ever bought? Styx Paradise City

Who are 3 people you would not mind being stuck with in an elevator? Abraham Lincoln, Colin Powell, Vin Diesel.

How would you be described in a personal ad? Outgoing on the edge of cool and dorky.

Do you have an official motto? "Whatever it takes."

What is your most embarrassing guilty pleasure? I like to watch suspense movies, and eat M&M's with a beer chaser.

In case of a fire (or ice), what three things would you save at your house? I would just leave it all, material things can always be re bought. It's family that matters.

Does Lex need a super hero? If so, who and what should be their biggest priority? Making Lexington not only smoke free, but pothole free.

What is your dream Lexington job? I have it already.

What is the best thing about being a Rising Star? That you're not a falling star. Knowing that there is so much out there that is yet to be accomplished.


Robyn Miller

36, Senior Advisor for Program Development, Kentucky League of Cities & New Cities Foundation


What was your first job? My first job was in high school working as a receptionist/file clerk in a physician's office.

Why did you move to Lexington? I moved from a small town in Alabama to Lexington in 1988 after graduating from Auburn. I have relatives that moved to Lexington when I was in junior high school and I would visit and work in Lexington during school breaks because I liked the "big city" atmosphere (compared to Cullman, Alabama).

What is your personal favorite thing about Lex? Keeneland.

What is the best thing to happen to Lex in the past 10 years? Rick Pitino left UK!

What is the worst thing to happen to Lex in the past 10 years? It has to be "Ice Storm 2003"!

What is Lex's most important goal? To preserve the beauty and character of the Bluegrass while serving the needs of the citizens.

What is your favorite book? The Sweet Potato Queens' Book of Love.

What is the first album you ever bought? I hate to admit it, but Shaun Cassidy!

Do you have a nickname? I am often called "Tammy" in reference to the aforementioned Sweet Potato Queens' Book of Love.

Who are 3 people you would not mind being stuck with in an elevator? Harry Connick Jr., Matthew McConaughey, and McGyver.

Do you have an official motto? One motto I learned practicing law is: "Live by the sword. Die by the sword."

What is your most embarrassing guilty pleasure? Too many margaritas.

Does Lex need a super hero? If so, who and what should be their biggest priority? Lexington could use "Traffic Man" to wield his super human powers to help Lexington's traffic woes!

What is your dream Lexington job? Mayor or some other position in public service.

What is the best thing about being a Rising Star? It's an honor to be selected and I hope I can live up to the designation.


W. Craig Robertson III

34, Attorney, Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP


What was your first job? I grew up on a small farm in Fayette County. My first job was always helping out my father. My first paying job was with the Lexington Parks and Recreation Department.

Why did you stay in Lexington? In my opinion Lexington is the perfect sized town. It is big enough to offer a variety of things to do, yet small enough to have a personal feel. The town is beautiful, relatively crime free, and full of good people. There is no place else on earth I would rather live.

What is the best thing to happen to Lex in the past 10 years? Downtown revitalization. (And, of course, two NCAA championships).

What is the worst thing to happen to Lex in the past 10 years? The loss of horse farms and greenspace to ill-planned development.

What is Lex's most important goal? To foster future growth while controlling traffic and preserving the scenic beauty which makes Lexington unique.

What is your favorite book? The Bible.

What is the first album you ever bought? The Bee Gees Staying Alive.

Who are 3 people you would not mind being stuck with in an elevator? Sandra Bullock, Pamela Anderson, and Janet Jackson.

How would you be described in a personal ad? Single, 34-year-old white male. Professional. Christian. Loves sports, golf, running, UK, Keeneland and enjoying life with good friends. Looking for the perfect woman, but will settle for one who just happens to be pretty normal.

Do you have an official motto? "The difference between a successful person and others lies not in strength, not in intelligence, but rather in will."-Vince Lombardi.

What is your most embarrassing guilty pleasure? Now we are getting too personal.

In case of fire (or ice) what three things would you save at your house? (1) my collection of notes and cards that family and friends have given me over the years; (2) my scrapbook; and (3) my golf clubs.

Does Lex need a super hero? If so, who and what should be their biggest priority? No. We've managed to get along just fine without one.

What is your dream Lexington job? Mayor.

What is the best thing about being a Rising Star? Free publicity that maybe I can parlay into a date or two.


Kenya Stump
27, Environmental Consultant, University of Kentucky, Kentucky Business Environmental Assistance Program (KBEAP)


What was your first job? An environmental laboratory technician.

Why did you move here? I moved from Central City, KY to Lexington for my current job.

What is Lex's most important goal? To maintain Lexington's spirit, tradition, and environment while managing growth.

What is your favorite book? Memoirs of a Geisha.

What is the first album you ever bought? The Chipmunks Christmas album.

Who are 3 people you would not mind being stuck with in an elevator? Rudy Giuliani, Annie Leibovitz, and Jane Goodall.

How would you be described in a personal ad? Intelligent, Moody, Stubborn, Driven, Sexy, Adaptable, and "Off the Market" thanks to Richard Stump.

What is your most embarrassing guilty pleasure? Chocolate and Massage.

Does Lex need a super hero? If so, who and what should be their biggest priority? A Traffic Fairy to solve all of Lexington's traffic problems.

What is your dream Lexington job? Right now I have my dream job with KBEAP but I am also interested in pursuing environmental policy analysis on the local or state level.

What is the best thing about being a Rising Star? Learning to accept recognition.


W. Thomas Watts (Tom)
28, Financial Advisor at Fifth Third Bank


What was your first job? My first job was as an accounting associate with PricewaterhouseCoopersLLP.

Why did you stay in Lexington? I am from Lexington and chose to stay to be close to my family and friends.

What is your personal favorite thing about Lex? Some of my favorite things about Lexington are the Keeneland Fall Meet and tailgating at UK Football games.

What is the best thing to happen to Lex in the past 10 years? The Lexington Legends.

What is the worst thing to happen to Lex in the past 10 years? Last week's ice storm!!!

What is Lex's most important goal? I think an important goal for Lexington should be to retain more of the talented graduates of the University of Kentucky and other Central KY Colleges and Universities. This all begins with attracting new and existing companies to the Lex/Fayette area.

What is your favorite book? The Maestro by Bob Woodward RE: Alan Greenspan's tenure at the Federal Reserve.

What is the first album you ever bought? Def Leppard Pyromania

How would you be described in a personal ad? Tom Watts-Mild Mannered Accountant, married for five years with one child (W. Thomas Watts III "Trey").

What do you miss most about being a kid? Waking up in the morning with nothing to do or sleeping until noon and going to Shillito pool with Big B. ( The KID will understand.)

What is your most embarrassing guilty pleasure? I can't really sayno really I can't say.

Does Lex need a super hero? If so, who and what should be their biggest priority? Yes. Now that Dewayne Robertson has declared himself eligible for the NFL we do need a super hero and their biggest priority should be stopping the run in the SEC.

What is your dream Lexington job? If it is not the job I have right now then my dream job is The President of 5/3 Bank.Look out Sam Barnes!!

In honor of 100 years of UK Basketball, who is your favorite all time player? While I miss the scoring prowess of a Tony Delk, Walter McCarty, or my favorite old school backcourt of Ed Davender and Rex Chapman, my favorite player UK Player is Gimel Martinez. I would take Gimmy coming off the bench over Jules any day.

What is the best thing about being a Rising Star? Free food and drinks on a Thursday night is not a bad start!


Mike Weinrauch
31, Policy Analyst is the official title, I prefer the more generic term 'social worker' at the Kentucky Cabinet for Families & Children


What was your first job? Age 13, shelving books at the Brookline (MA) Public Library.

Why did you move here? I came here to attend graduate school at the UK College of Social Work. I was only supposed to be here for 18 monthsthat was about 8 years ago.

What is your personal favorite thing about Lex? The people are friendly. Up north where I'm from, you generally don't talk to strangers on the street. Here, it's almost rude to pass somebody and not say "hello."

What is the best thing to happen to Lex in the past 10 years? I really thought that it was great that all kinds of people rallied against hatred earlier this winter when those religious wackos came here to protest the baptism of the children of those two gay parents at Christ the King. It is always our responsibility to stand up for what we believe, and the sensible people of Lexington really came through on that day.

What is the worst thing to happen to Lex in the past 10 years? I haven't been here a full 10 years yet, but I can't think of anything which could be worse than what Ron Berry did to those children for years and years. Except maybe the failure of "the system" to stop it.

What is Lex's most important goal? Lexington's should the same as anywhere else's-education.

What is your favorite book? All the King's Men, by (Kentucky native) Robert Penn Warren.

What is the first album you ever bought? I bought the debut album by Run-DMC in Harvard Square in 1984; I was in 6th grade. I think I still have it somewhere.

Who is/was the most influential person in your life? You know when you're a kid and you think your dad is the smartest person in the whole world and could beat anyone up? I still think that about mine.

Who are 3 people you would not mind being stuck with in an elevator? Gatewood (he seems like he would be fun), John Kennedy (when he was alive, not now), Osama bin Laden (I wouldn't mind a few minutes alone with that prick).

How would you be described in a personal ad? "Already taken."

Do you have an official motto? What is it? My boss tells me all the time to "go forth and do good."

What do you miss most about being a kid? Being able to eat whatever I want and not gaining weight.

What is your most embarrassing guilty pleasure? I am very talented at singing AC/DC songs in a Frank Sinatra voice. It's hard to stop once you start.

Does Lex need a super hero? If so, who and what should be their biggest priority? I wouldn't mind seeing a superhero who would prevent the city from becoming paralyzed at the first sign of snow. He might teach people how to drive in it, too.

What is your dream Lexington job? I'd love to play second base for the Legends. Since I never made it past JV baseball and was probably the worst hitter in the history of my high school, I'll just stick to social work.

In honor of 100 years of UK Basketball, who is your favorite all time player? Scott Padgett, Steve Masiello, and Heshimu Evans all came to our Child Abuse Prevention March in Bourbon County a few years back, so it's a 3-way tie.

What is the best thing about being a Rising Star? This is a city with so many eloquent voices, creative personalities, and original ideas-I'm not certain I'm worthy. It's heartening to know that there really is a new generation of great people right here in Lexington who are making a difference, and I'm excited to meet these people!


l And the 2003 honorees are:

Crystal Bader Latitude

Jonathan Barker QX.net

Kim Coleman UK Career Center

Chuck Creacy & Chris Eddie Chevy Chaser

Scott Crosbie attorney

Meka Davis Lexington Fair Housing

Lori DeSantis Dean, Dorton & Ford

David Dickens Kentucky Insurance Agency

Bruce Drake Regatta Seafood and Malone's

Adam Edelen Chamber of Commerce

Molly Foree Third Rock Consultants

Alexa Gromko WTVQ

Antonio Hall UK Football

Brandy Hamby Lexington Rape Crisis Center

Reggie Hanson UK Basketball

Jeff Haselwood Pridestaff

Logan Hillyard Republic Bank

Tom Hodges Special Olympics Kentucky

Phil Holoubek Lexington Realty Company

Eric Lycan attorney Cox, Bowling & Johnson

Brian McCarty Malone's

Robyn Miller Kentucky League of Cities

Shawn Morris Environmental Recycling

Jimmy Nash Jimmy Nash Homes

Rhonda Reeves Ace Weekly

Craig Robertson attorney Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs

Joy Sanders United Way

Kevin Stinnett Jefferson Pilot Financial

Kenya Stump Small Business Development Center

Tom Watts 5/3 Bank

Mike Weinrauch Cabinet for Families and Children

Ace will publish photos from the Award reception in the March 6 edition.


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