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Tori McClure's fantastic voyage
In 2001, while a member of Smith College’s board of trustees, Tori Murden McClure was traveling as part of the Massachusetts women’s college’s search for a new president, when board Chair Mary Patterson McPherson invited her into the VIP lounge at Bradley International Airport in Connecticut.<\p> She had a question for the 38-year-old McClure: “Have you ever thought about becoming a college or university president?” <\p>
Most Americans still struggle to get away from work while on vacation
Most Americans struggle to get away from work while on vacation, even as some progress is being seen in restoring work-life balance.<\p> About 59% of the 2,000 Americans surveyed by communications firm Movchan Agency said they struggled to switch off during their downtime and 63% said they felt anxious if they didn’t check work emails while away. Overall, 54% said they worked while on vacation, although that's a lower share than previous years. <\p>
LMPD turmoil: Officer considers legal action
One day after Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel was placed on administrative leave with pay, the attorney for the officer at the center of the controversy said his client is seeking change within the department — but he also didn’t rule out filing a lawsuit in the future.<\p> Gwinn-Villaroel was suspended Wednesday after Mayor Craig Greenberg learned about her handling of a workplace sexual harassment allegation, which did not personally involve the chief.<\p>
Baptist Health boosts Oldham County investment
Baptist Health has made another another multimillion-dollar investment in Oldham County, this time in the form of a new behavioral health inpatient unit.<\p> On Thursday morning, system leadership cut the ribbon on a new $10 million La Grange facility, bringing the first public inpatient behavioral health beds to Oldham, Henry, Trimble, Carroll and Shelby counties. It's located at 1006 New Moody Lane.<\p>
President of major local manufacturer retiring
Sense Colour president Elaine Gravatte will step down from her post at the Louisville manufacturer following a 22-year run. <\p> Sense Colour's parent company Givaudan announced Gravatte's retirement in a press release this morning, stating Gravatte will transition to an advisory role in July. <\p>
Derby Festival names board chair
Alfonso N. “Al” Cornish will chair the 2025 Kentucky Derby Festival. <\p> Cornish, who has served on the board for 10 years, was elected by the festival’s board of directors at its annual meeting Wednesday afternoon. Cornish is the chief operating officer for Closing the Gap Consulting LLC, and is a former system vice president, learning and organizational development/chief learning officer for Norton Healthcare. <\p>
Car dealership sold for $10M
It’s been a busy two years for Withers Automotive Worldwide Inc., and the automotive holding company is just getting started.<\p> Marcus Withers, the company's founder and CEO, bought his first dealership in 2022, a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram lot in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, just west of Lexington. <\p>
Local university names new AD
Indiana University Southeast has a new director of athletics.<\p> The school announced this week it’s named Tod Bannister to the position, permanently filling a critical role that has been held by an interim director for nearly two years. The position was formerly held for 11 years by Joe Glover.<\p>
The Playbook: The common pay threads for high-performing companies
Editor's Note: Welcome to The Playbook Edition, a look at stories, trends and changes that could affect your business and career. Want more stories like this in your inbox? Sign up for The Playbook newsletter. <\p> During a time when more workers expect transparency around pay, most top-performing companies are proving to be forthcoming — but that's not the only common thread. <\p>
LMPD chief placed on administrative leave
Louisville Metro Police chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel has been placed on administrative leave with pay, Mayor Craig Greenberg announced at a Wednesday afternoon press conference.<\p> The mayor said Gwinn-Villaroel was suspended after he learned about her handling of a workplace sexual harassment allegation. The allegation did not personally involve the chief, the mayor said.<\p>
NAR settlement threw a wrench into VA loans but a fix is coming
The class-action lawsuits that rocked the residential real estate industry over the past year have resulted in nearly $1 billion in settlements so far — and also put in place changes that could have hurt veterans’ ability to shop for homes.<\p> The National Association of Realtors and big brokers such as RE/MAX Holdings Inc., Anywhere Real Estate Inc. and Keller Williams Realty Inc. agreed to prohibit mandatory so-called “cooperation agreements,” in which sellers pay both the selling agent and the buyers agent commission for a sale, in exchange for being allowed to list a home on a multiple listing service.<\p>
Brown-Forman exec to step down
Brown-Forman has a new HR leader after the retirement of the company's longtime chief people officer. <\p> The distilling giant announced in a release today it has promoted Diane Nguyen to chief people, places, and communications officer. Nguyen has been with the company for 16 years, most recently as senior VP of human resources for Brown-Forman’s global commercial and corporate teams. In addition to HR responsibilities, she’ll manage corporate communications and workplace strategy in her new position. <\p>
Bourbon brand to support UofL athletes
A new bourbon brand is being launched in partnership with 502Circle, an NIL collective for University of Louisville student athletes.<\p> If you're new to the topic, NIL stands for "Name Image Likeness." The three letters have essentially become shorthand for the ways in which a college athlete can profit off of themselves — it's complicated and evolving, to say the least. <\p>
Louisville MD to lead AMA
A Louisville physician is now leading one of the nation’s largest medical organizations. <\p> Dr. Bruce Scott was sworn in as the 179th president of the American Medical Association on Tuesday, according to a news release. The AMA is the largest physician organization in the country.<\p>
Nonprofit hires new CEO
Wesley House Community Services, Inc. has appointed Mendell Grinter as its new president and CEO, effective June 10. <\p> Grinter’s appointment follows a five-month search after the departure of previous CEO Patricia Williams for a role with Louisville Metro Government, according to a news release.<\p>
Japanese-style vending machines coming to Louisville
Anora Morton had been waiting on last Friday for months, years, even.<\p> Not for the glorious end to the traditional work week, but because of what the day represented: A milestone for her startup, the Nori Project.<\p>
Bank hires local wealth management lead
Pinnacle Financial Partners is expanding its Louisville offerings with the addition of Mark Raque, a veteran financial services expert who will focus on leading the private banking and wealth management business for high net worth individuals.<\p> He brings 27 years of experience to the firm, according to a news release. His LinkedIn page lists his title as senior vice president and financial adviser<\p>
New business park proposed near Valhalla
A Louisville tech entrepreneur appears to be jumping into commercial real estate.<\p> A change in zoning application has been filed for 16223, 16301 and 16305 Shelbyville Road and 211 Johnson Road near Valhalla Golf Club to make way for VPR Properties Business Park, according to Louisville Metro Planning and Design. The request is to change the properties, which total 11.4 acres, from single family residential to a commercial district.<\p>
WeWork emerges from bankruptcy, appoints new CEO
After filing for bankruptcy protection in November, New York-based WeWork Inc. said Tuesday it has emerged from Chapter 11 and completed its operational and financial restructuring.<\p> The coworking giant's new era will include a new board of directors and a new chief executive. John Santora will become WeWork's new CEO, effective Wednesday. Santora joins WeWork from commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield PLC (NYSE: CWK), where he most recently served as the firm’s Tri-State chairman.<\p>
Dutch Bros planning first Louisville location
Another drive thru coffee shop is entering the Louisville market.<\p> Grants Pass, Oregon-based Dutch Bros is planning to open its first area store at 9101 Taylorsville Road, according to a parking waiver request filed with Louisville Metro Planning and Design. The waiver would allow the company to exceed the maximum number of 10 parking spaces allowed on the 1.26-acre property. <\p>
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