Moxietalk With Kirt Jacobs

Gerald Neal credits his parents’ commitment to the community as laying the foundation for his career in politics. Neal advocates for economic development, education, health, welfare, and safe communities. He is a powerful voice for those who need it most. In his five years as Kentucky state senator of Louisville’s 33rd district, Neal has been included in the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame and received both the Clarence Mitchell Award from the NAACP and an Anderson Laureate Award. Neal was awarded the 2005 Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award and served as a United Nations observer monitor in South Africa for their historic all-race elections. He holds several significant degrees, including a J.D. from the University of Louisville, and is a practicing attorney at Gerald Neal and Associates, LLC.

Jeff Van Note played football eighteen years for the NFL Atlanta Falcons, the second longest for any player on one team. After attending grade school in Louisville and college at the University of Kentucky, Van Note established himself as one of the finest centers in the NFL, playing for the Atlanta Falcons. He was voted by fans as their favorite Falcons player, inducted into the Falcons Ring of Honor, and also inducted into seven different football halls of fame. Van Note is a 6-time Pro Bowler and was Second Team All-Pro in 1982. He holds one of the 25 longest careers in NFL history. In 1986, the Falcons retired his number. Since his retirement, fans can enjoy listening to Van Note as color commentator for Falcons and University of Kentucky broadcasts, as well as sports talk radio in Atlanta.

Carol Haddad is driven by a desire to be a participant, not a spectator, in improving education for children. At the critical juncture of the education merger and a federal judge’s order for busing, Haddad ran for the JCPS school board. She felt strongly that her voice could make a difference to improve education standards. Haddad’s motivation to advocate for children and their education came from joining the Parent Teacher’s Association in 1967. From there, Haddad continued to help the PTA for seven years, including the two years she served as its president. From 1976 to 1980, Haddad’s role in education leadership evolved as she held a seat at the Board of Education. She was then elected back to the board in 1990. Haddad served as a chairperson from 1993 to 1994 and again from 1999 to 2002, as well as vice chair for two more years.

Inspired by creativity, Bruce Simpson credits the joy of life for what drives him and fuels his career in ballet. Simpson came to the Louisville Ballet as artistic director in 2002, bringing over 30 years of experience in the ballet world with him. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Simpson mastered the art of ballet. He danced for South Africa’s State Theatre Ballet for 30 years and experienced many performances and leading roles. In 1983 Simpson was named ballet master, and in 1985, he was named senior ballet master. He retired from the stage in 1998 at the age of 50. Simpson began leading the Texas Ballet Theatre in 2000 before coming to Louisville two years later. He has worked with some of the great dancers of this time. In both 2006 and 2010, Simpson was honored to serve on the jury at the U.S. International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi.

Major General Donald Storm dedicated 37½ years to serving his country with the U.S. Army. Storm first enlisted in the Army in 1970. He served in the MACV, or Military Assistance Command in Vietnam. Storm later transferred to full-time service with the Kentucky Army National Guard. He was then commissioned as an infantry officer. Storm commanded and served in staff officer positions at the Company Battalion Brigade at state headquarters level with senior level leadership assignments. Storm was the Kentucky Army Guard chief of staff from 2001 to 2003, and because of the global war on terror, made multiple trips to the Middle East. He also led the Kentucky National Guard effort to intensify and increase cooperation between Ecuador and Kentucky. During his years serving with the Army, Storm became the 51st adjutant general and received numerous military awards and decorations, including the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, and Bronze medal. Upon his retirement from the Army, Major Gene

A consistent love for sports and entertainment drives Lynn Abramson-Saltzman in her career. Abramson-Saltzman is the general manager of the Louisville Arena Sports and Entertainment Properties, the exclusive marketer for the KFC Yum! Center. In 2007, Abramson-Saltzman hit the ground running, and during her first year she assisted in securing sponsorship commitments exceeding $50 million over the next decade. Abramson-Saltzman graduated from Syracuse University. She came to Louisville with 20 years of experience in the sports and entertainment industry, including the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, Florida Marlins, bowl games, concerts, special events, and the Super Bowl. Her accomplishments caught the eye of the Louisville Arena Sports and Entertainment Properties which recruited her to come to the city.

A passion for the arts and to make things better by introducing new generations to the art drives Stephen Klein in his career. Since 2005, Klein has been president of the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts. He has spearheaded a comprehensive and ongoing strategic plan, served as the chair of the Arts and Cultural Attractions Council, and successfully organized a $9 million request for deferred funds. Klein also assisted in preserving Stage One Children’s Theatre and sits on many boards throughout Louisville. Klein came to Louisville with an exciting theatre background. He played Caiaphas in the original Broadway production of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” After being a professional singer and actor in New York, Klein served as executive director of the Denver Symphony Orchestra, orchestra manager with the Cleveland Orchestra, with Musical Director Rostropovich at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C., and as managing director of the Pittsburg Public Theatre.

Over the years, Kent Oyler has started 19 different business ventures and created over 1,000 jobs. Oyler is currently CEO of OPM Services, a financial services and investment firm. In 1996, Oyler and a friend formed high-speed access (or HSA) that delivers broadband Internet over cable television wires, attracting over $90 million in significant, well-known investors. In 1999, at age 41, Lehman Brothers and JP Morgan took HSA public in what still stands as the largest IPO in the history of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. That same year, Oyler donated $1 million to seed a new business challenge grant, which has, so far, raised more than $25 million for the United Way. Former President H.W. Bush recognized Oyler as a Presidential Point of Light for his work on the national expansion on the YMCA program for runaways, called Safe Place. He has also received a Lifetime Achievement Presidential Service Award from President Obama for his work with the United Way.

Berk Bryant is fueled by a desire to bring bluegrass and traditional country music to the world to enjoy. Bryant was born in Virginia and grew up listening to bluegrass music while helping on his grandparents’ farm. After attending Polytechnic Institute, he went on to serve in the Army, spending time in Korea, Vietnam, and Fort Knox, Ky. During his years in the Army, Bryant managed to work on various radio stations, earning him the title “Mr. DJ USA” from WSM in Nashville. In 1989, he launched his “Sunday Bluegrass” show on public radio, a volunteer-run program on WFPK. Bryant has met just about everyone in the folk and bluegrass music genres over most of the 20th century, including Elvis. He has been emceeing and hosting festivals for 65 years, including Forest Fest and Louisville’s Bluegrass Music Festival. And along the way, Bryant has honed his skills as a magician, married a good woman, and raised a family.

Madeline Abramson served as Louisville’s first lady for 21 years and is a tireless community volunteer. As the wife of the longest serving mayor in Louisville history, Mayor Jerry Abramson, Abramson has selflessly devoted a great deal of her efforts to volunteerism. Her passion for public service has placed her as the board chair for the Kentucky Center for Performing Arts and the Red Cross, and leading the board at Maryhurst. Abramson has also served on the board for the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence and St. Mary’s Foundation at Jewish Hospital. Abramson has earned some very high honors for her many volunteer commitments, including the Ira J. Porter Award from the American Red Cross, the Maryhurst Shepherd’s Heart Award, the Hannah G. Solomon Award, the Family Scholar House Lucy Award, and an honorary doctorate in public service from Spaulding University.

Hal Heiner served as a vice chairman of Greater Louisville, Inc., and in 2002, he was elected to the Louisville Metro Council. On the Council, he spent eight years focusing on finding efficiencies in services, shedding light on the inner dealings of Metro Government, and finding smart ways for the community to grow and prosper. After receiving a master’s degree in engineering from the University of Louisville, he became a partner in one of the city’s largest civil engineering firms. In 1997, Heiner founded Capstone Realty, which helped to bring more than 4,000 jobs to South Jefferson County and across the region. Hal has been active in numerous charities and educational organizations and currently serves on the Metro Leadership Foundation as a founding board member.

Louisville-born Greg Fischer is an entrepreneur and community leader. In 2008, Fischer ran for the Kentucky Democratic Primary for the U.S. Senate and finished second among the seven candidates. Fischer co-invented and holds the patent for a combination ice and beverage dispenser. This invention led to forming SerVend, a family business with his father and brother. Under his leadership the small business grew to a global manufacturing company and employed over 300 people. In 1999, Fischer retired from SerVend International and founded Iceberg Ventures, a venture capital firm providing assistance for other start-ups. Fischer has centered on three main goals: creating good-paying jobs, improving education at all levels, and making Louisville an even more compassionate city. Fischer prides himself on a data-driven approach towards government efficiency. He was previously interviewed in December 2008.

Jackie Green, write-in candidate for mayor of Louisville, focuses on the local economy, central neighborhoods, education, energy, quality affordable housing, local food, safety, health, downtown, and transportation. Green originally moved to Louisville in 1975, and has lived in several places around the U.S. and world. He bought and renovated four historic buildings on East Market Street (now the heart of NULU). His entrepreneurial experience includes business consulting, import/export management, and farming. He co-founded Louisville’s only bicycle courier service, as well as manages bike shops and property in Louisville’s neighborhoods.

Living with a core of gratitude and an attitude of caring and sharing, Bernard Trager founded and built Republic Bank, always with a heart to serve. In 1958, Trager co-founded and became CEO of Union Trust. Almost 20 years later, Union Trust and its seven subsidiaries became part of Commercial Credit of Baltimore, where Trager worked as president and CEO. In 1980, he founded Republic Bank and Trust Company on Bardstown Road in Louisville. The bank expanded and thrived, and today Republic Bank & Trust Company and Republic Bank have well over 40 banking centers in Kentucky, Indiana, Florida and Ohio. Trager is the recipient of endless impressive awards and achievements, and has served as director for multiple community organizations. He is also a generous donor for many community causes throughout Louisville. Aside from his time in the Air Force, Louisville has always been home for Trager. He and his wife of fifty-five years, Jean, have five grandchildren. In memoriam: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/louis

Ramona Johnson is driven by the desire to help those with mental illness. She leads Bridgehaven Mental Health Services, which provides the highest quality psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery services for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. Johnson served as Clinical Director at Bridgehaven for four years, before taking the role as president and CEO. In 1976, Johnson earned her nursing degree from Spalding University, graduating summa cum laude. She went straight into a nursing career in Louisville and Maryland. Johnson later became an instructor at the University of Louisville’s School of Nursing. Her many accomplishments include director of mental health with Visiting Nurses Association, project director and clinical specialist with Our Lady of Peace Hospital, and nurse therapist with Seven Counties Services.

John Y. Brown, Jr. credits his father as the prime motivator and confidence builder in his life, driving his later successes. Brown began working at age 16 selling Electrolux vacuum cleaners and encyclopedias door to door. He made his way to the University of Kentucky, where he earned a J.D. In 1962, his partner and he purchased Kentucky Fried Chicken from its founder, Colonel Sanders for $2 million. In 1971, after building 3,500 KFC’s worldwide and making Colonel Sanders one of the world’s most recognized brands, Brown sold KFC for $285 million. After 1971 he became president of the American Basketball Association, created 40 small fast food outlets named Ollie’s Trolley, and purchased three professional basketball teams: the Kentucky Colonels, the Buffalo Braves, and the Boston Celtics. In 1978 he went on to build the Pamela Brown Auditorium, located in Louisville’s Actors Theatre and contributed a $1 million matching gift to build the downtown YMCA. In 1979, Brown was elected as Kentucky’s 55th governor. A

David Jones Sr. co-founded Humana Inc. and considers the good job opportunities and chance for success that the company ultimately provided as his greatest achievement. Treating people the way he wants to be treated is his guiding principle. In 1961, Louisville-native David Jones Sr., with his late partner Wendell Cherry, borrowed $1,000 and founded the company, Extendicare. Before the decade was though, it became the largest nursing home company in the U.S. In 1974, the company was re-named Humana, Inc. Today, Humana is a Fortune 100 health benefits company with revenue of $30 billion, 30,000 employees, and almost 12 million customers across the nation. In 2005, after 37 years as CEO and 44 years as board chair, Jones retired from Humana, and was succeeded by his son. Jones and his business partner were instrumental in the opening of the Kentucky Center for the Arts. His many other achievements include receiving the Yale Medal, the highest award for outstanding volunteer service, and the Order of Merit in 20

A native of Ireland, Dr. T. Pearse Lyons is driven by making a difference in the world and has built his company, Alltech, based on doing the right thing. In 1980, Lyons founded Alltech, an animal health company. What started as a very modest company has grown into a high technology, high-concept global giant with revenues of $500 million. Alltech is now located in Nicholasville, Kentucky, on a 146-acre campus with a stunning blend of science and art. It is the title sponsor to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games being held in Lexington, Ky. Lyons credits his mother’s emphasis on education as spurring him forward in his studies of science. He studied yeast fermentation, eventually earning his Bachelor of Science from the National University in Ireland and his master’s and doctorate degrees at England’s University of Birmingham. Lyons eventually moved to Lexington, Ky. and accepted the position of executive at Biocon, Inc., a British company that produces brewing additives. Lyons has developed numerous

Matt Bevin’s intellectual curiosity and love of learning have led him through several career opportunities in his lifetime. Bevin is currently the CEO and principal of Integrity Asset Management, which manages $2.5 billion in assets. He recruited several asset managers and started the firm with eight people, no customers and a modest start. With hard work and long hours, Integrity Asset Management has grown to be one of Louisville’s largest money management firms. Bevin came from humble beginnings in a northern New England town. He was raised to believe he was part of a bigger community and has spent a great deal of his time helping others less fortunate, and those who touched his life. He started a local non-profit in memory of his oldest daughter, Brittany’s Wish, and served as chairman of the board of the Louisville area American Red Cross. Bevin is also a former officer with the Army and a graduate of Washington and Lee University.

A Louisville native and self-proclaimed life-long student, Dan Jones has a vision for the future Louisville landscape. And his vision is coming to life. Jones is the Chairman and CEO of 21st Century Parks, a non-profit organization seeking to develop a 4,000 to 5,000-acre park and trail system in the last major undeveloped corridor surrounding Louisville. Jones grew up near Cherokee Park and sets out to repeat what Fredrick Law Olmstead Parks have previously done for Louisville with the 21st Century Parks initiative. Jones oversees the planning, design, and construction of the new parks. Since the park’s initiative in 2002, the project is on the fast track to having the first phase of construction complete in 5 to 7 years. Jones previously worked as a real estate developer and owned a golf center. He enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, running and reading.