The Top Rated Sessions from Cincy AI Week 2026!
Discover the top rated sessions from the Midwest’s best AI conference and leadership summit: Cincy AI Week 2026
Cincy AI Week 2026 · June 9–11
Meet the Finalists for the Cincy AI Week Leadership Awards
Fifteen leaders across five categories are shaping how the region builds, deploys, and governs artificial intelligence. The winners will be revealed at the Awards Luncheon in Over-the-Rhine.
5 Categories 15 Finalists Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati
The Cincy AI Week Leadership Awards recognize the people moving the region's AI ecosystem forward, from the builders shipping new tools to the leaders making sure the technology serves everyone. This year's finalists reflect the depth of talent across Greater Cincinnati.
Selected from a strong field of nominees, the finalists below carry forward a tradition set by last year's inaugural class of winners. Each category honors a distinct kind of leadership; together they capture what makes the region's AI community move. Winners will be announced live at the Awards Luncheon during Cincy AI Week, June 9 through 11 in Over-the-Rhine.
The 2026 Finalists
Cincy Catalyst 2025 Winner: Nate Sowder
Finalist Jon Salisbury
Finalist Pete Blackshaw
Finalist Kendra Ramirez
Future Builder 2025 Winner: Kris Jones
Finalist Tyler Mantel
Finalist Brent Rippe
Finalist Brian Cobb
Guardian of Good 2025 Winner: Kelly Cohen
Finalist Josette Riep
Finalist Keith Chapman
Finalist Zachary Heck
AI Rising Star 2025 Winner: Madhavi Najan
Finalist Kerry Oslund
Finalist Katie Trauth Taylor
Finalist Maddie Bell
Inclusive AI 2025 Winner: Shanah Legree
Finalist Eric Frayer
Finalist Dawn Parks
Finalist Tara French
Congratulations to all fifteen finalists. Join us to celebrate them and find out who takes home each award.
See the winners announced live
The Leadership Awards Luncheon is part of the full Cincy AI Week program, June 9 through 11 in Over-the-Rhine. Reserve your spot and join the region's AI community.
Presented by the Enterprise Technology Association, a nationally recognized organization based in Greater Cincinnati. Questions? Reach us at hello@joineta.org
