Lee Crume Wins 2024 Northern Kentucky Community Award for Economic Leadership

Lee Crume, President and CEO of BE NKY Growth Partnership, has been honoured with the Northern Kentucky Community Award for 2024. The recognition comes as his organisation continues to drive economic growth across Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties. Under his leadership, BE NKY has secured major investments and job creation in the region.

Crume took charge of BE NKY in 2019, overseeing economic development for Northern Kentucky's three core counties. His tenure has seen significant achievements, including the completion of key projects like the OneNKY Center and SparkHaus. These developments have strengthened the area's business infrastructure.

In 2024 alone, BE NKY secured 18 new projects, bringing over 1,400 jobs and nearly $500 million in capital investment. Crume's leadership also earned the organisation a Best Places to Work finalist spot in both 2021 and 2023.

Beyond his role at BE NKY, Crume serves on multiple boards, including the NKY Chamber, Greater Cincinnati Foreign Trade Zone, Northern Kentucky Port Authority, and LifeSciKY. His expertise has been recognised nationally, with Consultant Connect naming him a Top 50 North America Economic Developer in 2017, 2018, and 2023.

Crume holds a Master of Arts in Communication and a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate and Organizational Communication from Western Kentucky University. His academic background complements his hands-on approach to regional economic growth.

The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce presented Crume with the 2024 Community Award, highlighting his contributions to the area's prosperity. The accolade follows years of dedication to fostering business expansion and workforce development in Northern Kentucky.

Crume's leadership has delivered measurable results, from job creation to major capital investments. The 2024 Community Award underscores his impact on Northern Kentucky's economic landscape. His ongoing work continues to shape the region's future growth.