Bob Heil Named Executive Director of LaunchNKY Center for Civic Leadership
Northern Kentucky University has appointed Bob Heil, PE, executive director of strategic relationships and community engagement at Kohrs Lonnemann Heil Engineers, Inc. (KLH Engineers), as the inaugural executive director of LaunchNKY, a new Center for Civic Leadership designed to strengthen the region’s leadership pipeline. The program, developed in partnership with OneNKY Alliance and the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, will debut in January 2026.
LaunchNKY aims to educate, connect and empower civic leaders through a 12-month, three-level program for early- to mid-career professionals. Participants will engage in monthly leadership sessions led by NKU faculty and receive mentorship from established community leaders. Graduates will join a leadership database to access future opportunities.
“NKU is committed to educating and empowering our community members to lead with purpose,” said NKU President Cady Short-Thompson in a recent university press release. “LaunchNKY is a unique opportunity to invest in this generation’s civic leaders who will shape the future of Northern Kentucky.”
Formerly president and CEO of KLH Engineers, Heil brings more than 40 years of leadership experience to the role, having served on nearly 30 boards spanning education, mental health, economic development and business. He also holds a master’s degree in executive leadership and organizational change from NKU.
“I am very excited about the establishment of the LaunchNKY Center for Civic Leadership at NKU,” Heil said. “The Center will prepare the next generation of civic-minded leaders to serve on boards, commissions, hold public offices and participate in the vision and execution of the future of Northern Kentucky.”
Applications for LaunchNKY are now open. For more information, visit www.nku.edu/launchnky.
About KLH Engineers
Founded in 1955, KLH Engineers is nationally ranked among the top mechanical, electrical, plumbing and technology engineering firms. As one of the most technically advanced practices in the architecture, engineering and construction industry, KLH leverages building information modeling and custom software to deliver innovative and value-driven solutions. KLH serves the civic, education, healthcare, hospitality, lifestyle, industrial, retail and workplace markets.