The Academies of Louisville Alliance

Established in 2024, the Academies of Louisville Alliance is an initiative supported by KentuckianaWorks and One Louisville, with a mission of connecting community business partners with Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Academies of Louisville high schools.

Our team works diligently to enhance the experience for over 19,000 high school students, 350+ business partners, and the 15 schools we serve, driving meaningful connections between education and the business community.

Meet the Team

SUZANNE GORMAN
Lead Business Partnership Coordinator
suzanne.gorman@kentuckianaworks.org

TIFFANY SHUMAKE
Business Partnership Coordinator
tiffany.shumake@kentuckianaworks.org

PATRICK ERDLEY
Business Partnership Coordinator
patrick.erdley@kentuckianaworks.org

DR. RYAN CUMMINGS
Communications Coordinator
ryan.cummings@kentuckianaworks.org

JUSTIN RICHARDS
Community Relations Coordinator
justin.richards@kentuckianaworks.org

Funding for the Academies of Louisville Alliance is generously provided by the Jefferson County Public Education Foundation, the Gheens Foundation, and Louisville Metro Government.

The Academies of Louisville Guiding Team brings together diverse leaders from education, business, and community organizations to shape the future of career-focused learning in Jefferson County Public Schools. This dedicated group provides strategic direction, fosters partnerships, and ensures the Academies model prepares students for success in college, career, and life. Their collective expertise and commitment drive the continuous improvement and expansion of this innovative educational approach.

ACADEMIES OF LOUISVILLE GUIDING TEAM

Kerri Richardson (Chair)
Connexus PR

Ryan Jones (Vice Chair)
Jones Plastic and Engineering

Chad Anglin
WireCrafters


Tom Anonson
Class Act Federal Credit Union

Dr. Heather Benfield
Jefferson County Public Schools

Kim Blanding
Norton Healthcare


Derrick Chesser
Boyd Company

Dr. Katy DeFerrari
Jefferson County Public Schools

Tony Georges (Past Chair)
Heaven HIll Distilleries

Kelly Gold
One Louisville

Kiara Gray
Louisville Urban League


Michael Gritton
KentuckianaWorks

Kim Guest
JCPS - Moore Academy Coach

Mark Hamner
Papa Johns


Matt Haynes
JCPS - Valley Assistant Principal

Jennifer Helgeson
Junior Achievement Kentuckiana

Keith Hill
CEPEDA

Caroline Hooe
Humana

Sharise Horne
MSD


Todd Kiziminski & Stephanie Haney
Trilogy Health Services

Beau Johnston
Jefferson County Public Schools

Jim Lancaster
Lantech

Allen Lanning
Yum! Brands

Marcia McClendon & Joseph Monroe
Goodwill Industries Kentucky


Kim Morales
Jefferson County Public Schools

Regina Phillips
KentuckianaWorks

Rocki Rockingham & Tami Hatfield
GE Appliances

Sariena Sampson
JCPS - Southern Principal

Dr. Corrie Shull
Board of Education, JCPS


Mary Beth Smith
Jefferson County Public Schools

Elizabeth Staten
Jefferson County Technical College

William Summers V
Republic Bank

Phillip Tanner
Tom Drexler


Carol Timmons
Communications Consultant

Colin Triplett
Catholic Charities of Louisville

Kristin Wingfeld
Jefferson County Public Schools


Emily Wirtzberger
JCPS - Seneca Academy Coach


Dr. Brian Yearwood
Superintendent, JCPS