Dr. Jon Draud Pioneer Award
Each year the Dr. Jon Draud Pioneer Award recognizes residents of Kenton County who have a record of outstanding service to the community and exemplify the highest standards of personal integrity. The Pioneer Award honors those who demonstrate servant leadership combined with awareness of the needs of our fellow residents.
A committee, composed of past recipients, reviews the nominations, identifies deserving individuals and forwards their names to the Kenton County Fiscal Court for final approval.
In 2026, the award was renamed in recognition of longtime Kenton County Commissioner Dr. Jon Draud. A lifelong resident of the region, Draud’s career has been defined by decades of service in education and government.
Before joining the Fiscal Court in 2010, Draud spent more than 50 years in public education, serving as a teacher, principal and superintendent. He also held the position of Kentucky Commissioner of Education and has been widely recognized for his contributions to both the community and the Commonwealth. His public service also includes time on the Crestview Hills City Council and in the Kentucky House of Representatives.
2025 HONOREES
Martin Butler | Ralph Dusing | Jo Martin |
2024 HONOREES
Donna Salyers | Sister Jean Marie Hoffman | Jeanne Schroer |
2023 HONOREES
Dave Schroeder | Tom Litzler | Bruno Giacomuzzi |
2022 Honorees
Steve Hensley | Terry Foster | Alecia Webb-Edgington | Larry Maxey |
2021 Honorees
Wilbert Ziegler | Ray Hebert | Ken Harper | Mark Guilfoyle |
2020 Honorees
Bill Goetz | Burr Travis | William Funke | Garren Colvin | Arnold Simpson |
2019 Honorees
Jim Claypool | Rick & Mary Hulefeld | John Salyers |
2018 Honorees
Ralph Drees | Mer Grayson | Robert Hoffer |
Kim Kitchen | Ed Schroeder | Parker Willman |