RRDA Opening Jim Lewis Avenue at State Road 62 with New Traffic Pattern

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Intersection Improvements Expected to be Fully Completed in the First Quarter of 2025
 
Charlestown, IN (December 5, 2024) – River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) announced today it is preparing to open the Jim Lewis Avenue intersection at State Road 62 in the coming months with a new traffic pattern on SR62. This project marks an important milestone in infrastructure improvements to serve new businesses and their employees within the River Ridge Commerce Center (RRCC).
 
As part of ongoing development, the “Green T” intersection project is expected to be fully completed in the first quarter of 2025. In the interim, the intersection will open to allow traffic flow, but without signalization. Drivers will have the ability to turn right into and out of Jim Lewis Avenue at the intersection at SR62, but left turns will be temporarily restricted until the project is finalized.
 
Additionally, upgrades are underway at Miami Trail with installation of a four-way, signalized intersection. This critical improvement aims to enhance connectivity and streamline traffic flow into Dan Cristiani Excavating’s Shadow Lake development and into the RRCC. This project will also complement the additional infrastructure enhancements at Jim Lewis Avenue.
 
“The opening of the Jim Lewis Avenue intersection demonstrates our commitment to improving transportation infrastructure for our businesses while prioritizing public safety for their employees and residents in the area,” said Jerry Acy, Executive Director. “We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we work to deliver these upgrades.”
 
The “Green T” intersection is designed to enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion, improving access and safety for all road users. Once complete, the project will include new signalization, lane configurations, and enhanced signage to support smooth navigation.
 
For more information about the design and functionality of the planned “Green T” intersection, visit the Indiana Department of Transportation website at https://www.in.gov/indot/traffic-engineering/green-t-intersection/.
 
“We are excited to see the positive impact this project will have for residents, commuters and businesses in the area,” said Chris Jackson, President of Dan Cristiani Excavating Co, Inc. “These changes will serve the community well for years to come, setting a foundation for future investment.”
 
Charlestown city officials also highlighted the importance of these improvements for the community. “These upgrades represent significant progress in making Charlestown more accessible and safer for our residents and visitors,” said Charlestown Mayor Treva Hodges. “We’re proud to see investments like this taking shape, proving once again there has never been a better time to choose Charlestown.”
Residents and commuters are encouraged to stay updated on the project by visiting RiverRidgeCC.com for announcements and real-time updates.
About the River Ridge Development Authority 
The River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) manages the River Ridge Commerce Center, a 6,000-acre business and office park established in 1998 to replace lost economic activity from the closure of the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant.  
 
Today, River Ridge is home to approximately 80 companies such as Amazon, Bose, Collins Aerospace, Medline, Optum and PharmaCord.  Onsite employment totaled more than 12,002 in 2023, and the Center produced a total of over $2.9 billion in economic output and supported an additional 6,555 jobs. The investments and growth at River Ridge earned the RRDA the International Economic Development Council’s 2020 Gold Award for Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse. 

Joshua G. Wolford Joins Stites & Harbison’s  Louisville Office 

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Dec. 5, 2024)—Stites & Harbison, PLLC welcomes attorney Joshua G. Wolford to the firm based in the Louisville, Ky., office. He joins the Creditors’ Rights & Bankruptcy Service Group.  

Wolford’s practice focuses on creditors’ rights, bankruptcy, and commercial finance matters. Before joining Stites & Harbison, he worked as a law clerk for Judge Danny J. Boggs, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit (2023-24). Prior to that he was a law clerk for Judge Karen K. Caldwell, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky (2022-23). Wolford earned his J.D. from the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law, valedictorian, summa cum laude, and Order of the Coif, in 2022. He is admitted to practice in Kentucky. 

About Stites & Harbison 

Stites & Harbison, PLLC is a nationally recognized, full-service law firm. With 11 offices across six states — Kentucky, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia — the firm represents clients across the United States and internationally. Tracing its origins to 1832, Stites & Harbison is known as a preeminent firm managing sophisticated transactions, challenging litigation and complex regulatory matters on a daily basis. For more information, visit www.stites.com. 

Tourism Businesses and Workers Honored in Inaugural SoIN Awards 

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Awards for collaboration and dedication to hospitality were presented at Dec. 3 gathering 

Southern Indiana (December 3, 2024) – SoIN Tourism honored winners of the first SoIN Awards on Tuesday, December 3. Three awards were given to recognize individuals and businesses in Clark and Floyd counties during the industry’s Team SoIN holiday gathering at 300 Spring in downtown Jeffersonville, Indiana. Winners exemplify what the tourism and hospitality industry is all about. 

“The positive and unique experiences that our partners provide keep visitors coming back to SoIN,” said Luanne Mattson, chief marketing officer for SoIN Tourism. “Our partners are the backbone of the tourism industry, and we created this awards program to honor their hard work.” 

SoIN Tourism presented awards to the following recipients:  

Spirit of SoIN 

Lise Kruer, Director of Marketing, Huber’s Orchard & Winery and Starlight Distillery 

To the tourism partner who welcomes all and provides a hospitable experience to visitors.  

SoIN to Collaboration 

New Albany Main Street for The Sip 

To two or more tourism partners who work together to create a memorable and meaningful experience for visitors. 

New in SoIN 

The Wildflower 

To a new business that opened between December 2023 and August of 2024, providing a new experience for visitors. 

For more information or to interview a SoIN Tourism representative, please contact Communications Manager Anna Rosales-Crone at Anna@GoSoIN.com or 812-282-6692. 

Full Group L-R: Jim Epperson, SoIN Tourism; Lise Kruer, Huber’s Orchard & Winery and Starlight Distillery; Courtney Lewis, Miranda Zimmerman, Teresa Baxter, Robin Nance, New Albany Main Street; Lauren VanCleave, Wine Shop; Amelia Seaman, The Wildflower; Luanne Mattson, SoIN Tourism 

SoIN Tourism is the official destination marketing organization for Clark and Floyd Counties in Southern Indiana, just north of Louisville, Ky. Offering authentic experiences in the Kentuckiana region, SoIN includes historic downtowns in Jeffersonville and New Albany, Clarksville’s retail corridor, as well as the communities of Charlestown, Floyds Knobs, Henryville, Memphis, New Washington, Sellersburg, and Starlight. Visitors who would like more information can visit the destination’s website, GoSoIN.com. 

 

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IU Southeast Recognized as 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting  

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NEW ALBANY, IN (December 2, 2024) – Indiana University Southeast has been recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) as a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting. The ALL IN Most Engaged Campuses for College Student Voting recognizes colleges and universities for outstanding efforts to increase nonpartisan student voter participation. IU Southeast joins a group of 471 colleges and universities recognized by ALL IN for completing four core actions: 

  • Participating in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge 
  • Sharing 2022 NSLVE Reports with campus voting data with ALL IN 
  • Developing and submitting a 2024 democratic engagement action plan with ALL IN 

“Part of the responsibility of universities is to cultivate good citizens,” said Michelle Williams, executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at IU Southeast. “By equipping students with the knowledge and skills to thoughtfully engage in the democratic process—researching issues, registering to vote, casting their ballots, and respecting electoral outcomes—educational institutions help sustain a robust and representative democracy. I am proud of the work done on our campus by our faculty in Political Science to achieve this ranking.” 

“The research is clear: colleges and universities that make intentional efforts to increase nonpartisan democratic engagement have higher campus voter registration and voter turnout rates. This year we saw more colleges than ever before step up their efforts to ensure that their students were registered and ready to make their voices heard at the ballot box,” said Jennifer Domagal-Goldman, Executive Director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. “These Most Engaged Campuses are setting the standard for nonpartisan civic engagement work for colleges and universities across the country.”  

Pre-election lead-up included a voter registration drive, a ballot party for students, faculty, and staff to review their ballot and create a voting plan, a student-led discussion on the importance of voting, and a campus celebration of election day, according to Dr. Margot Morgan, associate professor of Political Science at IU Southeast. “Political engagement is valued at IU Southeast and our students take their civic responsibilities seriously. I am proud to be part of such an engaged campus,” said Morgan. 

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement. Campuses that join the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge complete a set of action items, with the support of ALL IN staff, to institutionalize nonpartisan civic learning and voter participation on their campus. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge currently engages 10.8 million students from more than 1,075 institutions in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Campuses can join the ALL IN Challenge here.  

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About IU Southeast:  IU Southeast is one of nine campuses of Indiana University. Offering top-quality and nationally accredited programs in education, nursing, business, social sciences, natural sciences, arts and humanities, the scenic 180-acre campus is located less than 15 minutes from downtown Louisville, Kentucky. It currently has over 3,750 students and employs over 360 faculty members. About 400 students live on campus in five fully furnished, lodge-style residence halls. Through an agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Indiana University Southeast offers in-state tuition to students enrolled from eight counties in the Louisville region. For more information, visit https://southeast.iu.edu. IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus. 

 

ABOUT ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge:  

ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement. Through an intentionally-designed program that provides structure, support, and recognition, ALL IN works to improve civic learning, political engagement, and voter participation on more than 1,075 campuses nationwide. ALL IN believes higher education should play a role in developing an active and informed citizenry by educating students, motivating them to engage in American democracy, and instilling the value of lifelong participation. ALL IN is an initiative of Civic Nation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Learn more here. 

 

ABOUT Civic Nation: 

Civic Nation is a nonprofit ecosystem for high-impact organizing and education initiatives working to build a more inclusive and equitable America. Civic Nation shifts culture, systems, and policy by bringing together individuals, grassroots organizers, industry leaders, and influencers to tackle some of our nation’s most pressing social challenges. Civic Nation is home to seven national initiatives and campaigns: ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, Change Collective, It’s On Us, Save On Clean Energy, SAVE On Student Debt, We The Action, and When We All Vote. Learn more here. 

St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities Announces New Social Services Director 

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New Albany, IN- St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities is pleased to announce their new Social Services Director, Jessica Floyd. She comes to St. Elizabeth’s with over 18 years of experience in the social services field. Most recently, Floyd was with LifeSpring Health Systems, where she was the Homeless and Housing Program manager for 11 years. 

“I am extremely excited to be part of the St. E’s family! I have some pretty big shoes to fill but I am up for the challenge,” Floyd commented on her new position.  

Agency Director Mark Casper remarked about Floyd’s hiring, “St. Elizabeth’s is very excited to have someone with Jessica’s passion for housing the homeless and years of experience within other programs that offer services.  Jessica seems like a natural fit and a huge addition to our team!” 

Floyd will be over St. Elizabeth’s Residential Programs which include a Women and Children’s Emergency Shelter, a Maternity Program, a Domestic Violence Program, and the Affordable Supportive Housing onsite housing program. Additionally, the Supported Living, School Counseling, Marie’s Blessings, and the Adoption Bridges of Kentuckian programs will all be overseen by Floyd.  

Floyd’s passion is evident in the many fields she has worked in including individuals with disabilities, youth in foster care, and people experiencing homelessness.  Floyd resides in Jeffersonville with both her husband and son. In her free time, you can find her at the baseball field or in her craft room making shirts.  Please help welcome Jessica Floyd to the St. Elizabeth’s team! 

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About St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities 

St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities has been serving families throughout Southern Indiana and Metro Louisville for 45 years. The agency’s history is rooted in the 1979 opening of Catholic Charities in Southern Indiana. In May of 1989, St. Elizabeth’s opened in New Albany as a crisis pregnancy center. The two organizations merged in 2004 to better serve the community.  Current programs include: Adoption Bridges of Kentuckiana– adoption services licensed in both Kentucky and Indiana, a Women and Children Emergency Shelter, a Domestic Violence Transitional & Rapid Rehousing Program, a Maternity Program for single mothers, Affordable Supportive Housing, Marie’s Blessings Community Distribution Program of mother/baby and household items, a School Counseling Program, and a Supported Living Program serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities is a COA accredited human service agency providing physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the community committed to Providing Help, Creating Hope and Serving All.     

IU Southeast Launches Two New Bachelor’s Degree Programs to Support Kentuckiana Workforce Growth in Tourism, Hospitality, and Sports Leadership

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NEW ALBANY, IN (November 18, 2024) – Indiana University Southeast is excited to announce the launch of two new bachelor’s degree programs designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in tourism, hospitality, event planning, and sports leadership. Starting in the fall of 2025, IU Southeast will offer a Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Planning and a Sports Leadership Track within the Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies.

These programs address key economic drivers in the Kentuckiana region, where tourism, hospitality, and sporting events generate a $3.4 billion annual economic impact for the greater Louisville area.

Statewide, tourism is Kentucky’s third-largest industry and in Indiana it is the thirteenth largest industry, contributing $29.6 billion collectively in the two states, each year. Louisville has also earned national recognition, named a Top 50 Tourist Destination for 2024 by The New York Times.

Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Planning

The Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Planning program is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in these high-impact industries. The curriculum emphasizes critical areas such as marketing, sustainable travel practices, and destination planning, while also covering hotel and restaurant management, event design, logistics, contract negotiation, and risk management. Students will gain the skills to plan and manage conferences, weddings, corporate events, and other large-scale gatherings.

Recognizing the importance of networking in these fields, the program provides students with opportunities to connect with industry professionals and alumni. These connections, paired with access to internships, guest speakers, and industry events, will help students secure career placements in hotels, regional tourism bureaus, convention centers, and restaurants.

Program coordinator Greg Roberts says IU Southeast is reaching out to businesses and professionals in the region and is looking forward to having them involved with this degree and the students in the program.

“By fostering strong partnerships with industry professionals, we create opportunities for internships, mentorships, and real-world projects that not only enhance students’ education but also provide direct benefits to local businesses,” said Roberts.

Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO Matt Gibson sees the impact the new degree program will make on the Kentuckiana region.

“Now in its 70th year, the Kentucky Derby Festival has grown from a single event into a monthlong celebration and tourism driver in Kentuckiana. Programs and partnerships like this generate a skilled talent pool that is key to the future success of both the events and tourism industries in our area,” said Gibson. “With more than 70 events on the Festival’s schedule every spring we can help provide students with hands-on experience and insights into event production to prepare them for careers in an emerging field.”

SoIN Tourism Executive Director Jim Epperson said his organization is “thrilled to have IU Southeast as a partner for us and for the tourism and hospitality businesses we serve. Our sector is hungry for that skilled workforce and I anticipate there will be eager partners willing to provide workplace learning opportunities and to assist where appropriate in the classroom to foster the next wave of welcoming faces backed up by knowledge and skills.”

Sports Leadership Track

The IU Southeast Sports Leadership Track is a unique and immersive program designed to equip students with the skills and expertise needed for a wide range of careers in the sports industry.

The Sports Leadership Track blends coursework in communication, journalism, media, and business to create a comprehensive learning experience. Graduates will earn a degree in Communication Studies with a specialized focus on the sports sector, preparing them for roles such as:

  • Coaching and Athletic Directing
  • Facility Management
  • Sports Journalism and Broadcasting
  • Sports Promotion and Branding
  • Public Relations
  • Event Planning

The Sports Leadership Track also provides personalized learning opportunities, giving students access to internships, industry professionals, and career placement resources. The program emphasizes practical experience, ensuring students are prepared to meet the challenges and demands of this competitive field.

“[Athletics is] central to the lives of our students, many of whom know they want athletics/sports to be part of their careers,” said Dr. Alexandra Sousa, assistant professor of Communication Studies at IU Southeast. “This degree is unlike any comparative programs because of its customizability, interdisciplinary nature, and prioritization on career-readiness that prepares students for a breadth of careers in athletics.”

A Regional Commitment to Workforce Development

“IU Southeast is committed to aligning our academic offerings with the demonstrated need for quality professionals in our region,” said Dr. Michelle Williams, executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at IU Southeast. “These programs are not only educational investments in our students but also economic investments in the Kentuckiana region.”

The university is accepting students in the programs now and will begin offering the programs to new students in the Fall 2025 semester.

For more information about these new programs and admissions, please visit southeast.iu.edu or contact Chris Crews in the Office of Admissions at ius.admissions@iu.edu.

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About IU Southeast: IU Southeast is one of nine campuses of Indiana University. Offering top-quality and nationally accredited programs in education, nursing, business, social sciences, natural sciences, arts and humanities, the scenic 180-acre campus is located less than 15 minutes from downtown Louisville, Kentucky. It currently has over 3,750 students and employs over 360 faculty members. About 400 students live on campus in five fully furnished, lodge-style residence halls. Through an agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Indiana University Southeast offers in-state tuition to students enrolled from eight counties in the Louisville region. For more information, visit https://southeast.iu.edu. IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus.

Matrix Integration Welcomes Maggie McGovern as Vice President of Sales & Marketing

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Jasper, IN – November 10, 2024 – Matrix Integration is excited to announce the appointment of Maggie McGovern as the company’s new Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In this pivotal role, Maggie will be responsible for driving the strategic vision and growth of Matrix Integration’s sales and marketing efforts.

“We are thrilled to welcome Maggie to the Matrix Integration family,” said Nathan Stallings, President & CEO of Matrix Integration. “Her extensive experience, strategic mindset, and natural ability to connect with people will be invaluable as we continue to grow and expand. We are confident that Maggie’s leadership will be instrumental in achieving our goals and propelling the company forward.”

With an impressive background in both technology and sales, Maggie brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the team. Her strong foundation in IT, combined with her passion for building meaningful relationships and solving complex business challenges, will be key in advancing Matrix Integration’s mission to enhance its brand, engage clients, and drive innovation.

Maggie’s career journey began in IT support and Help Desk roles, where she developed a solid technical foundation before transitioning into sales as an individual contributor, and then into sales leadership. For the last 10 years, she has led multiple business units resulting in record breaking growth. Her unique skill set has allowed her to successfully bridge the gap between technology and business needs. Known for her loyalty and commitment to both her work and her team, Maggie is driven by her core values of connection, empathy, and problem-solving.

As a Gallup Strengths Finder-certified professional, Maggie’s top strengths—Communication, Individualization, Includer, Strategic, and Achiever—guide her approach to leadership. She excels in creating tailored solutions, developing strategic paths to success, and fostering inclusive, collaborative environments that bring out the best in her teams.

Maggie resides in Georgetown, IN, with her husband, Steve, their two children, Cecilia (13) and Jack (10), and their beloved St. Bernard, Betsy. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, researching genealogy, and building new relationships. Her passion for discovering stories, whether through family history or new connections, reflects her commitment to continuous personal and professional growth.

Please join us in giving Maggie a warm welcome to the team.

For more information about Matrix Integration, visit www.matrixintegration.com

Ian Ramsey Elected Chair of Kentucky Bicycle and  Bikeway Commission 

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 22, 2024)—Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorney Ian Ramsey was recently elected Chair of the Kentucky Bicycle and Bikeway Commission (KBBC) at its 2024 annual meeting. He will guide the KBBC, coordinate with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet on pedestrian and bikeway programs, and promote bicycling to governing officials and the public.  

First appointed to the KBBC by Governor Andy Beshear in 2022, Ramsey will now serve as Chair until January 2027.  

Ramsey is a Member (Partner) of Stites & Harbison based in the Louisville, Kentucky office. He focuses his practice as a products liability and commercial litigation trial attorney. He is also an active outside general counsel managing litigation, transactions, and operational issues for clients.  

An avid cyclist, Ramsey with Dr. Amir Piracha, Greg Strafer, and Bill Serad, founded Clydesdale Athletics Club (CAC) in 2013. CAC is a cycling club committed to raising funds for the Norton Cancer Institute and Norton Children’s Cancer Institute. Since its start, CAC has supported Norton’s annual Bike to Beat Cancer fundraising campaign. This year, the now 50-plus members of CAC surpassed $500,000 in donations raised since its founding. 

About Stites & Harbison 

Stites & Harbison, PLLC is a nationally recognized, full-service law firm. With 11 offices across six states — Kentucky, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia — the firm represents clients across the United States and internationally. Tracing its origins to 1832, Stites & Harbison is known as a preeminent firm managing sophisticated transactions, challenging litigation and complex regulatory matters on a daily basis. For more information, visit www.stites.com. 

LMH Architecture and Michell Allen Ritz Architects Announce Strategic Merger

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Louisville, KY – November 19, 2024 – LMH Architecture and Michell Allen Ritz Architects are thrilled to announce their merger, forming a new, unified firm that brings together two industry leaders under one banner. This strategic partnership, effective January 1, 2025, combines both firms’ decades of innovation and expertise and a shared vision for designing spaces that are inspiring and impactful.

The merger will enhance the new firm’s capabilities across key sectors, including healthcare, education, senior living, commercial, multifamily housing, houses of worship and municipal work. With a team of 22 creative professionals, the new firm will leverage its collaborative approach to deliver efficient, sustainable designs tailored to meet evolving client needs.

“A Shared Vision for the Future”

“This merger represents an exciting chapter for both firms,” said John Ketenbrink of LMH Architecture. “Together, we can build on our respective strengths to push the boundaries of architectural excellence while maintaining the personalized service our clients value. This growth is not about building a bigger team – but a better team.”

David Allen of Michell Allen Ritz Architects shared, “LMH’s values and approach to design are similar to ours, making the combined firm a great fit. LMH’s energetic, innovative staff, coupled with MAR’s experience and senior- level leadership provides a strong foundation for the new firm. By uniting our teams, we’re positioned to take on more ambitious projects and create a greater impact within the communities we serve.”

About LMH Architecture

Founded in 1999 and celebrating 25 years in business this year, LMH Architecture is often recognized for their expertise in the development of healthcare spaces in architecture and interiors. With projects across the country, LMH has built a legacy of delivering thoughtful, functional and innovative designs.

About Michell Allen Ritz Architects

Founded in 1971, Michell Allen Ritz Architects has been a leader in education, municipal, multifamily and senior living design for decades. Known for their attention to detail and client-centered approach, the firm has earned a reputation for creating spaces that elevate the human experience.

A Unified Firm

The newly-formed firm will officially launch on January 1, 2025, with offices in Louisville, KY (Middletown) and New Albany, IN. With the intention of building on the combined heritage, LMH+MAR will focus on the impact they can make in the community, utilizing efficient design to create positive outcomes.

For more information, please contact:
Brandi Rimpsey
LMH Architecture, PLLC
502.581.0570
brimpsey@lmharchitecture.com

Stites & Harbison Welcomes Nine Attorneys to Kentucky and Georgia

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 20, 2024)—Stites & Harbison, PLLC announces the addition of nine attorneys to the firm. Four attorneys join the Louisville, Ky., office: Rachel Gumbel, Jackson B. Hurst-Sanders, James E. Myers and April M. J. Sain. Harper B. Anderson, Holly A. Couch and Robert H. Dean join the firm in Lexington, Ky., while Mackenzie Miller and Lauren Towell (Ren) join the Atlanta office.

Rachel Gumbel is a member of the Business Litigation Service Group. She earned her J.D. from the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, summa cum laude, in 2024. In law school, Gumbel served the University of Louisville Law Review as the senior notes editor for Volume 62, where she published a note, and as a member for Volume 61. Gumbel also was a research assistant for Professor Lauren Rothstein. Her honors include the Samuel L. Greenebaum Excellence in Legal Writing Award, the Runner-Up Best Note Award, the Brandeis Leadership Initiative (inaugural fellow) and the Brandeis Honor Society. Prior to joining Stites & Harbison, she was a legal extern for Judge Eric Haner, Division One of the Jefferson Circuit Court in the fall of 2023. She also participated in Stites & Harbison’s summer associate program in 2022 and 2023. She is admitted to practice in Kentucky.

Jackson B. Hurst-Sanders is a member of the Business Litigation Service Group. He earned his J.D. from the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law, summa cum laude and Order of the Coif, in 2023. While in law school, Hurst-Sanders was a BARBRI ambassador and a student representative of the UK Rosenberg Diversity Committee. For the Kentucky Law Journal, he served as editor-in-chief of Volume 111 and was published in that volume; he also served as a staff editor of Volume 110. His other honors include a Best Brief Award and a Best Source & Cite Award for Weaver Note, Book 1. Prior to joining Stites & Harbison, Hurst-Sanders was a judicial law clerk for Judge David J. Hale of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, 2023-24. He was a summer associate for Stites & Harbison in 2021 and 2022. He was also a legal extern for the Fayette County Attorney’s Office, spring of 2022, and a judicial extern for Judge Brian C. Edwards, Division 11 of the Jefferson Circuit Court, spring of 2023. He is admitted to practice in Kentucky.

James E. Myers is a member of the Business & Finance Service Group. He earned his J.D. from the Vanderbilt University Law School in 2024 and completed the Law & Business Program. In law school, he was a Vanderbilt Law School ambassador, a representative for the Vanderbilt Law and Business Society, a treasurer of the Vanderbilt Law School Transfer Association and a member of the Investment and Securities Law Club. Prior to joining Stites & Harbison, Myers was a summer associate for the firm in 2023 and a summer law clerk for an Asheville, N.C., firm in 2022. He is admitted to practice in Kentucky.

April M. J. Sain is a member of the Business Litigation Service Group. She earned her J.D. from the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, magna cum laude, in 2021. While in law school, Sain was editor-in-chief of the University of Louisville Law Review, Volume 59, and chaired the Student Bar Foundation. She received the Samuel L. Greenebaum Award for Achievement in Legal Writing in Spring 2021. Prior to joining the firm, Sain clerked for the Honorable Claria Horn Boom, U.S. District Judge for the Western and Eastern Districts of Kentucky, from 2022-24, and for the Honorable Regina S. Edwards, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Kentucky, from 2021-22. She is admitted to practice in Kentucky.

Harper B. Anderson is a member of the Torts & Insurance Practice Service Group. She earned her J.D. from the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law, magna cum laude, in 2024. In law school, she was president of the Moot Court Board and captain of the Moot Court National Competition Team. She also was a member of the Appalachian Law Caucus and the Trial Advocacy Board. She served as education chair of the Women’s Law Caucus and social events chair of the Student Bar Association. Additionally, Anderson earned a Class of 2024 Pro Bono Award. Prior to joining the firm, she participated in Stites & Harbison’s summer associate program in 2023 and was a legal extern for Judge Lucinda Masterton in Fayette Circuit Court in the fall of 2023. Anderson is admitted to practice in Kentucky.

Holly A. Couch is a member of the Construction Service Group. She earned her J.D. from the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law in 2023. In law school, she served the Kentucky Law Journal as a staff editor for Volume 110 and the special features editor for Volume 111. She also was president of the Women’s Law Caucus. Couch worked as a certified legal intern at the University of Kentucky Legal Clinic, 2022-23, and was a law clerk for the National Labor Relations Board Region 9 in the summer of 2022. In 2023, she earned the Allison Connelly Seek Justice Award and the UK College of Law Pro Bono Award. Prior to joining the firm, Couch was a law clerk for Magistrate Judge Edward B. Atkins in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, 2023-24. She is admitted to practice in Kentucky.

Robert H. Dean is a member of the Real Estate & Banking Service Group. He earned his J.D. from the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law, cum laude, in 2023. While in law school, Dean was a senior online staff member of the Kentucky Law Journal, Volume 111, a staff editor for Volume 110 and served as president of the Business Law Society. His honors include being a recipient of the Book Four Source and Cite Award and the Online Publication Source and Cite Award. Before joining Stites & Harbison, Dean was a law clerk for Judge Patrick J. Urda, U.S. Tax Court in Washington, D.C., in September of 2023 and a 2022 summer legal associate for the IRS, Office of Chief Counsel in Washington, D.C. He is admitted to practice in Kentucky.

Mackenzie Miller is a member of the Real Estate & Banking Service Group. She earned her J.D. from Georgia State University College of Law, magna cum laude and Order of the Coif, in 2024. While in law school, Miller was an articles editor for the Georgia State University Law Review for Volume 39 and the articles editor for Volume 40. She served as president of the American Constitution Society, vice-president of the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers and a graduate assistant for the Academic Success Program. She received a recognition from the White House and Department of Justice Eviction Prevention Program. Prior to joining the firm, Miller participated in Stites & Harbison’s summer associate program in 2023 and was a business immigration analyst for an Atlanta firm, 2019-21. She is admitted to practice in Georgia.

Lauren Towell (Ren) is a member of the Torts & Insurance Practice Service Group. She earned her J.D. from Emory University School of Law, with honors, in 2024. In law school, Towell was a member of the Moot Court (ABA competition team) and the American Constitution Society. Prior to joining the firm, she participated in Stites & Harbison’s summer associate program in 2023 and was a summer judicial intern for Henry County Superior Court in 2023. She also was a data analyst for Hilton Worldwide, 2019-21. She is admitted to practice in Georgia.

About Stites & Harbison

Stites & Harbison, PLLC is a nationally recognized, full-service law firm. With 11 offices across six states — Kentucky, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia — the firm represents clients across the United States and internationally. Tracing its origins to 1832, Stites & Harbison is known as a preeminent firm managing sophisticated transactions, challenging litigation and complex regulatory matters on a daily basis. For more information, visit www.stites.com.