2024 Spirit of Cincinnati Award Winners:
The Visit Cincy Spirit of Cincinnati Awards recognizes the influencers and advocates of the local hospitality region who have gone above and beyond to drive the Cincinnati region forward.
A special recognition, the Pinnacle Legacy Award, was presented to pay tribute to Candace McGraw, CEO of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, retiring in summer of 2025.
Candace McGraw, CEO, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
Candace McGraw has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport since 2011. During her tenure, she has led the transformation of CVG into one of North America's best regional airports and a global cargo superpower. CVG is now the sixth-largest cargo airport by volume in North America and the 12th largest in the world. She has overseen the arrival of new low-cost carriers, helped land deals with Amazon and DHL to build their mega hubs here, and worked with British Airways to establish a direct flight from Cincinnati to London. McGraw was appointed to serve on two U.S. Department of Transportation boards and currently serves as chair of the Airports Council International World Governing Board, the first woman ever to do so.
Jean-Robert de Cavel Champion Awards, recognizes those who have worked directly with the Visit Cincy team to bring important meetings to the Cincy region. The honorees are:
Alecia Kintner, President and CEO, ArtsWave & Visit Cincy Board Member
As a longtime member of the Americans for the Arts, Kintner’s leadership was pivotal to bring this June’s Americans for the Arts annual meeting to Cincinnati this June. This important organization, which focuses on advocacy for the arts in cities nationwide, will bring in more than a thousand room nights to downtown hotels.
Rebekah Beaulieu, President and CEO, Taft Museum of Art and Whitney Owens, Chief Learning Officer, Cincinnati Museum Center
Beaulieu and Owens played pivotal roles in bringing the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) to Cincinnati this September. This organization of history organizations across the United States requires local champions who ensure attendees experience something special. Both mobilized the public history and museum community in Cincinnati, building support for the conference. Their work not only supports our local heritage but also enhances Cincinnati's profile in national cultural and heritage discussions.
JobsOhio
The JobsOhio team played a pivotal role in bringing the Forbes Under 30 Summit to Cincinnati last September. Over four days, the summit brought together some of the world’s top young leaders. The summit also utilized unique local venues to enhance the experience: the first-ever Forbes Women in Sports Summit took place at TQL Stadium, while the main events were hosted at the Andrew J. Brady Music Center, each adding a distinct flavor to the gathering.
Erich Kunzel Queen City Advocate Award recognizes those whose actions have attracted positive media coverage of the Cincy region. The honorees were:
ArtWorks
ArtWorks has truly transformed Cincinnati into a vibrant canvas of public art, not only elevating our region’s arts profile, but also attracting international attention for it. In 2024, Cincinnati earned the title of the number one city for street art by readers of USA Today. This art has caught the attention of travel writers as well and has been featured in Forbes Magazine for BLINK and the Irish TV show Ed Finn's America.
American Legacy Tours
American Legacy Tours tells the Cincy region’s stories to visitors from around the world through engaging and educational experiences. These tours have become a favorite of travel media, providing journalists with a foundational background and understanding of our rich culture and heritage for their coverage. As close partners with Visit Cincy and meetNKY’s media outreach, they have been featured in National Geographic Traveler, the Toronto Sun and Midwest Living.
Horace Sudduth Progressive Business Award honors people and organizations that demonstrate sustained commitment to diversity through leadership in areas like supplier diversity and workforce development. The honoree was:
Metro
Metro exemplifies diversity, equity, and inclusion both within its workforce and in the community it serves. Over the past two years, Metro has significantly increased spending with disadvantaged and small businesses, earning accolades such as "System of the Year" by the Ohio Department of Transportation Division of Opportunity, Diversity, & Inclusion, and "Best Place to Work for Women of Color." Metro also sponsors local community events that align with its mission of fostering DEI throughout the region.
Partnership Award recognizes an individual or organization that partnered with the CVB to make significant contributions to the local meetings and tourism industry. This honoree was:
Bogart's
Bogart's, a venue synonymous with legendary concerts, demonstrated its versatility as an event venue by partnering with us to host 'Meetings Made Cincy: Live at Bogart's.' This innovative event showcased Cincinnati’s unique venues and services to regional meeting professionals in a setting that many could not have envisioned. The message to attendees: Cincy is open for meetings business. Their generous sponsorship and willingness to reimagine their iconic venue wowed attendees and united the industry. The event welcomed more than 200 people, including dozens of meeting planners and the media, highlighting the incredible experiences the Cincy region offers.
The Wendell P. Dabney Award recognizes an individual or organization that has diversified the hospitality industry. The honoree was:
Alandes Powell, Black Art Speaks
Alandes Powell has made a remarkable impact as the visionary and founder of Black Art Speaks, an arts collective designed to promote black culture, social justice, and expression through the uplifting of Black artists' voices through every form of art. From leading powerful BLINK projects to creating the Black Lives Matter mural and the thought-provoking film 'We Love Us,' Powell has amplified the voices of Cincinnati’s Black community in ways that inspire and resonate.
Pinnacle Award for Outstanding Service honors an individual on the front line of the hospitality industry who sets an example through excellent customer service and pride in the Cincy community. The honoree was:
Novella Nimmo-Black, Community Engagement Manager at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Novella Nimmo-Black, Community Engagement Manager at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, goes beyond her daily responsibilities to bring the stories of the Underground Railroad to life for visitors and journalists on specialized tours, delving into the important message of the Center and its location. Novella learned of her own ancestors' enslavement and journey at the Freedom Center’s research facility, and tells others her story to make very real human connections to our history. With her passion and intensity, it's not uncommon for her audience to be moved to tears.
Spirit Award Categories:
The Spirit Awards honor the Cincy Region's Hospitality Industry's shining stars, storytellers, champions and supporters
