Kim Halbauer Wins YWCA Career Woman of Achievement Award

The 39th Annual YWCA Greater Cincinnati Career Women of Achievement awards ceremony took place Wednesday, May 9, and Fort Thomas resident, Kim Halbauer, was one of eight winners from the Greater Cincinnati area.

Winners were recognized for their outstanding leadership, vision, exceptional community contributions and renowned professional success.

Under the theme “Women Leading Change,” the 39th Annual YWCA Career Women of Achievement Luncheon  was held in the grand ballroom of the Duke Energy Convention Center in downtown Cincinnati. The event is the single largest fundraiser for the YWCA Greater Cincinnati, founded in 1868. Proceeds from the luncheon, which attracts over 2,000 attendees each year, directly sponsor the YWCA community-wide programs serving more than 34,000 women, men and families such as domestic violence shelters, youth services, racial justice programming, job training and literacy education.

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The keynote speakers was actress, Ashley Judd.

Halbauer, is the Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Private Bank at Fifth Third Bank.

Co-chairs, Christi Cornette, chief culture officer, Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Susan B. Zaunbrecher, corporate department chair, Dinsmore & Shoal LLP, describe Halbauer as the perfect example of determination and grit.

They continued: "Her career began right out of high school as a Fifth Third Bank teller after she found herself pregnant and in need of a job. She attended college courses at night. Her can-do attitude made her unstoppable.  While it took her 11 years to complete her degree, she simultaneously rose up the Fifth Third ranks to regional manager. Her commitment to education and community volunteerism is a reflection of the support and mentorship she received as she rose in her career."

Following additional promotions she now presides over Cincinnati’s Private Bank for Fifth Third’s Bancorp where she leads a team of 150 employees responsible for over $12 billion in total assets.

Halbauer  is the first woman to lead the Cincinnati Private Bank in its 25-year history. It was recently rated the top private banks in the Midwest by Global Finance Magazine.

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Other winners included Cathy Bernardino Bailey, Director, Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW), Stacey Browning, President, Paycor, Tracy Cook, Executive Director, ProKids, Deborah Hayes, Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, The Christ Hospital Health Network, Wijdan Jreisat, Shareholder, Katz Teller, Donna Salyers, President & Founder, Donna Salyers Fabulous Furs and Carolyn Wallace, Owner, The Perfect Brew.

Judges were Martine (Marty) Dunn, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP; Dan Hurley, Interim President, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center; Candace McGraw, CEO, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport; Mary Miller, CEO, JANCOA Janitorial Services; and Liza D. Smitherman, CEO/Owner, Brewster Pumping and VP, Professional Development, Jostin Construction.