By: Amy Dylan

Marvin Boakye (Photo: Business Wire)

Beginning November 7, 2022, Marvin Boakye will take the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) title for Cummins Inc. 

Cummins Inc., headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (U.S.), is a global power leader, containing a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. With products that range from diesel and natural gas, to hydrogen generation and fuel cell products, it employs nearly 60,000 people and is fully committed to powering a more prosperous world through three global corporate responsibility priorities critical to healthy communities: education, environment and equality of opportunity. 

Boakye has a BA in Psychology and Conflict Resolution Studies from the University of Winnipeg, serves as a National Trustee for the board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and also serves on the board for the University of Louisville College of Business (USA). As CHRO, Boakye will perform duties for the Cummins Leadership Team, helping to advance their efforts in developing authentic and highly capable leaders, inspiring a diverse workforce and encouraging all employees to achieve their full potential.

Boakye most recently served as the Chief People & Diversity Officer at Papa John’s International. His seasoned perspective will help enhance Cummins’ efforts to create inclusive environments in which all employees feel supported, valued and connected. With more than 25 years of global experience under his belt, President and CEO Jennifer Rumsey, shares her enthusiasm for his arrival in his new role. 

    “Marvin is recognized as a strategic partner, skilled at aligning innovative talent approaches with furthering business goals, and I’m delighted he is joining Cummins at this critical time for our company and the planet.”  She continued, “I am thrilled about the leadership Marvin brings as we focus on keeping people at the center during the technology transition happening in our industry. Marvin’s broad business and human resources experience, including expertise in mergers and acquisitions, integration, and strategic workforce development will bring significant value across Cummins and contribute to our continued growth and success.”

Boakye will split his time between Indiana and Atlanta, Georgia.

 By: Amy Dylan

“Shake Shack” announced their eleventh member of its Board of Directors, Lori George Billingsley, as of October 17 of this year. She has been named to the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee of the Board.

Shake Shack is well-known for its elevated versions of American classics such as made-to-order Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken, hand-spun milkshakes, homemade lemonades, and alcoholic beverages.

CEO, Randy Garutti, says he’s “Looking towards the future of Shake Shack. Lori’s breadth of experience, leadership, global communication expertise and passion to elevate internal teams will be a key addition to our Board. We are proud to have Lori on board and look forward to working with her.”

Lori George Billingsly – photo courtesy of pxd.com

Billingsley is the former Global Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Officer for the Coca-Cola Company for 20 years. Within that time, the majority of her roles were met with increasing responsibility in Public Affairs and Communications. She is a featured speaker globally, having received numerous national awards and is a Georgia PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) Hall of Fame Inductee. 

“I have tremendous admiration and respect for Danny Meyer, Randy Garutti and the great company they have built over the years. It’s clear that Shake Shack is committed to their people and brand,” says the newly appointed Lori Billingsley. “I’m looking forward to sharing my experience and knowledge with this team to further guide their continued successful journey forward.” 

By: A.Dylan

September 10, 2018

     As hurricane season revs up, the Carolinas and Virginia declare a state of emergency in preparation for Hurricane Florence –whose forecast is to kick into high gear, becoming a major hurricane within the next few days as it heads for the Southeast coast.

     North Carolina’s Governor, Roy Cooper, urges residents in and around the potentially impacted areas to have their hurricane kits ready and to prepare for the worst as the hurricane is expected to hit the region Thursday afternoon. 

     “We are entering the peak of hurricane season and we know well the unpredictability and power of these storms”, he spoke at a press conference.

     The state’s Emergency Operations Center will open Monday at 1:00 P.M. 

     Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center continues to update with the storm’s latest information, sharing it 

 

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com

     As it stands currently, the hurricane’s projected path is subject to change slightly, along with the storm’s intensity. The National Hurricane Center will continue to closely monitor the situation, issuing the latest threats posed by storm surge, flooding and tornadoes.

     With Florence expected to intensify into a high category storm, there continues to be speculation both for and against climate change impacting these drastic and often deadly weather patterns. 

     While John Coleman, co-founder of The Weather Channel and weatherman for KUSI-TV in San Diego, California, adamantly considers the idea of global warming “a fictional, manufactured crisis and total scam”, Chief meteorologist Jay Cardosi of WLKY in Louisville, Kentucky shared a difference in opinion.

     “I absolutely believe in the effects of global warming. I think the proof…it’s in the aggressive nature of these storms; storms occurring more frequently than prior records suggest should.” 

     Louisville, KY, which took a hard hit with severe weather from last week’s remnants of Tropical Storm Gordon, is also watching Florence’s path as it takes aim on the U.S. next week.

Hurricane Florence’s projected path.  Photo courtesy of wsav.

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By: A.Dylan

Waverly Hills Sanitorium. Photo courtesy of ghostlyactivities.com

     Louisville, KY, is the home of the nation’s legendary former Tuberculosis hospital, Waverly Hills Sanitorium. Opening in 1910, it did so as a secondary hospital, necessary for Jefferson County when towns across the Ohio Valley became a breeding ground for the once deadly condition that was known also as “The White Plague”. Built on a hill to allow ill tenants plenty of fresh air (originally thought to be a potential cure for the illness), it was designed to house 40-50 patients. This hospital would grow to become the largest care center for TB and unfortunately develop a reputation for agonizing deaths – around 6,000. Waverly doctors would often practice experimental treatments on severely ill patients hoping to ease their suffering. Some of these “treatments” included electroshock therapy, and surgeries sometimes consisting of collapsing a lung.

 

Death Tunnel used to transport bodies to a valley for burning. Photo courtesy of therealwaverlyhills.com

     The hospital closed its doors for good in 1961 when the antibacterial drug, Streptomycin, was created – eliminating most cases of the illness. Over time, the building became an eerie sight as it slowly took on a decrepit condition of peeling walls, vandalism and old hospital equipment collecting dust in darkness.

In 2001, paranormal enthusiasts- husband and wife, Charles and Tina Mattingly, bought out Waverly Hills with intentions of respectfully preserving the historical landmark that had special meaning to residents of Louisville. Each year, they allow guided tours through the notoriously haunted building, re-telling stories and facts surrounding its rich history. Rumors circulated that it was changing into a Bed and Breakfast, causing mixed feelings of excitement, yet disrespect and the loss of a true landmark – to which Tina replied, “Maybe another time. We try not to make too many renovations. It upsets them. This is their home”.

For tour info, click here.

By: A.Dylan

     Whether it’s a heat wave, a brutally cold winter, or other harsh elements thrown at us with severity, no one is spared from the weather. Neither are our four-legged companions. What happens when weather emergencies cause havoc and evacuations are spur of the moment? This is something the Southeast coast had to deal with recently before and after Hurricane Florence struck the area. Animal shelters in the hurricane’s path quickly housed pets needing refuge and just as quickly became overcrowded. Here is the story of one man’s good intentions that made a big difference.

     Tony Alsup, 51, of Greenback, TN, has a deep appreciation for animals. He aspires to open his own animal shelter one day. For now, he’s a trucker – but that hasn’t stopped him from affording his time and efforts in aiding them when cause reveals itself. Alsup bought a school bus, took all of the seats out and traveled to animal shelters in the path of Hurricane Florence that were packed beyond capacity. He picked up those in abundance and drove them all personally to vacant shelters in neighboring states. While some people wouldn’t think twice about the well-being of someone’s pet, Alsup has a different view. “I’m like, look, these are lives too. Animals – especially shelter pets – they always have to take the backseat of the bus. But I’ll give them their own bus. If I have to I’ll pay for all the fuel, or even a boat, to get these dogs out of there”. 

     In total, Alsup rescued 53 dogs and 11 cats. He plans to continue this trend across the nation, extensively if need be. For information on how you can help animal shelters in disaster areas, or just in general, click here.

January 25, 2017

Louisville, KY

By: A.Dylan

The Kroger on south second and Breckinridge Street is closing its doors on the 28th of this month. After providing 37 years of business to the area, residents are shocked and distraught over the onset of this decision. In an area locals call a “food desert”, this lone grocery store has been relied upon for those with disabilities as well as those who lack transportation. The next closest Kroger is eleven-minutes away – by car.

Michael Miller, employed at the Center for Women and families across the street, braved frigid temperatures to picket with a sign stating the neighborhood needed this Kroger. Although the building owner sold the property, Miller argues that his employer has many clients that depend on this Kroger for their food source.  

Resident, Nancy Jakubiak, stated; “In the neighborhood here, there’s lots of disabled people too. I see people in this store that are disabled all the time. So it’s really going to be a problem.”

There is a bus route that will allow residents without a vehicle to travel to the next nearest Kroger, located at 4211 S. 3rd St. However, residents are complaining how this is still a major inconvenience – especially to those travelling with children.

“When you’re talking about 3 or 4 sacks of groceries to take home, plus you’ve probably got a couple of kids with you, you know, that’s just miserable.” -Nancy Jakubiak. 

Kroger isn’t just a store where groceries are bought either. Many fill their prescriptions there as well. 

Milton Cuffee, another resident of the area, said; “I come here for my groceries and my prescriptions. That’s the biggest thing. I’m gonna have to change up and find another place to get my prescriptions.” 

It has yet to be determined what will take the place of this once flourishing grocery outlet.