By Mike Boyer
Enquirer staff writer

Nineteen fellows named to the 2004 Regional Leadership Forum will explore how to build and retain Cincinnati's creative class.

The professionals in the program will spend 10 months studying the issue through monthly lectures and discussions.

"This is a critical concern for the future of the Cincinnati USA region, and we're delighted to have so many talented professionals willing to commit valuable time and energy to this issue,'' said Claudia Abercrumbie, director of the Regional Leadership Forum. She said the group is studying how it will proceed and will make a final decision in the next month or two.

The 3-year-old leadership initiative launched by the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce brings together leaders to study regional issues.

Last year's class developed plans for the Greater Cincinnati International Hall of Fame to highlight individuals and organizations that foster internationalism and a positive regional image.

The Hall of Fame, to be unveiled next month, will include photos and profiles of inductees that will travel around the 15-county region through June.

Fellows in this year's class include:

• Melinda Canino, manager of economic development for the chamber.

• Darrick Dansby, president of SmartMoney Community Services.

• Janet Forbes, director of training-management development at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

• Dr. Saeed Gbadamosi, vice president and chief financial officer of Hi-Mark Group Inc.

• Roger Guard, chief information officer. University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

• Joan Kaup, principal, Market Share.

• Kathleen Lundrigan, director of marketing, College of Mount St. Joseph.

• Jerry Malsh, creative consultant, Pure Thought.

• Wendy Morton-Green, membership extension specialist, Girl Scouts-Great Rivers Council.

• Maureen Noe, president of the Butler County United Way.

• Richard Pender, arts and entertainment editor, Cincinnati CityBeat.

• Jonathan Powell, senior product development engineer, Procter & Gamble Co.

• Scott Robertson, chief executive. Globe Business Interiors.

• Ryan Rybolt, senior product manager, Fifth Third Bank.

• Patricia Sutton, director of human resources and hospital services at Dearborn County Hospital.

• Dr. Rebecca White, director of the NKU/Fifth Third Entrepreneurship Institute and associate professor management at Northern Kentucky University.

• Robert White, associate editor, Cincinnati Post.

• John Williams, partner in the law firm of Gonzalez, Saggio & Harlan.

• Tamara Williams, national outreach manager, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

For more information on the Regional Leadership Forum, click here.

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E-mail mboyer@enquirer.com