Haile Foundation moves to Covington
COVINGTON, Ky. – The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Foundation is relocating to Covington, making its new home at Ralph Haile Square in the building where Ralph Haile Jr. spent much of his professional life.
The Foundation is an independent family foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
After operating for many years in Cincinnati, the Foundation’s move to the former People’s Liberty Bank complex at 6th Street and Madison Avenue in Covington is a meaningful one, as it’s where Ralph Haile built his legacy in community banking, as president of People’s Liberty Bank, and civic leadership.
“I can’t think of a finer or more fitting address for the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Foundation than Ralph Haile Square,” said Mayor Ron Washington. “Ralph’s impactful legacy – through his commitment to enhancing the quality of life in our community, and the continued generosity of the Foundation to this city – is evident throughout Covington. Their investments in education, the arts, local businesses, and neighborhoods have strengthened the very fabric of our community. We’re excited to see how their presence here will further inspire and support even more meaningful change in the years ahead. Welcome, neighbor.”
Haile Foundation president & CEO Bernie McKay described the move is a “homecoming.”
“Mr. Haile’s former office will be converted into the Foundation’s new board room, where the governing body of the Foundation will evaluate and determine how best to carry out Mr. and Mrs. Haile’s legacy,” said McKay. “This is a homecoming in the best sense of the word.”
Covington Economic Development Director Tom West recalls regular visits with Mr. Haile in the 1990s.
“As the Director of the Covington Business Council, I would stop in and visit with him at least once a week when he was in the Eilerman Building at the corner of 6th and Madison. We would talk about the future of The Cov and his efforts to revitalize the downtown area,” said West. “It is great to see his Foundation moving to this location where Ralph found inspiration and served as a leader for development in this community for so many years.”
A former Army Air Corps pilot, Mr. Haile was a driving force behind many transformative projects in the region, including MainStrasse, Old Town Plaza, and the Licking Riverside neighborhood. His wife Carol Ann was a champion of arts and cultural initiatives. The couple shared a belief in giving back through leadership, philanthropy, and personal connection to the communities they served.
The Foundation’s new headquarters in Covington will open in fall 2025. The City supported the Foundation’s move to Covington through a tax incentive for jobs it creates over the next five years.
Covington City Manager Ken Smith said he’s thrilled about the Foundation’s a move to Covington’s Ralph Haile Square.
“Ralph was a major part of our business community, leading many important projects in our downtown,” said Smith. “His and Carol’s legacy continues to impact not only our city, but the entire region.”
Smith recalls “firsthand” experience of the Haile Foundation’s impact from his time as executive director of Price Hill Will, a westside Cincinnati nonprofit.
“I was able to see firsthand the Foundation’s investments in our community, including helping my organization with our mission of place-based community development,” said Smith. “We look forward to having the Foundation as our newest neighbors. Welcome home!”
# # #