2026 Louisvillian of the Year I Terry Meiners

AAF-Louisville is pleased to recognize Terry Meiners as the 2026 Louisvillian of the Year!

First presented in 1950, AAF-Louisville’s Louisvillian of the Year Award is the longest-running recognition of its kind in Kentucky. It honors leaders whose personal contributions go beyond professional success to shape the city’s future, strengthen civic life, and celebrate Louisville’s creative legacy. This year, it is being presented to Terry Meiners, who has for five decades carved a unique role in the local and statewide media landscape through his daily show on WHAS-AM Radio and support of various nonprofit causes and initiatives.

Terry Meiners has been cracking jokes on the radio in Louisville since 1976. After years of chatting during morning drive times, he eventually landed at WHAS Radio in 1986. Long before talk radio became a staple of American entertainment culture, Meiners helped define the format with his popular afternoon drive-time show where he featured newsmakers, celebrities, senators, city leaders, and more.

But he has stated that he considers hosting the WHAS Crusade for Children as his most important job. Since 1954, the Crusade has raised more than $230 million to help special needs children and their families. Meiners is the longest serving host in Crusade for Children history, now at 27 consecutive years. Along the way, he has also assisted Metro United Way, Louisville Police Foundation, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, Louisville Urban League, and Gilda’s Club.

Please join us on December 2 to celebrate Terry’s contributions to the Louisville community! Reserved table seating is available through the link on this page.

If you are interested in sponsorship information, please reach out to Allison@AAFLouisville.org.

Click here to view past Louisvillian of the Year recipients.

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