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eanne Schroer, President and CEO of the Catalytic Fund, is a towering figure in Northern Kentucky’s commercial real estate scene. Since launching the Fund in 2008, she has overseen more than 100 development projects that have reshaped the river cities of Bellevue, Covington, Dayton, Ludlow, and Newport. Her reputation for tackling complex ventures and delivering tangible economic benefits has earned her widespread respect, yet she remains a quiet force behind the scenes.
The 2025 NewsMaker award from the Northern Kentucky Tribune is a fitting tribute to her work. “I’m honored to receive this recognition,” she said. “It belongs to my team of six professionals and an intern who share the same passion for community‑focused development.” She highlighted projects that feel like “babies” to her—Boone Lifts, Hotel Covington, Kent Lofts—and praised the less glamorous, but vital, initiatives such as bridge‑financing for the Northern Kentucky Emergency Shelter and a loan that enabled the Samaritan Car Clinic to keep offering affordable auto repairs.
The Catalytic Fund blends loans, equity investments, and consulting services to meet its criteria of quality, need, and impact. Hotel Covington, a flagship success, revitalized downtown Covington and earned national acclaim. Developer Guy Van Rooyen recalls the early 2012 partnership: “Jeanne was essential in navigating market timing, asset type, and location challenges.” Today, the hotel is listed among the country’s most prestigious, boosting tourism and local pride.
Schroer’s influence extends beyond development. She has taught twice at the University of Cincinnati Real Estate Center, shaping future professionals and earning the title “grand dame” of Cincinnati‑area commercial real estate. A UC DAAP alumna, she began her career in Chicago before returning to the Tri‑State to work at Corporex, where she learned the importance of focusing on controllable factors under CFO Jim Schwab’s mentorship. Her early projects included the 1984 RiverCenter, the region’s first major success.
Balancing family life, Schroer married in 1991, had two daughters, and initially planned to stay home. Instead, she pursued teaching and consulting, eventually joining Corporex’s senior management for five years. She helped expand Circleport, the Marriott by the River, and the luxury‑living Domaine de la Rive. In 2003 she returned to academia, but a 2008 opportunity to launch the Catalytic Fund drew her into a new, high‑risk financing role that would transform the region.
Industry peers praise her vision. Tony Kreutzjans of Orleans Development notes the Fund’s ripple effect: “Before Hotel Covington, there was Duveneck Square; before that, Pike Star and Market Lofts.” He credits Schroer’s willingness to take risks that others avoided, resulting in visible, lasting change across Northern Kentucky’s urban core. Similarly, Anthony Bradford of AM Titan emphasizes her unmatched expertise in aligning financial structures with human impact, calling her a pioneer whose leadership has enabled countless projects.
Schroer’s personal life remains grounded. She shares a home with husband Michael Dinn, four adult children, and a network of long‑time friends and former colleagues who admire her professionalism, vision, and relentless drive. Chuck Scheper, former chair of the Catalytic Fund board, remarked on her collaborative approach: “She works with developers, funders, and government entities to bring catalytic projects to life, leaving a legacy that will benefit future generations.”
Guy Van Rooyen added that Schroer’s work has shifted perceptions: “Developers no longer need to justify why Northern Kentucky is a viable investment. The region is now on the radar as a strong, attractive location.”
The 2025 NewsMakers celebration will feature a meet‑and‑greet on November 20 at Wenzel Distilling’s new venue in Covington, with breakfast, coffee, and an awards presentation. Supporters are encouraged to honor their favorite newsmaker through a tax‑deductible donation to the NKyTribune’s NewsMatch campaign, which matches individual contributions through December 31. Donations can be mailed to NKyTribune, 644 Braddock Court, Edgewood, KY 41017, or made online.
