Each year, the Corridor Business Journal shines a spotlight on young professionals who have made a meaningful impact on the region early in their careers. We are proud to introduce you to the 21st class of Forty Under 40 honorees, chosen by a committee of past honorees.
This year’s Forty Under 40 honorees represent the 21st class of young professionals to receive this prestigious recognition from the Corridor Business Journal.
These driven, accomplished professionals demonstrate deep commitment to advancing our Corridor community. While recent headlines frequently highlight concerns about “brain drain” from Iowa’s workforce, these young leaders exemplify the career opportunities and professional fulfillment available in our state. Significantly, they recognize this challenge: when asked, “What’s the biggest issue facing the Corridor, and why?” many cited retaining young talent and cultivating emerging leaders as critical priorities.
“There are amazing schools that produce great graduates, but a lot of them end up leaving for bigger cities with more opportunities,” wrote honoree Kylee Stock, director of sports marketing and events for Think Iowa City/Iowa City Area Sports. “We need to find ways to showcase our area as a place that is fun to work and live for the younger generation.”
Several honorees exemplify successful Iowa “transplants” or “boomerangs” who have established their careers in the Corridor, finding it a region of opportunity.
Honoree Rachel Rigdon, who grew up in Minnesota, identified out-migration of young workers as the Corridor’s primary challenge. However, the senior talent relations consultant at TrueNorth Companies also noted: “My husband and I moved back to Iowa a year after we got married, and it was the best decision for our family. The cost of living is low, personal development and career opportunities are abundant…”
The insights and optimism evident in our honorees’ responses offer valuable direction for continued regional growth. Should community leaders engage with these perspectives, the Corridor is positioned for continued prosperity.
In the following pages, you will discover more of the honorees’ unique perspectives in their own words. We invite you to learn more about these engaged professionals shaping our communities.
The class of 2025 will be honored Oct. 23 at a ceremony sponsored by the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business and QC Kinetix at the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Cedar Rapids.
Get to know the honorees
- Casey Baustian
- Kyle Boardman
- Dustin Brooks
- Warren Bynoe
- Dominique Campbell
- Scott Cooley
- Jon Davidshofer
- Kristin Eschweiler
- Ellie Evans
- Alicia Faust
- Torri Freese
- Elyse Garlock
- Lauren Gilbertson
- Mackensie Graham
- John Heavens
- Kara Hinzie
- Bethany Jordan
- Haley Kacena
- Zach Kenyon
- Cari McCoy
- Jaime Mead
- Gage Miskimen
- Ryals Parker
- Emily Patel
- Murphy Quint
- Robert Rathje
- Rachel Rigdon
- Brandon Schickling
- Zach Schladetzky
- Whitney Schreder
- Megan Schulte
- Justin Schultes
- Kylee Stock
- Rebecca Sullens Buchanan
- Megan Thole
- Tyler Thompson
- Catherine VanDraska
- Audrey Weidemeier
- Adam Zimmermann
- Emily Zimmon
