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 20th class of Forty Under 40 honorees, chosen by a committee of past honorees.
This year’s class of Forty Under 40 honorees are the 20th group of young professionals to be recognized with this prestigious award by the Corridor Business Journal.
These driven, enthusiastic and deeply caring individuals are striving to make a difference in our Corridor community. This is made clear by their actions, just as much as their articulate answers to the CBJ’s questionnaire, sent to each honoree.
“In the next ten years of my life, I hope to continue to spread my enthusiasm for creativity and art throughout the community,” wrote Kelli Albert, communications specialist for the City of Cedar Rapids. “I want to help others understand that history is happening right now and they are a vital part of it. I want to have ensured that my children understand their value and that they are irreplaceable in this world. Finally, I want to earn more wrinkles and gray hair from all the lived experiences yet to come. I don’t want to just be a #BigDeal, I want to make a #BigDifference.”
Not only are these young professionals dedicated to their work and philanthropic endeavors, they are also devoted to their families, and to their direct impact on the next generation.
When asked about issues facing the Corridor, many made a point to view “issues” as “opportunities.” The attraction and retention of young talent was a recurring theme in their answers.
“Biggest opportunity – attracting people, workers, and employers to our amazing community,” wrote Michael Coulter, market director at Palmer Group. “We need to ‘sell it’ more and share why this is such an amazing place to build a career and raise a family. We need to make sure our local college kids understand the opportunities they have here and that they stay.”
On the following pages, you will read more of the honorees’ unique perspectives, in their own words. We hope you enjoy getting to know these active and enthusiastic members of our communities. Read their full profiles online at corridorbusiness.com.
The class of 2024 will be honored Oct. 30 at a ceremony sponsored by the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business at the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Cedar Rapids.
Get to know the honorees
Kelli Albert
Brittany Barnhart
Zach Bohannon
Daniel Brown
Michael Coulter
Mackenzie DeRoo
Paul Desmond
Connor Downes
Tara Dumolien
Ben Fiedler
Bob Gaffney
Alex Gansen
Jacob Hahn
Caitlin Hartman
Stephanie Hasakis Flaucher
Rachael Holland
Stephanie Koehler
Sara Kuennen
Mitch Leahy
Larissa Luckel
Danielle Monthei
Wade Morris
Nathan Mueller
Alexandra Olsen
Seth Penney
Joseph Peterson
Brigit Ray
Anthony Santacroce
Isabella Santoro
Abby Scheitlin
Eric Schmitt
Robbie Schwenker
Holly Stevenson
Aminata Taylor
Kayla Thompson
Emily Ward
Kate Weber
Lukasz Weiner
Mark Willis
Pamela Wiltfang
