Forty Under 40 Class of 2021 taking charge

The Corridor Business Journal is proud to spotlight another remarkable class of Forty Under 40 honorees, selected for their meaningful contributions to the region’s companies and communities in their young careers. This is the 17th year of the program, and we had a great time recognizing the Class of 2021 at a dinner in their […]

The Corridor Business Journal is proud to spotlight another remarkable class of Forty Under 40 honorees, selected for their meaningful contributions to the region’s companies and communities in their young careers. This is the 17th year of the program, and we had a great time recognizing the Class of 2021 at a dinner in their honor which took place in person Oct. 14 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Cedar Rapids. The 2021 CBJ Forty Under 40 class has continued to overcome many unique challenges as they juggle a protracted pandemic world. From juggling jobs, children, education and volunteering, they all have been able to achieve remarkable feats despite many obstacles. These individuals give back to their communities in many ways including volunteering, sitting on boards and getting involved in their childrens’ schools. When asked several key questions, they all provided unique insights into their generation. As one recipient put it, “We work hard and we want to make a difference in what we do so that we leave a legacy for the future.” The class of 2021 is well on its way to achieving just that. This year’s class raised $5,000 for Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa as part of the “Three-Word Acceptance Speech Rule.” Honorees were given the first three words in their acceptance speeches free of charge. They paid $25 per word after the first three words or $500 for a one-minute speech. On the following pages, you will find out more about each of these remarkable Forty Under 40 honorees. Alum of the Year This annual award recognizes one Forty Under 40 alum who has continued to make a huge impact in our region.  This year’s Alumna of the Year award was given to Michelle Niermann, president and chief executive officer for UnityPoint Health ­– Cedar Rapids.

Before being named to her current position, she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer with responsibility for all major clinical, professional and support services. From 2013-2016, she held a dual role as regional senior vice president and chief operating officer, as well as regional vice president of clinical operations overseeing UnityPoint Health-Cedar Rapids’ clinics.  Some of her key accomplishments include focusing the organization on strong performance across its strategic framework, strengthening and growing multiple service lines, and, along with the entire St. Luke’s team, achieving the status of a Top 100 Hospital in the nation eight times. Supporting leaders and team members in achieving their highest potential in service to patients and the community is where she finds the greatest joy in her work. Leading by example, she also serves as a board member for several community organizations and has enjoyed being matched with a little sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters for nearly a decade. She is the past president of both the American College of Healthcare Executives of Iowa and the University of Iowa Health Management and Policy Department Alumni Board, and has had the privilege of mentoring many rising health care administrators. We salute Ms. Niermann for all the work she’s done to make our region and her company a better place to live, work and play. We hope she inspires this year’s class to remain in our region and do the same. Previous recipients include Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO Josh Schamberger and Van Meter President and CEO Lura McBride. The CBJ’s Forty Under 40 awards were presented by the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business, with support from U.S. Bank and Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery.  2021’s Forty Under 40: Amy Hockett Anne Loethen Adam Anu Ambati Ashley Balius Ashley Vanorny Ben Symonds Beth Jaggers Brooke Prouty Catherine Norwood Cherrie Spurlin Dan Perez Daniel Ruhde Devin van Holsteijn Dianna Edwards Diana Kremzar Drew Martel Elizabeth Hubing Erica Bergfeld-Reed Jaimen Pangborn Jamarco Clark Jared Kast John Gabrielson Kalvin Grabau Keele Lastascia Coleman Lauren Shovein Lindsey Greenzweig Lyndsay Harshman Maggie Hartzler Mary Beth Hovda Davis Matt Miller Megan Lehman Nicholas Garland Nick Hatz Nick Miller Paola Jaramillo Guayara Raphael Robertson Salina McCarty Shalisa Gladney Stephanie Watts Tami Bonnett