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PUBLISHED APRIL 2026
Courtney Brooks
Long before Kansas City began preparing to host a global audience, Courtney Brooks was already connecting the region to the world. Her career has been built on the idea that international engagement doesn’t begin with major events—it starts with relationships, built one exchange at a time. As president and CEO of Global Ties KC, she has spent nearly 15 years advancing that mission, guiding the organization from a two-person operation with a modest budget into a nearly $1 million enterprise with a growing national and international footprint. She stepped into the role at just 25, taking on responsibilities that ranged from programming and partnerships to finance and operations, and steadily built an organization that now hosts thousands of international visitors each year. “I’ve been quietly putting the Heartland on the global map,” she says, a reflection of both the scope and intention behind her work. Under her leadership, Global Ties KC has facilitated more than 400 International Visitor Leadership Program exchanges and secured millions in community support, helping position Kansas City in global diplomacy and business connection. Now 38, Brooks balances that outward-facing mission with a deeply rooted personal life alongside her husband, Ben, and their two children, a perspective that informs the way she leads—grounded, intentional and focused on long-term impact. Her work with Rotary and various regional international initiatives reinforces a broader commitment to civic engagement. Whether hosting delegations or building partnerships, Brooks’ work reflects a consistent through line: strengthening Kansas City by opening it to the world.
Julian Buegers
The trajectory of Julian Buegers’ career begins with a leap—leaving Germany for Kansas City at 22 with little more than ambition and a willingness to build something from the ground up. That decision continues to influences his approach to risk, opportunity and leadership today. “Everything I’ve built started with belief,” he says, reflecting on a path that took him from student to investment banker to entrepreneur. Within six years of arriving in the United States, he earned his undergraduate degree, MBA and CFA designation, then moved into investment banking roles advising on more than $6 billion in transactions across Kansas City and New York. But it was the decision to step away from that path that defined his next chapter. In 2022, he founded IX Capital Partners, creating a platform focused on acquiring and growing businesses with a long-term perspective. That strategy came into focus with the acquisition of Teague Electric, where he now helps lead a company employing more than 200 people while guiding its financial and operational growth. At 39, Buegers brings a blend of analytical discipline and entrepreneurial instinct to his work, including the willingness to walk away from deals that don’t align with his vision. His commitment to mentorship and community engagement, including work with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and Children’s Mercy, reflects a broader investment in the region that helped shape his career. Alongside his wife, Kate, he continues to build both a business and a life grounded in purpose. His story remains defined by that original leap—backed by the belief that opportunity is something you create.
Crystal Captain
In health care, operational excellence is often measured in metrics—throughput, access, outcomes—but for Crystal Captain, the real measure is whether those improvements translate into better experiences for patients and families. That perspective has guided her 16-year career across hospital and ambulatory systems, culminating in her current role as associate chief operating officer at University Health. Her work has driven meaningful gains, from expanding specialty services and increasing clinic revenue to improving patient satisfaction, all while maintaining a focus on equitable access to care. “I’ve focused on aligning operations with patient-centered outcomes,” she says, describing an approach that blends strategy with empathy. Captain has also taken a leadership role in advancing health equity initiatives, helping address disparities in chronic disease outcomes and access to care across underserved communities. Now 39, her leadership is shaped as much by personal experience as professional growth. As a mother of three sons—Marquis, Norian and Cameron—she often reflects on her journey as a young parent and the determination it required to build both a career and a stable foundation for her family. “That experience drives how I mentor others and how I lead,” she says. Her involvement in community and professional organizations further reflects a commitment to lifting others as she advances. Whether improving systems or supporting individuals, Captain’s work is defined by a clear purpose: ensuring that health care works better for the people who rely on it most.
Amanda Carlo
The sports industry is built on visibility—moments, performance, recognition—but Amanda Carlo has focused her career on what happens beyond those moments, helping athletes build lasting value from their platforms. As founder of Gold Griff Athlete Agency, she has created Kansas City’s only female-owned sports management firm, growing it into a nationally recognized operation representing more than 50 clients across professional leagues. Her work spans brand development, sponsorship strategy and media relations, with a focus on positioning athletes for long-term success both on and off the field. “I focus on creating opportunities that extend beyond a single season,” she says, a philosophy reflected in more than 250 partnerships that have generated significant endorsement value for her clients. Carlo has also played a role in major regional events, including coordinating talent and activations tied to the NFL Draft and preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Now 38, she balances the demands of a growing business with life at home alongside her husband, Ben, and their two children, Charlotte and Henry, a perspective that informs her definition of success. Her commitment to mentorship—particularly for women entering the sports industry—adds another dimension to her work, creating pathways in a field where access can be limited. Across every aspect of her career, Carlo’s approach reflects a consistent principle: building relationships that endure and opportunities that grow over time.
Michael Celi
Michael Celi’s leadership philosophy is rooted in a simple idea that has shaped every stage of his career: invest in people, and performance will follow. It’s a principle he began developing early, first as a sales agent at Spring Venture Group, where he personally enrolled more than 900 clients before transitioning into leadership. From there, his focus shifted from individual production to building systems and teams that could scale. “If you put people first, greatness follows,” he says, a belief that has guided his work training more than 3,600 licensed agents and building the company’s Sales Enablement function. Today, at 36, he serves as senior vice president and general manager of SmartConnect, leading a rapidly growing B2B2C platform that connects Medicare-eligible employees at partner companies with personalized Medicare education, resources, and enrollment services. It has achieved 50 percent year-over-year revenue growth while doubling production and reducing acquisition costs. His leadership emphasizes structure and development—creating environments where individuals can perform at a high level while continuing to grow. That same perspective shapes his life outside of work. He and his wife, Courtney, are raising their young daughter, Arden, and he credits his family with providing both motivation and clarity in a demanding role. Whether mentoring team members or guiding organizational strategy, Celi’s approach remains consistent: build strong foundations, invest in others and create conditions where success can be sustained over time.
Andrea Chase
In a legal specialty where outcomes often hinge on navigating complexity under pressure, Andrea Chase has built her reputation on bringing clarity to moments that rarely offer it. Her work in bankruptcy and insolvency law places her at the center of high-stakes financial restructurings, where businesses, creditors and communities are all affected by the path forward. At the Spencer Fane law firm, she has emerged as a trusted adviser in those environments, helping clients find resolution in situations that can stretch for years. One such case involved water and wastewater facilities that had remained in receivership for more than a decade; Chase helped develop a strategy that ultimately led to a successful sale and long-awaited stability. That ability to pair technical precision with practical problem-solving has defined her rise within the firm, where she became one of the youngest partners in its history after earning that role in 2022, at just 34. “I help clients maximize recoveries to achieve business needs and goals, frequently during stressful and challenging circumstances,” she says. The work requires not just legal expertise, but patience and perspective—qualities she traces back to her upbringing on a South Dakota dairy farm, where long hours and shared responsibility were constants. Today, she and her husband, Nathan, are raising two children, Lydia and Isaiah, and she views that balance as central to the way she approaches both leadership and life. Whether in the courtroom or in the community, Chase’s work reflects a steady commitment to outcomes that endure.
Matthew Clifford
The arc of Matthew Clifford’s career reflects both acceleration and intention—moving quickly when opportunity presents itself, but also knowing when to step off a well-established path to build something new. He spent the first 12 years of his legal career at a respected civil litigation law firm, where his rise was unusually rapid. He became the fastest attorney in the firm’s history to make partner, served on the executive committee and earned recognition that included securing the largest defense verdict in Missouri in 2017. Honors such as repeated selection as a legal-trades rising star followed, placing him among a small percentage of attorneys recognized for professional excellence. But for Clifford, those milestones were not an endpoint. In 2024, he co-founded Clifford & Savio, a firm focused on representing individuals harmed by negligence—work that shifts the focus from corporate defense to personal advocacy. In less than two years, the firm has recovered more than $13 million on behalf of clients. “It is an honor representing individuals in their greatest time of need,” he says, capturing a perspective that now defines his work. That sense of purpose extends beyond the office. At 38, he balances the demands of a growing practice with life at home alongside his wife, Louise, and their two young daughters, Cecilia and Stella. Whether mentoring younger attorneys or coaching youth sports, Clifford’s leadership reflects a consistent approach: invest in people, do the work, and measure success by the difference you make when it matters most.
Stephanie Conner
For Stephanie Conner, the connection between business success and community impact is not theoretical—it’s something she has spent her career operationalizing. For the Kansas City office of Turner Construction, the nation’s largest contractor, she serves as Community & Citizenship Director, tasked with ensuring that the company’s growth translates into measurable benefits for the communities it serves. That requires more than goodwill; it demands systems, accountability and alignment across multiple teams. Over the past several years, Conner has worked closely with leadership and procurement groups to reshape the ways the company engages locally, driving more than $32 million in increased utilization of local and small trade partners. At the same time, she has helped build a culture of engagement within the organization, with employee volunteer participation exceeding 80 percent and more than 4,000 hours contributed over three years. “I have focused on building meaningful connections between business success and community impact,” she says. Her background—spanning therapy, education, nonprofit work and public administration—gives her a unique lens on the way organizations can serve people more effectively. At 35, she is also navigating the demands of leadership alongside life at home with her spouse, Taylor, and their young child, Perrie, experiences that reinforce the importance of empathy and balance in her work. Whether launching workforce development initiatives or strengthening community partnerships, Conner’s approach is rooted in a simple idea: that impact should be intentional, measurable and lasting.
Stephen Duerst
Stephen Duerst’s career has been shaped by the intersection of policy, business and relationships—an environment where results depend as much on trust as they do on strategy. His early experience on a presidential campaign provided a firsthand look at large-scale organization and execution, helping raise nearly $1 billion and setting the tone for his own approach to leadership. Over the past decade, he has applied that perspective to the growth of Federico / Duerst Consulting Group, where he’s managing partner. The firm has grown from roughly 25 clients to nearly 75, making it the largest contract lobbying firm in Topeka and placing Duerst at the center of some of the state’s most consequential policy issues. Among them: helping secure support tied to the 2026 World Cup to advancing legislation around sports wagering and emerging industries. “My career has been defined by building organizations, advancing meaningful causes, and delivering results,” he says. That growth has also translated into tangible outcomes, including securing more than $1 billion in state and federal funding to support health-care providers serving vulnerable populations. At 37, Duerst balances that high-level policy work with a strong commitment to family and faith. He and his wife, Cate, are raising two children, Clara and Palmer, and he describes that role as his most important. Whether navigating complex legislative environments or building long-term client relationships, his leadership reflects a consistent focus on durability—creating outcomes that extend beyond immediate wins.
Anné Erickson
Anné Erickson’s career has been shaped by a willingness to step into environments where uncertainty is the norm and outcomes depend on steady leadership. Early in her professional life, that meant leading international research teams across multiple countries, including work in Egypt during the Arab Spring—an experience that tested not just analytical ability, but judgment and composure under pressure. It also helped define her approach of leadership going forward: with a focus on preparation, adaptability and accountability in complex situations. That global perspective has translated directly into her work in Kansas City’s commercial real estate market. Since joining JLL in 2015, Erickson has built a track record that places her among the region’s most active and effective tenant representatives. Over the past nine years, she has negotiated more than $347 million in transactions, including representing three of the area’s largest office deals in 2025 and contributing to what became the largest office attraction project in Kansas City history. Her work sits at the intersection of business strategy and physical space, helping organizations align real-estate decisions with long-term workforce and operational goals. “By connecting businesses with optimal spaces, I help KC’s skyline flourish while strengthening our region’s economy,” she says. Her influence extends beyond transactions into civic leadership. As vice chair of KC CAN!, Erickson plays a key role in guiding grantmaking decisions that support children’s basic needs and education. At 38, she finds a life balance with her husband, Jim, and their three children, Theron, Daniel and Emma. That dual perspective informs her leadership—focused not just on outcomes, but long-term impact.
Michael Flaxbeard
In accounting and advisory work, innovation doesn’t always come from sweeping change—it often emerges from recognizing where clients are struggling and building practical solutions that scale. That mindset has defined Michael Flaxbeard’s career at Forvis Mazars, where he has combined technical expertise with an entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving. Rising to partner in fewer than 15 years, he now serves as Financial Services Market Sector Leader, overseeing a $17 million practice and guiding strategy across a complex and evolving industry. His impact extends beyond leadership into product development. Recognizing the challenges financial institutions faced with new accounting standards, he led the creation of CECLsimplified, a solution now deployed nationally to more than 130 clients and responsible for generating more than $2 million in revenue. “I’m always looking for ways to take something complex and make it usable for clients,” he says, reflecting a philosophy rooted in accessibility and scalability. That same approach carries into his work developing talent, where he has invested heavily in recruiting and mentoring students entering the profession. Now 36, Flaxbeard balances a demanding role with life at home alongside his wife, Morgan, and their growing family, while remaining active in the community through organizations such as the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired and Rockhurst University. Whether building solutions, teams or client relationships, his work reflects a consistent principle: create systems that last and value that compounds over time
Shawn Flippo
Sustained growth rarely happens by accident—it requires structure, alignment and the discipline to execute consistently over time. That philosophy has defined Shawn Flippo’s work and served him well throughout his career, particularly in his role as chief revenue officer for Superior Moving Service. There, he has helped transform a long-standing company into a modern, growth-oriented organization. Since stepping into the position, he has driven significant gains, including revenue increases of 65 percent and, in another period, 128 percent year over year. Those results were not simply market-driven; they were the outcome of deliberate changes, including implementing ERP and CRM systems, introducing marketing automation and aligning sales strategy with operational capacity. “Growth comes from building the right systems and empowering the right people,” he says, emphasizing a leadership style grounded in infrastructure as much as performance. His track record extends beyond his current role, including leading a region at Thryv to 58 percent revenue growth and helping scale a SaaS platform from startup to more than $10 million in monthly recurring revenue. At 39, Flippo brings that same focus to culture, integrating community engagement into the company’s operations and encouraging employee involvement in local initiatives. At home, he and his wife, Haley, are raising three children, and he views that role as central to the way he views success. Whether building organizations or supporting his family, his approach remains consistent: create momentum, sustain it and direct it toward meaningful outcomes.
Rich Gaul
In organizations that span dozens of locations and functions, alignment is often the difference between steady performance and sustained growth. Rich Gaul has built his career around creating that alignment, helping teams understand not only what they do, but how their work contributes to broader success. As director of customer experience at Heritage Tractor, he operates across more than 40 locations, working to connect people, processes and data in ways that improve both internal performance and customer outcomes. His work has included implementing real-time visibility into performance metrics, enabling faster decision-making and strengthening accountability across departments. “When people understand how their role fits into the bigger picture, performance follows,” he says, reflecting a leadership approach centered on clarity and connection. Prior to joining Heritage Tractor, Gaul played a key role at Rx Savings Solutions, where he helped lead operations that consistently achieved Net Promoter Scores above +90, contributing to one of Kansas City’s most notable health-tech exits. Now 38, he balances a demanding professional role with a strong commitment to family and community. He and his wife, Megan, are raising their children while remaining active in their church and youth sports programs, where he coaches and mentors young athletes. Those experiences reinforce the same values he brings to work—teamwork, accountability and growth. Across both settings, Gaul’s leadership is defined by a simple goal: bring people together, align them around purpose and help them succeed collectively
Courtney Harrison
For Courtney Harrison, the practice of law has always carried a broader responsibility—one that extends beyond technical expertise into the impact it creates for others. That perspective has guided her work at Stinson LLP, one of the biggest law firms in Kansas City, where she has built a reputation for delivering results in complex bankruptcy matters with significant financial and human consequences. Her ability to navigate those cases has produced outcomes that stand out even in a demanding field. In one health-care restructuring, for example, her efforts helped increase projected recoveries for unsecured creditors from less than 1 percent to more than 50 percent, while in another, she helped secure a transaction that generated more than $125 million in additional value. “I believe the law should be a tool for creating meaningful outcomes, not just resolving disputes,” she says, reflecting a philosophy that shapes her approach to every case. That commitment extends into her pro bono work—as much as 100 hours of it a year, where she has spent more than 17 years supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence, dedicating substantial time to helping individuals navigate both criminal and civil systems. “Service,” she says, has always been central to who I am.” Now 39, Harrison balances her legal career with life at home and a deep engagement in the arts community, including advisory roles supporting local theater. Her work reflects a consistent narrative: using her skills to create outcomes that matter, both inside and outside the courtroom
Brett Heinz
Growth in real estate is often measured in acquisitions and assets, but for Brett Heinz, the more important factor is whether that growth is supported by a strong financial foundation. As chief financial officer of Lodging One Hospitality, he has played a central role in guiding the company’s expansion, helping grow assets under management threefold since joining in 2016. His responsibilities span financial strategy, capital planning and corporate development, ensuring that each phase of growth is aligned with long-term stability. “Sustainable growth comes from disciplined planning and a clear understanding of risk,” he says, reflecting an approach shaped by his early career at PwC, where he developed expertise in tax planning and advisory services. At Lodging One, that perspective has supported expansion into multiple asset classes, including hotel operations, multifamily, office, retail and medical properties, while maintain in operational discipline. Heinz has also maintained an entrepreneurial lens through personal real estate investments alongside his wife, giving him a dual perspective on the industry from both institutional and individual vantage points. Now 38, he balances that professional focus with family life and a deep commitment to advocacy, particularly through his involvement with Breakthrough T1D following his daughter’s diagnosis. His background as a Division I athlete continues to influence his leadership style, emphasizing teamwork, preparation and resilience. Across all aspects of his work, Heinz’s approach remains grounded in building something that lasts—financially, professionally and personally
Kristen Hoffman
Kristen Hoffman’s career reflects the kind of steady, internal climb that organizations often hope for but rarely achieve at scale. She started in an hourly role at Delta Dental of Kansas and Surency and, over 15 years, worked her way into the C-suite; at 39, she’s now serving as Chief Operating and Experience Officer overseeing operations and customer experience across 34 states. That rise is not just a function of tenure—it’s tied directly to performance. Under her leadership, operational modernization has driven measurable gains, including a 23 percent increase in real-time claims processing and customer satisfaction reaching 98.4 percent, with a Net Promoter Score nearly four times the industry average. “I have focused on aligning people, process, and technology around a user-first approach,” she says, a philosophy that has translated into national recognition for service excellence. Yet Hoffman’s definition of success extends beyond metrics. She and her husband, Nathan, are raising four children—Jameson, Chase, Luke and Lexi—and she describes family as her central priority, a grounding force amid the demands of leading a $380 million operation. That balance between scale and perspective carries into her civic work, including board service with Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City and the Wichita Regional Chamber, as well as participation in the Centurions leadership program. Her leadership style reflects that duality: operationally rigorous, but deeply human. Whether improving systems or shaping culture, Hoffman’s impact is rooted in the belief that organizations perform best when they are designed around people—not the other way around
Ryan Humphrey
Ryan Humphrey, 39, measures success less by individual milestones than by the strength of the teams he helps build. As senior vice president and manager of corporate banking for BOK Financial—with more than $53 billion, one of the region’s biggest banks—he has led his group through a period of significant expansion, including record performance in 2023 and continued growth across Kansas and Missouri. But ask him what stands out, and the answer shifts quickly: “What I am most proud of…is the success of my team.” That perspective has shaped both his leadership style and his career trajectory, which began in an analyst role and evolved into managing complex client relationships and, ultimately, leading the team responsible for them. His connection to the Kansas City community runs just as deep. Humphrey has been involved with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City since 2016, rising to board member and treasurer, where he has helped guide financial strategies that support long-term sustainability. “Healthy individuals create healthy communities and healthy workplaces,” he says, a belief that ties directly to both his civic work and his approach to leadership. At home, that same philosophy plays out in a different setting. He and his wife, Leah, are raising two young daughters, Iva and Faye, and he describes his role as a “girl dad” as both grounding and energizing. Whether at the park, traveling, or simply present for everyday moments with them, those experiences reinforce a broader perspective—one that informs the way he leads, invests his time, and defines impact both inside and outside the office
Kristyn Kimminau
For Kristyn Kimminau, 38, leadership has never been confined to title or role—it’s something she has built steadily over time, beginning as an intern in 2008 and evolving into partner and director of interiors at Perspective Architecture + Design. Today, she leads teams responsible for shaping workplace and health-care environments, having contributed to more than 1,500 projects while managing multidisciplinary groups that translate business strategy into physical space. In her first two years as partner, she helped drive nearly 30 percent growth in billings. “By deeply understanding leadership priorities and operational challenges, I translate business strategy into physical environments,” she says, a philosophy that connects design with performance. Her influence extends internally as well—she has championed policies supporting working parents, helping shape a culture that recognizes the realities of balancing career and family. That perspective is personal: As a mother to two, Mac and Brooks, she understands the importance of flexibility, mentorship and support systems. She also comes from a large Kansas City family, and notes how meaningful it has been to follow in the footsteps of past 40 Under Forty honorees in her family, including cousins Michael Reardon and Matt Krull. She remains especially close with her three sisters and draws daily support from her partner, Brett Iliff, and his daughters, Charlotte and Caroline—relationships that have shaped both her perspective and her priorities. Her community involvement, including leadership roles in Centurions and engagement with Big Brothers Big Sisters’ EmpowerHER initiative, reflects a commitment to creating those same opportunities for others.
Geoff Kudlacz
Geoff Kudlacz, 38, brings a disciplined, systems-driven approach to business that traces directly to his early career as a U.S. Air Force officer. Serving six years as a nuclear missile operator, he was entrusted with one of the military’s most sensitive mission sets, earning the Air Force Commendation Medal and developing a leadership style rooted in accountability and precision. “That experience shaped my approach to risk management, operational rigor, and steady decision-making under pressure,” he says. Today, as CEO and president of Innovative Mechanical Concepts, he applies those principles to the private sector, leading a company focused on mission-critical mechanical services while pursuing a strategy centered on recurring revenue and scalable growth. In parallel, he serves as managing partner and senior asset manager for Pacific Sands Funds, overseeing acquisitions and operations across a portfolio that includes roughly $20 million in multifamily real estate. His entrepreneurial track record also includes flipping more than 400 homes in the Kansas City area—work that required consistent execution across changing market conditions. Despite the scale of those efforts, Kudlacz’s priorities remain grounded. He and his wife, Nicole, are raising two young sons, Mason and Dillon, and he describes family, faith and service as the foundation of his work. That perspective extends into his advocacy for the skilled trades, where he focuses on creating pathways for economic mobility and long-term opportunity. Across industries and roles, his leadership reflects a consistent principle: disciplined execution, applied with purpose
Seth LaBean
Seth LaBean, 38, has built a career around strengthening organizations that serve others, bringing financial discipline and operational insight to sectors where impact is measured as much in outcomes as in dollars. As chief financial officer of Life Unlimited, he helps guide a nearly $50 million nonprofit that serves more than 1,000 adults with disabilities, leading initiatives that support sustainable growth and expanded services, including the development of an integrated affordable housing community in Liberty. His work reflects a broader pattern across his career. At Aetna, he helped deliver $7.2 million in bottom-line impact while supporting more than 150,000 Medicaid members, and earlier, in a chief-of-staff role at the Kansas City VA Medical Center, he contributed to operational improvements and funding gains that strengthened care for veterans. “Everything I have done…has been guided by my desire to create a lasting, positive change in the community,” he says. That sense of purpose is rooted in his upbringing in Independence and reinforced through his education at Rockhurst University, where values of service and integrity shaped his approach to leadership. At home, LaBean’s priorities are equally clear. He and his wife, Montana, are raising three young boys—Crew, Ford and Skip—and he describes his family as his “greatest source of purpose and perspective.” Whether mentoring emerging leaders or supporting community initiatives, his work reflects a consistent goal: building systems and organizations that improve lives in lasting, measurable ways
Matthew Macchietto
Public spaces, at their best, do more than fill land—they shape the varied ways that people experience a city, a neighborhood, even each other. That belief has guided Matthew Macchietto’s work as a landscape architect, where his projects are designed not simply as amenities, but as places of connection. By his mid-30s, he had already led the design of more than $500 million in public landscapes across the country, ranging from parks and waterfronts to large-scale civic playscapes that serve millions annually. His work at Exploration Place in Wichita—a 20-acre, $25 million science and ecology playscape expected to draw more than one million visitors each year—reflects both the scale and intention behind his approach. “Parks are instruments of connection—to nature, community, culture,” he says, a philosophy that runs through projects recognized at the highest levels of the profession, including national and regional ASLA awards. As the youngest principal at Hoerr Schaudt and a Hyde Chair Lecturer at the University of Nebraska, he operates at the intersection of practice and education, helping shape both physical environments and the next generation of designers. His work often carries a deeper civic dimension, including pro bono efforts like East Side Park in Birmingham, where inclusive design transformed a site marked by neglect into a community asset. At 35, Macchietto balances a growing national portfolio with life in Kansas City alongside his husband, Michael, and their two young children, Caroline and Connor. That balance—between ambition and grounding—mirrors the spaces he creates: purposeful, enduring and designed to bring people together
Emily Marsh
Leadership in architecture often unfolds over decades, but Emily Marsh accelerated that trajectory by pairing technical expertise with a clear sense of where she wanted to make an impact. Her early career at Populous placed her on some of the most visible projects in sports architecture, including major collegiate facilities and multiple Super Bowl venues, where precision and performance are non-negotiable. Over time, she moved from project execution into leadership, advancing to senior associate while contributing to projects representing more than $1 billion in construction value. The turning point came in 2025, when she became majority owner and president of Wellner Architects + Engineers, shifting from design leadership into firm ownership and strategic direction. “My career has been defined by steady growth, measurable impact, and increasing leadership responsibility,” she says, describing a progression that includes licensure across multiple states and a reputation for delivering in high-pressure environments. That experience now informs her focus on expanding Wellner’s presence across civic, education and infrastructure projects throughout the Kansas City region. At 36, Marsh is also entering a new phase personally, as she and her husband, Kyle, prepare to welcome their first child. Her community involvement—including leadership roles with the Kansas City Sports Commission, The Children’s Place and the Centurions program—reflects a broader commitment to shaping the region she now helps design professionally. In both arenas, her work is guided by a consistent principle: growth that is intentional, inclusive and built to last
Taylor McElhaney
Growth at scale requires more than opportunity—it demands discipline, timing and the ability to execute across hundreds of moving parts. That has defined Taylor McElhaney’s role at KBP Brands, where he has spent more than a decade helping transform the company from a single-brand operator with just over 100 restaurants into a multi-brand platform spanning more than 1,100 locations across 32 states. His work in mergers and acquisitions has been central to that evolution, spanning the full lifecycle from identifying targets and structuring deals to integrating operations and ensuring long-term performance. Along the way, he has helped execute more than 80 acquisitions totaling over 1,000 units, including recent transactions that significantly expanded the company’s Sonic footprint and positioned it among the brand’s largest franchisees. “My work spans the full acquisition lifecycle…to ensure long-term performance,” he says, reflecting a role that blends financial strategy with operational insight. His contributions also extend into real estate, where he has facilitated more than $500 million in transactions tied to the company’s growth. At 36, McElhaney balances that pace with life at home alongside his wife, Lindsey—whom he met through the business—and their two young children, Wesley and Nellie. His community involvement, including board service with organizations supporting critically ill children, reflects a broader perspective on impact. Whether building a national platform or investing in local causes, his work is rooted in the same principle: growth that creates opportunity for others
Brooks Mosier
Brooks Mosier’s approach to business begins with a foundation that predates any transaction or investment: faith, family and a belief that leadership starts at home. From that perspective, he has built a real-estate platform that combines entrepreneurial drive with a focus on long-term impact. He founded KC Property Group in 2015 to help homeowners navigate complex situations with clarity, growing the business to nearly 800 residential transactions across the Kansas City region. During the pandemic, he expanded into multifamily investing with the launch of UnitedPoint Capital, acquiring and developing a portfolio that now includes more than 300 units and approximately $50 million in assets. That growth has been supported by a disciplined approach to capital and communication, earning the trust of more than 60 investors. “My vision is to improve the lives of our residents, communities, and investors through exceptional real estate performance,” he says. Beyond the numbers, Mosier has integrated community engagement into his work, from supporting affordable housing initiatives to partnering with organizations that provide services to residents in need. At 35, he and his wife, Kacie, are raising four children—Hadlie, Heidi, Olivia and Callen—and he remains actively involved in coaching youth sports and church programs, reinforcing values of teamwork and character. Whether in business or at home, his leadership reflects a consistent through line: building something that lasts, and doing so with purpose
Tim Ockinga
For Tim Ockinga, the built environment is more than a collection of projects—it’s a long-term investment in the communities those projects serve. Over the course of his career with JE Dunn Construction, Kansas City’s biggest hometown general contractor, he has contributed to more than $1 billion in projects across the region, ranging from schools and civic buildings to large-scale residential developments. Most recently, as a project executive, he helped secure and lead a $500 million corporate project, reflecting both the scale of his work and the trust placed in his leadership. But Ockinga is quick to shift the focus away from numbers alone. “Those numbers matter, but what matters more is knowing these projects will serve our community for generations,” he says, emphasizing the lasting impact of the work. Inside the company, he has taken on a mentorship role, guiding teams and helping refine processes that improve consistency and performance across complex builds. His involvement as a senior sponsor for the firm’s young professionals group reflects a commitment to developing future leaders. At 39, Ockinga balances those responsibilities with a deeply rooted family life alongside his wife, Abbey, and their three children, Jacob, Elsie and Mabel. Much of his time outside of work is spent coaching youth sports and serving in his church, where he teaches and mentors young people. Those roles mirror his professional approach: investing in others, building strong foundations and focusing on outcomes that extend well beyond the present moment
Nichelle Oxley
The courtroom is where Nichelle Oxley is most at home—a space defined by pressure, preparation and the ability to think several steps ahead. As a shareholder at Humphrey, Farrington & McClain, she has built her career handling complex civil litigation, from catastrophic injury and product liability cases to high-stakes business disputes and class actions. Her work often begins where others step away. “My firm takes cases other lawyers turn down,” she says, a reflection of both the difficulty of the matters she handles and the confidence required to pursue them. Oxley has been part of trial teams delivering verdicts in the tens of millions, including a $60 million breach-of-contract case in New York, and more recently has been involved in litigation representing nearly 200,000 Jackson County homeowners in a property tax dispute. What sets her apart is not just courtroom presence, but analytical depth—her background in accounting provides a distinct advantage in financially complex cases, allowing her to translate numbers into narrative in ways juries can understand. At 36, she is also helping reshape the face of trial law, a field still heavily male-dominated, often finding herself as the only woman at the counsel table. That reality has fueled her commitment to mentoring the next generation of women attorneys and expanding pathways into the profession. At home in Independence, she and her husband, Joe, are raising two young children, June and Brooks, grounding her work in a perspective that extends beyond any single case. Whether advocating in court or investing in her community, Oxley’s approach is rooted in a clear purpose: standing with people when it matters most
Maggie Parker
Long before Maggie Parker entered the health-care industry, she had a front-row seat to its impact. Watching her mother lead a local health department for more than 15 years shaped not just her career choice, but her understanding of what effective leadership can accomplish at a community level. That perspective has guided her 13-year tenure at Blue KC, where she has steadily risen from entry level to her current position as director of large group sales and retention. Today, she leads a team serving some of the region’s largest municipalities and school districts, helping expand access to care while driving measurable growth. In 2025 and early 2026 alone, her work contributed to an increase of more than 6,800 members, reflecting both performance and trust built through long-term partnerships. “I have built a career centered on access, equity, and measurable impact,” she says, a philosophy that extends into initiatives such as expanding Spira Care and launching community health worker programs that address real barriers to care for thousands of members. Her leadership was tested early in the pandemic, when she stepped into a sales role amid uncertainty and disruption, focusing on stability and service when clients needed it most. At 38, Parker balances that professional responsibility with life at home alongside her husband, Nolan, and their four children—Henry, Hattie, Nash and Charlie. Her commitment to service carries into every aspect of that life, from church leadership to volunteer work supporting children and families across the region. In both career and community, her work reflects a consistent through line: improving lives through thoughtful, sustained engagement
Patrick Rafferty
Health-care leadership often demands decisions that balance urgency with long-term impact, a dynamic Patrick Rafferty navigates daily as CEO of Centerpoint Medical Center, one of the flagship regional facilities for HCA Health Midwest. His leadership role places him at the intersection of clinical care, operations and community health, where outcomes are measured not only in performance metrics but in lives improved. While still early in his tenure, Rafferty has focused on strengthening alignment across teams and reinforcing a culture centered on patient care and accountability. His background in health administration, combined with experience across the HCA Midwest Health system, has prepared him to lead in an environment where complexity is constant and expectations are high. “My focus is on building strong teams and delivering care our community can trust,” he says, emphasizing leadership that begins with people and extends into systems. Beyond the hospital, his involvement with organizations such as the Independence Chamber of Commerce and the Forever Smiles Foundation reflects a commitment to broader community impact, from economic development to access to care. At 35, Rafferty is also navigating a full life at home alongside his wife, Hayley, and their three young children—Sloane, Maeve and Rowe—an experience that shapes his view of both responsibility and balance. In a field where leadership can often feel removed from the individuals it serves, Rafferty’s approach remains grounded in connection: to patients, to teams and to the community that depends on both
Casey Rhoads
Growth in health care can be measured in numbers, but for Casey Rhoads, it is ultimately defined by trust. As co-owner of Honey Bee Pediatric Dental Co., she has helped build a practice that combines rapid expansion with a deeply personal approach to care. Since launching in 2022, the business has grown from a single location into three practices across the Kansas City area, supported by a team of more than 40 professionals and continuing to expand. The numbers reflect that trajectory: from treating 5,800 patients in its first year to more than 12,000 by year three, with production roughly doubling, and on track for an other 20 percent pop this year. But Rhoads is quick to emphasize what sits beneath that growth. “Transparency, trustworthiness, and individualized care remain the foundation of how we serve families,” she says, describing a philosophy shaped in part by her training at Memphis-based St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and her academic achievements, including graduating at the top of her class. Her work extends beyond the practice into community service, where she and her team regularly close the office to volunteer with local organizations, reinforcing a culture built on giving back. At 37, she and her husband, R.J., are raising three young children—Ryann, Trey and Ty—and she describes family as the foundation that informs every decision she makes. Whether expanding a business or caring for patients, her leadership reflects a consistent priority: creating environments where people feel seen, supported and valued
Lorenzo Rice
Leadership, for Lorenzo Rice, is rooted in visibility—the idea that people are more likely to pursue what they can see themselves becoming. That belief has shaped both his engineering career and his work in the Kansas City community. At Burns & McDonnell, he has grown from intern to EPC project manager, leading complex, multimillion-dollar projects and managing teams across disciplines and geographies. To date, he has overseen more than $145 million in engineering, procurement and construction work, applying a “people-first” philosophy that emphasizes accountability, communication and continuous improvement. “If students can see it, they can achieve it,” he says, a mindset that extends beyond the jobsite into his broader mission. Rice co-founded his company’s network for black professionals, which has grown to more than 450 members, and developed a mentorship program now serving over 180 participants within the Oil, Gas and Chemicals division. Those efforts reflect a commitment not just to inclusion, but to building tangible pathways for advancement. His influence also reaches into the community through work with organizations such as iSTEAMKC and PREP-KC, where he advocates for STEM education and helps connect students with hands-on opportunities. At 38, Rice balances those responsibilities with family life alongside his wife, Jeniene, and their two sons, Lorenzo IV and Lincoln, often coaching youth sports and reinforcing the same values he promotes professionally. Whether leading projects or mentoring future engineers, his approach remains consistent: create opportunity, model possibility and invest in others so they can do the same
Sheldon Rinkes
For Sheldon Rinkes, financial advising is as much about relationships as it is about numbers. His work at Edward Jones, the national network of financial advisers, centers on helping clients translate goals into long-term plans, guiding them through decisions that shape not only their financial future but their broader lives. Over the past several years, that approach has driven significant growth, with his business expanding by 120 percent in six years—an outcome he attributes to proactive engagement and a willingness to adapt during periods of uncertainty. “We would use other ways to be proactive and outgoing, not just reactive,” he says, reflecting on the way he navigated the challenges of the pandemic while maintaining client trust and connection. In addition to building his practice, Rinkes has taken on leadership responsibilities within the firm, including recruiting and mentoring new financial advisors, helping strengthen the next generation of professionals in his region. At 39, his perspective is shaped just as much by life outside the office. He and his wife, Jessie, are raising three daughters—Jolee, Hazel and Lynnlee—and he views his role as a father as central to his own leadership. His long-standing involvement with the American Royal and local school organizations reflects a commitment to community, particularly around youth development and agricultural education. Whether advising clients or volunteering his time, Rinkes’ approach is grounded in a simple principle: showing up consistently, investing in others and building something that lasts
Chris Robertson
In commercial real estate, success is often measured in square footage and transaction value, but for Chris Robertson, it also comes down to momentum—building a pipeline of opportunity that continually reinvests in the region. As executive managing director and principal at Newmark Zimmer, he has played a central role in shaping Kansas City’s investment landscape, overseeing the acquisition and disposition of more than 16 million square feet of property and 1,200 acres of land valued at over $1.5 billion. His work has consistently placed him among the market’s top performers, most recently with his induction into the Midwest Real Estate News Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame. “I am passionate about telling people how great our city is and attracting new capital to Kansas City,” he says, reflecting a broader commitment that extends beyond individual deals. Robertson’s career has been defined by both production and positioning—helping bring outside investment into the region while supporting local growth. That perspective is reinforced through his involvement with industry organizations such as CCIM, where he has taken on leadership roles focused on education and professional development. At 35, he remains deeply connected to the city where he was raised, balancing a demanding career with personal interests that keep him engaged with the community, from supporting local causes to promoting the region’s continued growth. His work reflects a clear through line: creating value not just for clients, but for the broader Kansas City market
Steven Ross
Steven Ross built his business on a simple premise: that residential construction could be done with greater transparency, accountability and respect—for both clients and the people doing the work. In 2020, he launched Renovating KC Design + Remodel with just $300, relying on discipline, systems and a clear vision to differentiate the company in the Kansas City region’s highly competitive market. Scratching that entrepreneurial itch was the right call: Five years later, his approach has produced remarkable results. The company has grown from a three-person startup to a team of more than 30 and earned a place on the Inc. 5000 list, ranking among the fastest-growing companies in the nation, including top-tier recognition within both the construction and design-build sectors. But Ross is quick to point out that growth alone is not the goal. “It was built on a design-build model rooted in clear communication and disciplined project management,” he says, emphasizing a culture where accountability runs in both directions. His leadership extends beyond a single company, including investments in other Kansas City businesses and real estate ventures that reflect a broader engagement with the local economy. At 37, Ross balances his entrepreneurial drive with life at home alongside his wife, Kelsey, and their three daughters, Palmer, Vivian and Navy. In addition, his faith plays a central role in both leadership and life, reinforcing a servant-leadership mindset that shapes the way he works with clients, employees and the community. Across all of it, the through line is clear: building something with purpose—and doing it the right way
Chelsey Ryerson
Scaling a business is often described in terms of revenue or headcount, but for Chelsey Ryerson, the real work lies in building the systems that make that growth sustainable. At Legacy Infrastructure Group, she has moved quickly from controller to senior director of finance and shared services, helping transform the financial backbone of a company with four operating entities and roughly 650 employees. During a period of rapid acquisition and expansion, she led the creation of a shared services model in less than three months, consolidating accounting and reporting functions while implementing a new ERP platform to support integration. The results were immediate and measurable: month-end close reduced from 23 days to just six, and the company positioned to issue audited financials earlier than ever before. “I’ve focused on building the infrastructure that allows the business to scale with confidence,” she says, describing a role that blends technical expertise with strategic partnership. Her work has also extended into process innovation, including the rollout of an AI-enabled accounts payable system that processes roughly 10,000 invoices per month with minimal staffing, improving both efficiency and accuracy. Earlier in her career, she stepped into COO-level responsibilities at Cornerstones of Care during a leadership transition and secured $5 million in funding during the pandemic to sustain services for thousands of families—experiences that shaped her perspective on leadership under pressure. At 38, she balances that professional momentum with life at home alongside her husband, Patrick, and their two young sons, Grant and Benjamin.
Julia Shrader
Few professionals approach health-care design with the perspective Julia Shrader brings—one shaped not just by planning environments, but by years spent working inside them. Before transitioning into equipment planning and project management, she spent more than two decades in clinical laboratory science and pharmacy operations, developing a first-hand understanding of the ways that systems function under real-world conditions. That experience now informs her work at Pulse Design Group, where she helps align clinical workflows with design decisions to ensure that facilities support both caregivers and patients effectively. “I help translate real-world clinical needs into environments that actually work,” she says, reflecting a role that requires both technical fluency and empathy. Her contributions have earned internal recognition, including the firm’s Leadership & Team Impact Award, highlighting her ability to guide complex projects while building trust across multidisciplinary teams. But her connection to health care is also deeply personal. When her son was an infant, a life-threatening illness led to an extended ICU stay and long-term medical challenges, experiences that continue to shape the way she approaches her work. At 39, Shrader balances her career with family life alongside her husband, Joel, and their three children—Holden, Harper and Hudson—while remaining active as a parent mentor through Children’s Mercy’s POPS program. That dual perspective informs her leadership: grounded in lived experience, focused on outcomes and driven by a desire to improve the patient journey at every stage.
Abigail Swafford
For Abigail Swafford, leadership has always been rooted in advocacy—first in the classroom, and now on a broader stage serving families navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges. Her early career as a special-education teacher, spanning more than a decade in Chicago and Kansas City, was shaped by a commitment to supporting children with diverse learning needs, informed in part by her own experience with dyslexia. That perspective continued to guide her work as executive director of HopeKids Kansas City, where she led an organization dedicated to providing community and support for families with children facing life-threatening medical conditions. Since stepping into the role, she has overseen significant growth, expanding programming from approximately 250 events annually to nearly 400, while welcoming more than 150 new families into the organization. Financial support has followed that expansion, with donations increasing by 60 percent and in-kind contributions more than doubling. “My work is about creating spaces where families can find joy and connection, even in the midst of hardship,” says Swafford, 37. Her influence extends beyond program growth into partnership-building, strengthening relationships with corporate and community stakeholders across the region. As she steps away from leadership duties for maternity leave, she is also navigating a deeply personal chapter at home alongside her husband, Josh, and their two young daughters, Charlotte and Rosemarie. After that, she’ll continue her involvement with the Junior League of Kansas City and future role as its director of finance, reflecting a long-standing commitment to service.
Connor Sweeney
Connor Sweeney doesn’t frame his career in terms of linear success; instead, he sees it as a series of experiments—some successful, others instructive, all contributing to a broader understanding of what’s required to build something meaningful. That mindset has defined his work as an entrepreneur, from early ventures in technology to his current role as founder of Repsity, a platform designed to bring greater transparency and collaboration to commercial real estate transactions. “If curiosity, gumption, and a stubborn willingness to step into entrepreneurship again and again—I’m your guy,” he says, reflecting a perspective shaped as much by setbacks as by progress. After early work in mobile communications and launching a music platform that ultimately did not scale, Sweeney pivoted into real estate, where he observed inefficiencies that would later inform Repsity’s development. The platform now serves as a centralized hub connecting brokers, clients and service providers, with a focus on building long-term value through better data and communication. At 39, his outlook has been further shaped by personal loss, including the passing of his father, an experience that reframed his own views of success and risk. He and his wife, Sarah, are raising three children—Wilder, Nelle and Townes—and he describes family as both anchor and motivation. His community involvement, from Habitat for Humanity to nonprofit real estate work, reflects a broader commitment to using his skills in service of others. Across ventures and experiences, Sweeney’s approach remains consistent: stay curious, keep building and learn from every step along the way
Joe Tiernan
Joe Tiernan’s career is a study in persistence—built not on early momentum, but on the decision to keep moving forward when results didn’t come easily. After relocating to Kansas City at 23 with his wife, Victoria, he entered sales without a network or established foothold, facing the kind of early challenges that can define a career’s trajectory. Over time, he carved out a niche within the construction industry, steadily building a book of business that would ultimately position him among the firm’s top producers. By his sixth year, he was invited into Holmes Murphy’s ownership program, becoming a shareholder in 2018 and later the first property and casualty producer in the office to surpass $1 million in revenue. Today, at 37, he serves as vice president and sales leader, balancing personal production with mentoring and developing a high-performing team. “Success is built through resilience and a commitment to serving others,” he says, a philosophy reflected in both his professional and community work. His leadership extends into organizations such as the Construction Leadership Council, where he helped drive more than 40 percent membership growth, and Construction Suicide Prevention Week, where he advocates for mental health awareness in an industry facing significant challenges. At home, he and Victoria are raising three children—Grace, Vivienne and Jack—and he remains active in his church and local volunteer efforts, including leading recovery meetings. Across every aspect of his life, Tiernan’s approach is grounded in a simple belief: that impact is measured not just by what you achieve, but by the way you support others along the way
Katie Wasserstrom
Katie Wasserstrom’s career has been shaped by high-stakes environments where precision and judgment are essential—but also by a growing recognition that success is most meaningful when it aligns with personal values. Her early work at Hallmark and later at Mariner placed her in roles with significant responsibility, including helping oversee financial performance for a $1 billion business line and contributing to the integration of more than 20 acquisitions. She also led responses to more than 125 regulatory requests during a Securities and Exchange Commission examination, helping guide the organization through a process that concluded with no findings. “Those experiences taught me how to stay steady in high-pressure situations,” she says, reflecting on a foundation built in discipline and accountability. But over time, her focus shifted toward helping others navigate those same challenges. In 2024, she founded Elevate Your Business, a consulting firm designed to help business owners align financial structure with their broader goals and values. The work reflects a more personal definition of success—one centered on impact rather than scale alone. At 39, Wasserstrom balances that entrepreneurial path with family life alongside her husband, Max, and their two daughters, Olivia and Audrey, while remaining active in community organizations ranging from PTA leadership to nonprofit board service. Whether advising clients or raising her family, her approach is grounded in a consistent principle: building a life—and a career—that reflects what matters most
Tylor Willis
In wealth management, scale is often the most visible measure of success, but for Tylor Willis, the more meaningful indicator is the trust that underpins it. Over the past eight years at UMB Bank, he has built a portfolio totaling approximately $2.6 billion in assets under management, contributing more than $13.5 million in revenue and helping secure $146 million in new assets in 2025 alone. Those numbers have earned him consistent recognition, including multiple appearances in the bank’s Sapphire Club and selection for the American Bankers Association’s Under 40 in Wealth Management program. But Willis emphasizes the team behind those outcomes. “I focus on creating a growth-oriented, entrepreneurial culture where people can solve problems creatively,” he says, describing a leadership style that prioritizes collaboration and development. In his role as senior vice president and managing partner, he balances client relationships with mentoring younger professionals, helping shape the next generation of advisors. At 37, he also maintains a strong commitment to professional and community involvement, including leadership roles with the Financial Planning Association of Greater Kansas City and participation in estate planning and education initiatives. At home, he and his wife, Lauren, are raising two young sons, Barrett and Brooks, and he remains actively involved in church and youth sports, often coaching and mentoring in those settings. Across both professional and personal spheres, Willis’ approach is grounded in consistency—building relationships, investing in others and creating long-term value.
