Des Moines’ business community is celebrating a diverse group of rising leaders. A total of 40 individuals have been recognized for their contributions and achievements, with profiles of each honoree scheduled to appear in the March 20 edition of the Business Record.
Recognizing Emerging Leaders
The list of honorees represents a wide range of industries and roles within the Des Moines area. Those recognized include Bailee Arnburg, director of sports at Catch Des Moines; Mike Beals, associate vice president of finance at Principal Financial Group; and Kailey Blazek Naranjo, a shareholder at Dentons Davis Brown.
Also included are Lauren Bockholt, self-perform work leader at Ryan Cos.; Alysun Bulver, corporate counsel at LCS; and Alicia Chilton, vice president of marketing at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Marcus Coenen, senior planner at the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and Charlie Cowell, an urban planner at RDG Planning & Design, are also among those honored.
The group further encompasses Sara Donovan, manager of access and engagement at Broadlawns Medical Center; Ty Flood, shareholder at Holmes Murphy and Associates; Megan Garrett, director of communications at Care Initiatives; and David Gross, director of business development at Estes Construction. Haley Gutschenritter, a retirement planner at Merkle Retirement Planning, and Ellen Hames, a member attorney at BrownWinick Law Firm, were also selected.
Rounding out the list are Nathan Hardisty, vice president at Shive-Hattery; Adam Haselhuhn, senior director of development at UnityPoint Health – Des Moines Foundation; Ngozi Igbokwe, senior manager at Bright Horizons Family Solutions; and Paige Jaeger, chief operating officer at ChildServe. Aaron Jones, a shareholder at Belin McCormick, and Ali Kraayenbrink, partner at Vesel Technology, are also recognized.
Additional honorees include Greg Lagan, vice president of sales delivery at Paragon IT Professionals; Jaime Leiva, owner of Legado Insurance Professionals and executive director of United Futbol Academy of Iowa; Becca Mataloni, senior manager at ITA Group; and Cole McClelland, vice president at Bankers Trust. Ryan Moon, government relations director at Delta Dental of Iowa, and Paige Moore, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa, are also on the list.
The group also includes Anthony Pawnell Jr., Title IX coordinator at Des Moines Area Community College; Stacey Robles, inclusive talent program manager at the Greater Des Moines Partnership; Liesl Seabert, program manager at the University of Northern Iowa Institute for Decision Making; and Taufeek Shah, CEO of Lola’s Fine Sauces. Joe Sheridan, general manager and owner of SpeedPro Des Moines; Josh Terrell, CEO of 3E Partners; Eric Tubbs, shareholder at Nyemaster Goode; and Cheyenne Vander Waal, commercial relationship manager at VisionBank, are also being honored.
Completing the list are Val Veiock, owner of Bing’s; Calla Whipp, director of marketing and public relations at the Des Moines Symphony; Amy Wise, vice president at Community State Bank; Josh Woodvine, chief distribution officer at Sammons Financial Group; Derek Zarn, director of marketing and communications at the City of Urbandale; and Sarah Zeidler, executive director of oncology services at UnityPoint Health – John Stoddard Cancer Center. Scott Raecker, executive director of the Robert D. Ray and Billie Ray Center at Drake University, has been named the 2026 Forty Under 40 Alum of the Year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is included in this year’s list of honorees?
This year’s list includes 40 individuals from a variety of industries in the Des Moines area, including finance, healthcare, marketing, and urban planning. A full list of honorees is provided in the article.
Where can I find more information about these individuals?
Detailed profiles of each honoree will be published in the March 20 edition of the Business Record.
What is the significance of the “Forty Under 40 Alum of the Year” award?
The “Forty Under 40 Alum of the Year” award recognizes a past honoree who has continued to demonstrate exceptional leadership and impact in the community. Scott Raecker has been named the 2026 Alum of the Year.
As these leaders continue their careers, what impact might their collective experience have on the future of the Des Moines business community?
