Manhattan, KS- The Junction City, Manhattan and Wamego Chambers of Commerce have released the inaugural 15 under 40 class of young professionals making a difference in their communities.

Winners of 2023’s 15 under 40 will be recognized at a special reception in their honor on Jan. 12 at 4 p.m. at the Manhattan Conference Center.

“We are incredibly honored to recognize such a distinguished group for our inaugural 15 under 40 class,” said Jason Smith, president and CEO of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our membership has been committed to engaging young professionals for the past several years and we feel very strongly that one way to engage is to recognize achievement.”

“While we knew we had a number of accomplished YP’s in the region, even we were a bit surprised by the level of achievement from this year’s winners. I can’t wait to honor these 15 individuals at the Regional Leader’s Retreat and look forward to continuing to recognize our top young professionals in the coming years.”

Winners were nominated from the three counties that make up the Manhattan MSA (Riley, Pottawatomie and Geary). Nominees were then asked to complete an application that outlined their achievements in their profession as well as work in the community. From the nearly 100 nominees and over 50 applicants, an appointed committee selected the final 15.

To be eligible for nomination, you had to meet the following criteria:

• Be over the age of 18 and under the age of 40 as of November 30, 2022
• Be employed in the greater Manhattan region
• Exhibit qualities expressed in the 15 Under 40 criteria: up-and-coming star in their profession, leadership and community service

The 2023 winners are:

• Doug Barrett
• Summer Ott Dierks
• Sheila Ellis-Glasper
• Casie Hartwich
• Marc Kent
• Blade Mages
• Catherine McKinley
• Tammy Melton
• Jayme Minton
• Weston Moody
• Rebecca Robinson
• Kate Ryan
• Jeff Sackrider
• Katie Seay
• Ashley Urban

If you would like to attend the reception honoring the 2023 top young professionals, go here. If you sign up for the Regional Leader’s Retreat, you will receive entrance into the reception. However, you do not have to sign up for the retreat to attend the 15 under 40 event.