The Junction City, Manhattan, and Wamego Chambers of Commerce have announced their 2025 class of the 20 under 40 program, honoring young professionals excelling in their communities. Now, in its third year, the program has expanded to recognize 20 individuals due to the high caliber of applications, according to Jason Smith, president and CEO of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce.
Winners were chosen from Riley, Pottawatomie, and Geary counties through a competitive process involving nearly 75 nominees and over 52 applications.
The selected individuals will be celebrated at a reception at the Museum of Art + Light on January 23rd, coinciding with the Growth Summit on January 24th. Smith emphasized the importance of engaging and recognizing young professionals as vital to the community’s future.
The 2025 winners are:
- Josh Brewer, Habitat for Humanity
- Andy Ellis, Arthur-Green, LLP
- Courtney Ellis, Sink Gordon Accountants & Advisors
- Samantha Ellison, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce
- Lauren Farwell, Keller Williams One Legacy Partners, LLC
- Kendahl Goetzmann, WTC
- Paige Harman, Fort Riley Morale, Welfare, and Recreation
- Eric Holderness, Kansas State University Foundation
- Tyler Jackson, Manhattan City Lifestyle Magazine
- Jayna Kelly, Wamego Health Center
- Craig Lauppe, Iron Gate Collective Inc.
- Dustin Maley, Michelin
- Peter Oppelt, Travelers Insurance
- Heather Peterson, Anderson Knight Architects
- Brad Ross, Orazem & Scalora Engineering, P.A.
- Kylie Shipley, Kansas Farm Bureau
- Veronica Sims, Varney & Associates
- Kale Terrill, The Trust Company
- Rob Wild, Wild & Associates LLC
- Madison Williams, KS StateBank
