 | The 30th Annual 20 Under 40 Leadership Recognition Awards honored the region’s emerging leaders on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the Valentine Theatre. The evening celebrated 153 outstanding candidates nominated for their professional accomplishments and community service. The Chamber's Ebony Carter (front row, 3rd from right), VP of Minority Business Services and Director of the Minority Business Assistance Center was one of the twenty individuals selected for this year’s prestigious recognition. Congratulations to Ebony and all of this year's honorees including: |
- Rebecca Marie Bennett, Oregon Economic Development Foundation
- Mahjida Berryman, Toledo-Lucas County Health Department
- Ebony Carter, Minority Business Assistance Center / Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Amanda S. Davis, Toledo Fire and Rescue Department
- Keenen J. Fisher, Workspring
- Rachel Hart, City of Toledo
- Jessica A. Hinks, Hixon Zuercher Capital Management
- Zachary Huber, Toledo Lucas County Public Library
- Chris Kaspar, Rudolph Libbe Inc.
- Brian Kelbley, Sun Federal Credit Union
- Billy Mann, Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo
- Alissa K. Mauter, groundUp Creative Agency
- Michael A. Miller, KWIK Parking
- Daniel Pfaltzgraf, Nationwide / University of Toledo / Toledo Mud Hens / Wiley
- Tim Polakowski, Monarch Grief Center
- Shayna Lynn Pothast, University of Findlay
- Chad J. Rutkowski, Premier Academy
- Zachary Schmidt, Bowling Green State University
- Alexander Schrinel, Buehrer Group Architecture and Engineering
- Ashley Shaffer, Mission Increase Northwest Ohio
The program began with a networking reception at 5:45 p.m. in the Valentine Theatre lobby, followed by the awards ceremony at 7:00 p.m. in the main auditorium.
The event will be available for streaming soon at 20Under40toledo.com, ensuring that the celebration of Toledo’s next generation of leaders reaches a broad audience and includes candidates from across the region, including Tiffin, Ottawa, Archbold, Bowling Green, Bluffton, Clay Center, Woodville, and the Greater Toledo Area.
As a special feature of this milestone year, 20 Under 40 alumni celebrating anniversary milestones returned to present awards to this year’s honorees. With the addition of the 2025 class, the program’s alumni grew to 600 leaders strong—a testament to the lasting impact of this recognition over three decades.
“For thirty years, the 20 Under 40 program has honored young leaders who represent the very best of our region’s future,” said Chrys Peterson, who returned as master of ceremonies. “These individuals inspire, innovate, and give back in ways that strengthen our community for generations to come.”
Award recipients are chosen by an independent panel of judges. The recognition is designed to encourage and motivate emerging leaders under the age of 40 to continue striving for excellence in both their professions and community service.
Nominations for the 2026 program are open now at 20Under40toledo.com.
Sponsors & Partners
Program Sponsors: Eastman & Smith, Fifth Third, Plante Moran, The Andersons, The University of Toledo and for 2026, SSOE.
Partners: Leadership Toledo, Community Partner; and Telex Communications, Inc., Founding Partner.
Creative Partners: WGTE, Ulrich Pinciotti, THREAD Marketing Group, and Hardy Communications.
Supporting Community Organizations: EPIC Toledo, Imagination Station, The Toledo Repertoire Theatre, The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts, Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Opera, Toledo Rotary, Toledo Zoo, National Museum of the Great Lakes, and the Valentine Theatre. These partners provide tickets, discounts, and gifts to candidates and honorees.
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