Introducing the 2017 Forty Under 40 class

by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) 16,192 views 

The Northwest Arkansas Business Journal is proud to present its 21st class of Forty Under 40. The award honors 40 individuals who are making a positive difference in their professions and thriving in their communities.

Beginning in 1997, the Business Journal has annually honored 40 outstanding professionals under the age of 40 who live and work in the six-county coverage area of Benton, Washington, Carroll, Madison, Sebastian and Crawford counties. They were nominated as best in class by their peers in all industries.

This year’s class was chosen from more than 100 nominations, representing a variety of business industries in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors.

Just like other years, it was difficult to pick just 40 winners, as there were many nominees who are making a major impact in their business or in our community. The under-40 group represents a turning point in a person’s career, a time in his or her life when he or she is still climbing the corporate ladder and trying to make a difference.

We congratulate all of our nominees, but also we remind you this isn’t a one-shot deal. If you nominated someone who was not selected this year, nominate them again next year.

In addition to the profiles in this issue, the Forty Under 40 class will be honored at a luncheon on Aug. 22 at the Embassy Suites in Rogers, highlighted by a keynote address from Wal-Mart Stores executive Ben Hasan, the retailer’s chief culture, diversity and inclusion officer. The event is sponsored by Intrust Bank.

We hope you enjoy reading about the 2017 class of Forty Under 40.

Editor’s note: Profiles for this year’s Forty Under 40 class were written by Jeff Della Rosa, Jennifer Joyner, Robin Mero and Paul Gatling.