The Jayhawk Area Council is pleased to announce its 13th class of honorees recognizing twenty individuals under the age of 40 that are leaders in our community. These honorees are helping make Topeka and Shawnee County a great place to live, work and play.
Each spring a call for nominations goes out to the great Topeka community for candidates who’ve shown leadership and community involvement. Once the nomination period has closed, all nominees receive an invitation to apply. Annually, the program receives more than 200 nominations and 100 applications.
“It was a privilege to lead the selection process for Topeka’s Top 20 under 40. The caliber of applications this year was extraordinary, and all on the committee were challenged to narrow down the final 20. This group represents the bright future of Topeka with leadership, passion and generosity ,” notes Kelly Potter, Special Events Advisor .
The following list of 2022 honorees have been chosen from a pool of prominent nominees for their notable accomplishments in professional and personal service to build a stronger Topeka. Evaluation and selection of the nominees was completed by a committee of more than 20 community members.
The 2022 Class of Honorees are:
- Chelsea Artzer, Principal, McClure Elementary
- Kate Butler, Associate Attorney, Barber Emerson, LC
- Sean Dixon, President, Visit Topeka
- Dr. Jessica Dorsey, Executive Director, Kansas Volunteer Commission with the Kansas State Department of Education
- Ashley Esquibel, Vice President of Human Resources, Envista Credit Union
- Nick Gardner, Principal, Ross Elementary School
- Emmanuel “Manny” Herron, Founder, Infinite Properties Group LLC
- Jodi Litfin, Assistant Solicitor General, Office of the Kansas Attorney General
- Mallory Lutz, Lobbyist, Little Government Relations
- Haley Matherly, Volunteer and Family Engagement Manager, Topeka Habitat for Humanity
- TJ McDonald, Membership Sales Manager, Greater Topeka Partnership
- Marcus Miller, Executive Director, First Tee – Greater Topeka
- Michael Odupitan, CEO and Founder, Omni Circle
- Rockell Otero, Financial Controller, Prairie Band, LLC
- Julie Phillips, Director of Grants, Communities in Schools of Mid-American, Inc.
- Eric Purcell, Wealth Advisor, Clayton Wealth Partners
- Kelly Rippel, Crop Claims Adjustor, Zurich North America / Rural Community Insurance Services (RCIS)
- Amber Smith, Deputy Judicial Administrator and General Counsel, Office of Judicial Administration
- Gretchen Spiker, Director of Communications, City of Topeka
- Lauren Wolf, Senior Registered Nurse Investigator, Kansas Attorney General’s Office
On November 10th, the Jayhawk Area Council will host a banquet at Townsite Avenue Ballroom to recognize the 2022 honorees. To make a donation in their honor, purchase a ticket to the event or to become a sponsor visit www.jayhawkcouncil.org/20Under40. Topeka’s 20 Under 40 is a premier event benefiting the Jayhawk Area Council Boy Scouts of America.
