2026 Michiana Forty under 40 Class Revealed

The South Bend Regional Chamber announces the recipients of the 2026 Michiana Forty under 40 class. The talent program is a prestigious recognition initiative celebrating 40 remarkable young professionals, adults, executives and leaders under the age of 40 (as of May 15, 2026) who demonstrate exceptional leadership, career success and a strong commitment to making a difference in their communities. The program honors individuals who not only excel in their fields but also dedicate their time and talents to enriching the Michiana region through service and innovation. By showcasing these dynamic leaders, innovators and changemakers, Michiana Forty under 40 serves as an inspiration for others, highlighting the diverse talent and dedication that are shaping the region's present and future. 

A nine-person committee of business professionals from the Michiana region scored and selected this year’s class based on a nomination process. This year saw 166 nominations received. In its 20th year, the program is presented by the South Bend Regional Chamber, in collaboration with its YPN South Bend initiative, area chambers of commerce, and program presenting partners Community Foundation of Elkhart County, First State Bank, and the Mendoza College of Business at Notre Dame. We also thank corporate partners AM General, AWS, and South Bend Code Works.

Honorees will be treated to a Recognition Luncheon, sponsored by Beacon Health System, on Friday, May 29, noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Lerner Theatre (Crystal Ballroom) in Elkhart. The luncheon is open to the public. For more info on the luncheon and to register, click here.  

PRESENTING SPONSORS

The 2026 Recipients are:

• Erica Albertin | Saint Mary's College
• Kevin Cassidy | University of Notre Dame
• Coy Brown III | Donovan Hawkes State Farm Insurance
• Aubrey Danielson | Five Star Life
• Ashley Dejonge | Lippert
• Michelle Edmonds | Beacon Health System
• Riley Ellingsen | Earth Designs Real Estate
• Chisara Ezie-Boncoeur | Barnes & Thornburg LLP
• Tony Gaipa | Gibson
• Bri George | South Bend Police Department
• Kristin Givens | South Bend Heritage Foundation
• Abraham Gordillo | Reliable Roofing and Construction
• James Gunter | Present Pillars Foundation
• Micah Horner | Horner Roofing & Siding LLC
• Yana Jones | Gibson
• Brandon Kastner | Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame
• Rory Langton | IU South Bend
• Dr. Jamila Lee-Johnson | University of Notre Dame
• Ashley Lehman | Ember Recreational Vehicles
• Taryn Liechty | IU South Bend
• Joshua T. Lugg | Golden Legacy Partners, LLC
• Elliot Lusk | Everwise Credit Union
• Francisco Macias | Franky's Tacos
• Annie Maguire | St. Margaret's House
• Jeanie Mitchell | Penn-Harris-Madison School Corp.
• Paige Niles | 1st Source Bank
• Elizabeth Paice | IU South Bend
• Liz Pina | Michigan City Chamber of Commerce
• Brandon Reed | Cartoon Connect Studios
• Jordan Richardson | Inner Cit Development
• Nichole Rodriguez | Primary Care Partners of South Bend
• Tyler L. Roots | Michigan State Police
• Bashar Saleh, Esq. | Campos Law Firm
• David Saleh | enFocus
• Joshua Short | WNDU-TV
• Annie Gawkowski Smith | Indiana Michigan Power
• Emily Voorde | INTO Strategies
• Claire Walker | Candescent Health and Wellness
• Courtney Watts | Kruggel Lawton CPAs
• Matthew Wetzel | Bradley Company