The nominations for 2026’s 40 Under 40 class tallied nearly 200, a record number in the 25 years In Business Madison has recognized and honored the next generation of leaders in Wisconsin’s Capital Region.
There were so many exceptional candidates that this year’s class numbers 45.
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Community members, professional colleagues and supporters gathered on May 13 at the Monona Terrace to toast these emerging leaders from a range of fields including construction, finance, the arts, health care, legal, restaurants, education, public service and more.
Three outside judges reviewed the nominations and scored the submissions, leading to the final list. They included Jeanan Yasiri Moe, director of strategic communications and public affairs at the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation; Rebecca Prochaska, president and CEO of Potter Lawson and Alanna Thiede, managing director of engagement for the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce.
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In Business Madison’s editorial team also honored Downtown Madison Inc. President Jason Ilstrup as the Alum of the Year.
