Forty Under 40 Nominations are open. Here’s what to know

25th class will be recognized in 2024

By Emily Barske Wood

The 2024 Forty Under 40 honorees will be the 25th class to be recognized by the Business Record since the honor started in 2000. The program’s goal has always been to elevate the young professionals and rising community leaders who are highly accomplished in their work and give back in extraordinary ways. Many of our alumni have since been named the top leaders of their organizations or have run for public office. The 960 past honorees are nonprofit leaders, corporate stewards, government staffers, entrepreneurs and more. They lead capital campaigns and volunteer to mentor others. 

In an effort to extend the reach of this program, we are placing a particular effort this year on helping make sure the community understands our nominating process. Read on to learn about the process and a little about a few of our alumni.

Forty Under 40 nominations FAQs

In our more than two decades of uplifting the Des Moines metro’s rising leaders through Forty Under 40, we get asked many of the same questions about our nomination process. 

Here’s how it works. Each year, we open nominations in December and accept them through early January. All of our past Forty Under 40 honorees are invited to be judges, and a number of them volunteer to sort through the nominations. Each judge has a set number of nominations to look through and votes for those they feel are worthy of recognition. Once the voting is complete, we compile the results and use them to create the list of 40 honorees. Those who are not selected may have been very close to being honored, and sometimes it takes being nominated a few times to be selected. 

The honorees are entirely selected by past Forty Under 40 class members. This is not a “pay-for-play recognition,” meaning you cannot be selected because you or your business pays to be recognized.

Here are a few of the questions we frequently get asked about the nomination process. 

Where do I go to learn about nominations? 

Visit www.businessrecord40.com. We post on the website when nominations are open and inform the community through our news products. The website also has links to our profiles of past honorees and class histories dating back to our inaugural class in 2000. 

Do I need to get someone to nominate me or can I nominate myself?

You can nominate yourself or have someone nominate you. The nominations are kept confidential so no one other than the judges and a select number of BPC staff members will ever see them.

How many letters of recommendation should I have? 

Letters of recommendation are not required, but are highly encouraged. They often help show judges what a resume can’t. They might illustrate why someone is passionate about a cause, how they’ve made an impact on an organization or why their accomplishments are a big deal for their line of work. They help personalize a nomination and tell the judges that a community leader stands behind this person and their work. 

Who should they be from?

Letters can be from supervisors, leaders or team members at organizations where they volunteer. They can also come from someone who has been positively influenced by the nominee, such as an athlete writing a letter for a coach or a mentee writing one for a mentor. A good way to highlight the impact a nominee has on a nonprofit organization is to get a letter from the group’s executive director or another board member.

I want to nominate someone anonymously – can I do that? 

Yes, you can nominate someone anonymously, but it’s not recommended. The best nominations include information that usually only the person being nominated might know — things that a resume won’t necessarily cover.

Who does the judging?

The honorees are entirely selected by past Forty Under 40 class members. Each judge acts independently so we get each individual’s opinion and not what the group thinks. It is also done anonymously so there is no outside influence on the judges. This is not a “pay-for-play recognition,” meaning you cannot be selected because you or your business pays to be recognized.

What are they looking for?

Judges are instructed to evaluate nominees on equal parts career achievement and community involvement. Like those who get selected, the judges come from many different backgrounds and industries and now, as we near 25 years of the Forty under 40 program, range in age from their mid-to-late 20s to their early 60s. Each judge might have certain qualities that they look for. But generally, judges want to see that someone has accomplished a lot with their career and gives back to the community. The mix of these accomplishments and involvements looks different for each person. For example, someone who is a doctor or a business owner might have a different capacity for philanthropy than someone who is involved with a corporation where volunteerism is associated with their role. All elements of someone’s contributions in the community are considered.

Can I submit a hard copy of my nomination materials?

Judging is done completely electronically at this point so while you can submit a hard copy of your nomination a digital version is better.

When is the right time to be nominated (I’m worried I’m too young)?

As long as someone is under the age of 40 at the time of the recognition in the spring, they are eligible to be nominated. However, the selection process is competitive. Generally we see that folks need at least a few years in their careers and community activities to have the impact judges look for. Those in their early 20s up to age 39 have been selected by our judges.

Do you keep the nominations from year to year, or do I have to resubmit?

Nominations, especially ones that were close to being in the top 40, are kept from year to year. Therefore you do not need to resubmit. However, you might want to send in updates as a lot can happen in a year. Updates can be sent directly to jasonswanson@bpcdm.com.

What if my attachments are too big?

If your attachments are too big to submit, they can be sent directly to jasonswanson@bpcdm.com. Please indicate the name of the nominee when sending them in this way so they can be matched up with the digital form submission.

Have other questions about nominations? 

Contact Business Publications Corp. Vice President Jason Swanson at jasonswanson@bpcdm.com.

Kim Butler Hegedus

executive vice president and chief lending officer, Community State Bank

2001 Forty Under 40 class, 2023 Forty Under 40 Alum of the Year

How did being part of a Forty Under 40 class make an impact on you?

The impact of being selected to the 2001 Forty Under 40 class was that it underscored the fact that people are watching not only what you are accomplishing in your professional life but also what you are doing to make your community better. It was an affirmation to continue to do the “right” thing and to lend a hand to others along the way. 

“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” 

– Booker T. Washington

As a past judge, what do you look for in a nomination that makes someone stand out as worthy of a Forty Under 40 selection?

Over the years, this process has become increasingly competitive. There are far more nominees than there are available seats. Being selected as one of the 40 is a very sought-after recognition and one that should be taken very seriously. When I am judging a nominee, I look for effort and quality of the submission. Did they take time to be thoughtful about their career success and how they are advancing themselves and their organization in a meaningful way?  Career success is only one factor. How are they balancing professional achievement with community involvement? Did they take time to seek out individuals to give them a solid recommendation? These young professionals are our future leaders and critical to the health of our business community and vibrancy of our community. 

Joseph Jones

president’s chief of staff, Des Moines University

2009 Forty Under 40 class, 2022 Forty Under 40 Alum of the Year

What have you accomplished since you were a Forty Under 40? 

Since my Forty Under 40 recognition, I have had the opportunity to be a part of many great things, but my most meaningful accomplishment is earning my Ph.D. at Drake! Another of my favorites was leading the process to bring a universally designed, thoughtful, accessible building to fruition on Drake’s campus as the executive director of the Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement. In my role as administrator for the IJOBS board I was also able to spend the better parts of 2009 and 2010 working on projects to rebuild and improve areas across Iowa affected by the 2008 floods.

If someone thinks they may be a Forty Under 40, what kind of materials should they gather to either self-nominate or ask that a mentor nominate them?

If someone is considering being nominated for Forty Under 40, I would recommend they think about the activities and community involvement they’ve had outside of their professional life and gather letters of support from individuals they have interacted with in that capacity. The list of nominees is competitive and includes many well-accomplished professionals. In addition to professional accomplishments, it’s equally important to showcase what you’ve given back of your time and talent to help the greater community.

Karter Smith

consultant, Bâton Global

2022 Forty Under 40 class

What have you accomplished since you were a Forty Under 40?

I am grateful for continued personal and professional growth since being recognized as a Forty Under 40. At Bâton Global, I have taken on more leadership in projects to serve our clients and grow our business. I’ve also recently joined the board of directors of the Rotary Club of Des Moines and continued to increase my service to Iowa International Center and Central Iowa Shelter and Services. Over the past year, I have been fortunate enough to speak at multiple events in Iowa, Florida and Colorado on the topics of strategy and research. The submitted photo shows me at Disrupt HR speaking about the purposeless pursuit and how visions and other statements have become meaningless in some organizations.

How did being part of a Forty Under 40 class make an impact on you?

Being recognized as a Forty Under 40 was impactful for my career for multiple reasons. It was humbling to be selected by peers and mentors allowing me to make and strengthen meaningful connections in Central Iowa. It also validated that the actions I am taking are meaningful and are hopefully making an impact within the organizations I serve. It’s driven me to continue to learn, grow, serve and make an impact within my community.

Marcus Pitts

senior managing director, JLL 

2007 Forty Under 40 class

What have you accomplished since you were a Forty Under 40?

We’ve done a lot of work with many developers around Iowa and Nebraska as well as helping Iowa-based companies expand across the United States. A lot of the bricks-and-mortar that you see standing today, that was dirt or was something else in the past, has been due to us helping our clients reimagine those spaces into developments like Prairie Trail, Corporate Woods Business Park, Hughes Crossing, Uptown Ankeny and downtown Des Moines. There’s also been an industrial renaissance that’s taking place in Central Iowa the last 10 years now, and we’ve been behind the scenes or a key stakeholder in making a lot of that change happen as well. I think it’s important to use Forty Under 40 as a gateway to getting more involved in the community, not as the pinnacle. It’s a great honor, but I think once you get that honor, there’s a lot more you can accomplish from there.

As a past judge, what do you look for in a nomination that makes someone stand out as worthy of Forty Under 40 selection?

The business side of things is key, but philanthropy is equally important with Forty Under 40. Sometimes it takes two, three, four times to apply before you get accepted, assuming you’re keeping up on the things I just mentioned. I think the willingness to stick with it is something that sometimes gets overlooked as well. Also, a lot of people fill it out more in a resume fashion, but I think having some photos in there to humanize what people are doing either through their business or philanthropically, or even with their family, helps. It can resonate more with the judge in my opinion.

Dan Keough

chairman and CEO/Shareholder, Holmes Murphy

2001 Forty Under 40 class

If someone who is just starting out their career or community involvement aspires to one day be a Forty Under 40, what kinds of things would you encourage them to get involved in? 

Des Moines is a special place, and one in which we are fortunate to have ease of access to engage in our community, intersect with local and statewide leaders, and to share our time and resources. The earlier in your career that you can lean into giving back, volunteering, joining boards or contributing, the more advantageous if you aspire to one day become a Forty Under 40. The more closely aligned you can be with your personal passions or interests, the more meaningful your engagement will become. And, as with anything, the value you receive is a direct correlation in terms of what you contribute. 

How did being part of a Forty Under 40 class make an impact on you?

Our family moved from Chicago to Des Moines in 1999, as we began building Innovative Captive Strategies within Holmes Murphy. I was young, new to Des Moines, and not yet established in our community. It was important to me to find ways to become integrated into the fabric of Des Moines – not only for professional interests, but for our family to begin building a foundation for years to come. To be selected as a Forty Under 40 in 2001 was a remarkable honor, and one in which helped me to continue to build networks, connections and community alignment. As I look back at the years of Forty Under 40 candidates recognized over the years, it’s remarkable to see the overall impact that these individuals have – and are making, in Central Iowa and beyond. 

Sarah Barthole

strategic projects partner (senior business project lead), Principal Financial Group

2022 Forty Under 40 class

If someone who is just starting out their career or community involvement aspires to one day be a Forty Under 40, what kinds of things would you encourage them to get involved in? 

The opportunities to get involved are endless, and there are so many ways you can make a difference and give back. I got some great advice from a mentor that once told me to get involved with an activity that would help me grow professionally, and then get involved with something that’s personal to me. The sky’s the limit, and the gift of your time, talents and energy will not only help the organization, but you yourself will grow and develop new skills, friendships and connections, too. 

How did being part of a Forty Under 40 class make an impact on you? 

I’m so honored and grateful to be recognized as a Forty Under 40 because it showcases how people can come from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to give back and do great things for the communities they live in and make a difference. 

Diana Deibler

president, Deibler and Co

2000 Forty Under Forty class

What have you accomplished since you were a Forty Under 40?

After being in the first class of Forty Under 40, I became an entrepreneur. It’s been almost 25 years since the launch of Deibler & Co. As a business strategist and crisis management consultant, my clients trust me to come alongside them when the stakes are high. 

Playing “Jeopardy!,” experiencing live music and being a tutor are my favorite activities outside of work. Recently, I was an audience member for several tapings of “Jeopardy!” My favorite local music venues are Wooly’s and the Lauridsen Amphitheater, plus the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C., and Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. For the last 10 years, I’ve provided educational and social support services to a special needs student in Johnston. She is now fully mainstreamed, working part time, and set to graduate. She inspires me and exemplifies Winston Churchill’s observation that continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking potential. 

Deibler’s Nomination do’s and don’ts

• Don’t try to pull off a surprise. Include the person who is being nominated to ensure you’re submitting accurate and complete information. 

• Don’t assume your nominee will get in. It often takes even the strongest nominees two or  three tries before they’re selected. 

• Do request letters of support, but don’t regurgitate the nominee’s resume. 

• Do keep an eye on timing. Don’t wait until a professional you admire is 38 or 39 to nominate. 

• Do differentiate your nomination by sharing personal insights, anecdotes and quotes. As a judge, I still recall reading, “Superman with a smile, Luis Montoya may not jump tall buildings in a single bound, but he does improve the lives of others and our entire region every day. …” (Montoya was honored in the 2022 Forty Under 40 class.)

• Don’t wait. Start pulling things together at least a few weeks before nominations are due. 

• Do thank all who supported your nomination – even if you’re not selected.

Jay Byers

president, Simpson College

2006 Forty Under 40 class, 2012 Forty Under 40 Alum of the Year

If someone who is just starting out their career or community involvement aspires to one day be a Forty Under 40, what kinds of things would you encourage them to get involved in?

The advice I always give young professionals who want to become influential community leaders is to get engaged with organizations and causes that align with their personal interests and that they are passionate about. Also, it is important to focus on quality engagement, and not quantity of involvement. In other words, start by focusing on deep, meaningful engagement with one or two community organizations instead of surface-level involvement with a large number of organizations just to pad your resume. If you step up as a leader and are willing to do the work and make things happen, you will be recognized by other community leaders and will be highly sought after as a future leader.

How did being part of a Forty Under 40 class make an impact on you?

It was truly an honor to be named a Forty Under 40 community leader in Greater Des Moines. It was both humbling and inspiring to be part of a class of so many other emerging leaders doing amazing things in our region. Being recognized at this level provided me with even more motivation to step up my game as a leader and provided an expanded network of colleagues to collaborate with on a wide range of community initiatives and projects. It is impossible to fully quantify the transformational impact that the now 960 Forty Under 40 honorees have had on Central Iowa.

Renee Hardman

city council member, city of West Des Moines

2000 Forty Under Forty class, 2020 Forty Under 40 Alum of the Year

How did being part of a Forty Under 40 class make an impact on you? 

As a person who was recognized in the inaugural class of Forty Under 40, I found it an honor. This recognition propelled my commitment to community service, leading and exploring ways to help other young professionals navigate their professional journeys. Folks that were recognized in my class have continued to be friends, and many are my most supportive allies. Being a part of Forty Under 40 is an achievement that amplifies your desire to make the place where you live and/or work a better place than you found it. In 2020, I was selected as Forty Under 40 Alumna of the year – and it had a profound impact on me. It was during a pandemic, racial tensions and widespread financial struggles. My remarks were about accepting the challenge of knowing that as leaders we must examine what we have done for the greater good of humanity, not just in our careers. The impact could be summed up as living life with no regrets and knowing that the greatest gift in life is uplifting others. 

As a past judge, what do you look for in a nomination that makes a person stand out as someone who should be selected as a Forty Under 40? 

As a person who has served as a judge at least a dozen times, I look for a person who has committed themselves to service; beyond just attending an event, someone who demonstrates their passion through steadfast service they have given, and a person whose life serves as a role model to others. I also look for folks who may have overcome adversity and still find time to give back to the community. I review an application looking for leadership, service, diversity and the qualities that enable one’s light to shine upon others in impactful ways.

From the archives

Take a look back at what some of our recent Forty Under 40 class members told us at the time they were honored. 

Marcela Hermosillo-Tarin

employee engagement manager, Broadlawns Medical Center

2023 Forty Under 40 class

What is it that drives you? 

Being pregnant at the age of 16, 21 years ago, felt as if I wore a scarlet letter. I had friends whose parents refused to continue to allow them to hang out with me because they were worried about the type of influence I have on them. Through this experience, I learned to never judge others by a life event but rather by their “ganas” to succeed. 

Shannon Winters

vice president of finance and human resources, Catch Des Moines

2023 Forty Under 40 class

What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address? 

The mental health crisis affects more people than we realize. The statistics are scary, especially for our youths. I’d like to see efforts focused on improving our mental health care system and more resources allocated to increase awareness and give options and hope to those affected by this illness. We must invest in this issue today for a better future.

Maria Corona

executive director, Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence

2022 Forty Under 40 class

What’s your biggest passion, and why? 

I am deeply committed to community well-being. I’ve witnessed the pain of racism and the inequitable health, child welfare, housing, food and employment systems. My hope is that we all engage in the difficult and messy work that it takes to transform systems while also supporting community-based solutions.

Dustyn Curran

director of real estate development, Ryan Cos.

2022 Forty Under 40 class

What is it that drives you? 

Beginning with the end in mind. I want to be known as someone who was dependable and always showed up with a servant’s heart for my family, my friends, my colleagues and my community. I have been on the receiving end of grace and blessings more times than I can count and look for opportunities to pay it forward to others.