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Forty Under 40
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The Rochester Business Journal has hosted and celebrated the Forty Under 40 awards program since 1995. This event recognizes and brings together the individuals who will be the future leaders of Rochester. These individuals have not only achieved success in their careers but have given back in a meaningful way to the Rochester community.
Each year, 40 outstanding young professionals join this exclusive group of honorees, selected by a panel of judges made up of prior year honorees from a range of professions. Candidates are evaluated on a combination of strong professional accomplishment and meaningful civic commitment to the Rochester community.
Nomination Deadline: July 30, 2026
Application Deadline: August 13, 2026
Save the Date
November 17, 2026
5:30 PM : 9:00 PM EST
Strong Museum of Play
1 Manhattan Square Dr
Rochester, NY
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and benefits please contact your account manager or email [email protected]
If you have questions about this event, please email [email protected]
The Rochester Business Journal has hosted and celebrated the Forty Under 40 awards program since 1995. This event recognizes and brings together the individuals who will be the future leaders of Rochester. These individuals have not only achieved success in their careers but have given back in a meaningful way to the Rochester community.
What is the nomination process and the steps to take?
Once the online nomination form is completed an automated email will be sent to the individual nominated (the email address entered in the “Nominee Email” field) and a submission receipt will be sent to the email placed in the “Nominator’s Email” field.
In order for the nominee to continue with the process they must fill out the application form by the application deadline listed in the automated email and on the corresponding event landing page.
We also recommend submitting up to three letters of recommendation to https://rbj.net/letters-of-recommendation-submission-form/ by the application deadline to be included in the nominee’s judging packet as supporting materials. This is not a requirement, but an added benefit.
How can I be considered for the Forty Under 40 award?
In order to be considered, candidates:
– Must demonstrate significant professional accomplishment within your category as well as strong civic commitment in our community;
– Must be employed in Greater Rochester (Counties: Monroe, Ontario, Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and/or Wayne);
– Must be 39 years of age or younger by the October 31 of the event year; and
– May be self-nominated or nominated by another person.
While anyone can nominate, we recommend nominations come from a senior leader in the candidate’s organization or another member of the non-profit board the candidate sits on. It is then required that the nominee go through the entire application process, please see above response for more details on that.
Who are the judges and what are they looking for when selecting the Forty Under 40?
A panel of judges consisting of prior year honorees from different professions select the current year Forty Under 40 honorees through a judging process. It is essential that the candidate prove a combination of excelling professionally and making significant contributions in the community. It is helpful to have at least one letter of recommendation from someone that can speak to both of these achievements.
Can I save the nomination or application forms while I’m working on them?
Unfortunately, at this time you cannot, but we’re working to fix that. In the meantime, we suggest either filling out the forms on a separate sheet of paper and/Word Doc first or be prepared to spend some time in the form.
If I’m an honoree, do I need to purchase a ticket?
You do not need to purchase a ticket for yourself if you are an honoree. All other attendees must purchase a ticket. Please, note that all RBJ events are limited attendance based on location. Honorees and sponsors are guaranteed tickets. Individual tickets will only go on sale if space is available after sponsorship deadlines.
What is included in sponsorship packages?
Sponsorship opportunities to include a table for your guests, multimedia marketing, logo usage and much more depending on the level your company selects. For more sponsorship information and benefits please contact your account manager or email [email protected].
Can I buy an ad in the publication?
Please contact Suzanne Fischer-Huettner to place an add or purchase a sponsorship package.
If you still have additional questions or concerns, please email [email protected]
2025 Forty Under 40 Honorees
Alex Amorese, CBRE
Alyson Ann Arena, JK Executive Strategies, LLC
Sydney Elise Kreuzer Bell, CCSI, Inc.
Malorie Benjamin, Dixon Schwabl + Company
Rachel Leigh Betts, Greater Rochester Health Foundation
Adam C. Blowers, City of Geneva
Claire Galbraith Bopp, Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC
Kurt Button, MMB+CO
Saabirah Khan Campo, University of Rochester Medical Center
Caitlin Carrigg, Rizzo & Rizzo Law Office, PLLC
Melissa L. Coates, Unity Hospital, Rochester Regional Health
Emily Cohen, Monroe Community College Foundation
Jamie Marie Comenale, East House Corporation
Serena M. Compitello, Tompkins Financial Advisors
Robert Emilio De Leon, United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes
Stephani Dutcher, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
Zachary Stephen Ennis, Rochester Deaf Kitchen, Inc.
Taylor Ferranti, Fusion Digital LLC
Isaac Figueras, Nixon Peabody LLP
Nicolette (Niki) Gaesser, Wegmans Food Markets
Rahul Gosain, Wilmot Cancer Institute – University of Rochester Medical Center
Robin Galbraith Govanlu, Oak Orchard Health
Wyatte C. Hall, University of Rochester Medical Center
Sammi Leigh Kennedy, Delphi Rise
Conor McKenna, First American Equipment Finance
Ted Messner, Messner Flooring
Jordan James Murphy, Partners + Napier
Chelsea Marie Murray, The Bonadio Group
Angela Deborah Nkugwa, Rochester Institute of Technology
Adam P. Pettinella, 1RDG, the financial center
Danielle Christine Pierleoni, Heritage Christian Services
Tiera D. Proctor, Trillium Health
Kyle Scott Reeser, Bausch + Lomb
Agustin Rodriguez, Ibero-American Action League, Inc.
Angela Rollins, City of Rochester Mayor’s Office of Financial Empowerment
Glenn Schieck, Harter Secrest & Emery
Heather Shelley, University of Rochester Medical Center
Nakia Vargas, Golisano Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship
Katie S. Wagner, CDS Life Transitions
Andrew M. Washburn, Underberg & Kessler LLP
Click here to see all past honorees – RBJ Award Database
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