By Kelsey Winkeljohn (’19), Jodie Jackson Jr (’81), and Eric Hughes (’23)
Photos by Keith Borgmeyer (’03)
20 Under 40 is presented by
One word that best describes the COMO Business Times 20 Under 40 Class of 2026? “Energy.” Well, boundless energy, but that’s two words. This group of honorees quickly established its own sense of community, bound by seemingly limitless ambition, drive, and a well-defined sense of helping make everyone around them better: Their workplaces, their homes, their own lives, and their circles of influence. And did we already mention that this class is especially blessed with … energy?
We’re not sure who actually had more fun developing, selecting, and revealing this year’s class of honorees. As you take in the biographies, photos, and superlatives for the 20 Under 40 Class of 2026, you’ll see our own team’s creativity on full display. That level of production is not such a tall order when we can work with individuals with such clarity about their professional and personal goals.
The 20 Under 40 honor selection process is not a popularity content; there’s not a public vote or an online polling system that solicits multiple votes. The process involves numbered rankings from COMO Companies staff, members of the COMO Magazine and COMO Business Times advisory boards, and a special ad hoc committee made up of seasoned Columbia business executives. This was the second year that ad hoc committee was part of the selection process as a transparent measure to affirm the credibility of this honor.
In fact, the rankings by the ad hoc committee and advisory boards were weighted higher than COMO Companies staff rankings. The end result was a clear-cut list of 20 Columbia area business rock stars who make up the 20 Under 40 Class of 2026.
Members of the special ad hoc committee were:
- Gary Thompson, retired president/CEO
of Columbia Insurance Group - Randa Rawlins, retired CEO/president
of Shelter Insurance - Steve Smith, retired CEO of Job Point
- Bob Reid, retired insurance executive
- Adonica Coleman, executive producer
and host of The Daily Blend
