And here we are. As you read this, you are sharing an especially unique moment in the history of COMO Magazine and COMO Business Times.
The September/October issue in your hands is the first issue in our new bimonthly publication cycle. It also features the 20 Under 40 Class of 2026. It bears repeating and reminding our readers that 20 Under 40 is based on a rigorous nomination and ranking system. In other words, it’s not a publicly voted popularity contest.
But, wow, we sure do have a list of 20 people who, each of them in their own right, are dynamic individuals making an enormous impact on their work environments, their families, and their communities. You’re going to see these 20 awesome young professionals in more than one place in this September/October issue, but I want to introduce them to you, as well. When you see these names, try to figure out (without peeking at the answer!) which two women are following their husbands who were members of the 20 Under 40 Class of 2025.
Our esteemed Class of 2026 includes: Alyssa Galbreath, Anthony Johnson, Austin Kolb, Bob Nolte, Brighton Sanchez, Cavelle Cole-Neal, Claire Van Doren, Craig Stevenson, Garrett Rucinski, Jaclyn Rogers, Jenny Jones, Kristin Cummins, Lara Cox, Liz Sensintaffar, Matt Schwartz, Megan Crocker, Mel Constantine Miseo, Samantha Adams, Sarah Shorthose, and Sarah Owens.
How big is 20 Under 40 for OUR team? The white board in our conference room has the process outlined, starting on March 16 with “Nominations OPEN!” to September 25 with “Event at The Kitchen!” In between those dates, in a span of a little over seven months, there are tasks, deadlines, and reminders that get us from Point A to Point Z. But, more importantly, they are reminders that 20 Under 40 is no small undertaking for the honorees.
More than one honoree told us, “I have dreamed about this!” and nothing could be more humbling for us. To be a 20 Under 40 means you have been nominated by one or more peers, selected to be among the Top 40, then responded to a list of questions and submitted your résumé for review by our COMO Magazine and COMO Business Times advisory board members, an ad hoc committee of retired Columbia executives, and our magazine and marketing teams. The final list is based on cumulative rankings (from 1 to 10) by each of the aforementioned groups, and the rankings are weighted, with our own team’s selection basically outranked by the others involved in the process.
Again, there’s no public vote, no stuffing the ballot box, so to speak. The 20 Under 40 honor isn’t just about individuals who stand out in their industries or at their jobs, but they are people who are deeply involved in the community, balancing work and life and families. And still managing to thrive as leaders, mentors, nonprofit board members, and moms and dads.
In the end, they are the ones who have built a community that gives us all opportunities to thrive.
Oh, and if you don’t know which two of the 2026 honorees have husbands who were in the Class of 2025? Battle High School Principal Alyssa Galbreath and Locust Street Expressive Arts Elementary Principal Samantha Adams.
Now, explore the rest of these pages, and thank you for trusting our magazines and our company with your stories, your interest, and your ongoing participation and investment in our great community. Thank you for sharing this incredible journey with us.
