Meet the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal’s 2026 Forty Under 40 class

August 11, 2026 - 02:29

Three decades is a long stretch to keep any tradition fresh, let alone one that tracks the region's rising business stars. Yet the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal has managed to do exactly that. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Forty Under 40 program, and the 2026 class proves the pipeline of young leadership remains as deep as ever.

The new list, announced this week, includes a mix of entrepreneurs, corporate executives, nonprofit directors, and public sector innovators. What stands out is not just their titles, but the range of industries represented. From advanced manufacturing and healthcare to logistics, tech startups, and community development, these forty individuals are shaping the economic landscape of Benton and Washington counties.

Several names will be familiar to those who follow local business. A few have already made noise with recent company expansions or product launches. Others are quietly building influence behind the scenes, mentoring younger staff or leading internal diversity initiatives. The selection committee, made up of past honorees and chamber leaders, said the bar for entry was higher than ever. They cited not just revenue growth or job creation, but also a demonstrated commitment to civic engagement.

The full profiles will appear in a special print edition next month. Each honoree will be featured with a personal Q and A, covering their career path, biggest lessons learned, and what they see for the region's future. A reception is planned for late February at the Rogers Convention Center, where the class will be celebrated in front of peers, family, and the broader business community.

For those who did not make the cut this year, the message from the Journal is simple: keep building. The program was never meant to be a lifetime achievement award. It is a snapshot of momentum. And if the last three decades are any guide, the next thirty years are in very capable hands.