“This year’s honorees reflect the diversity that makes our community thrive,” said Tim Herman, CEO of the Flint & Genesee Group. “They represent a wide range of backgrounds, hometowns, educational paths, industries, and professions. While their experiences may differ, they share a commitment to excellence and impact.”
Launched in 2022, the biannual recognition program spotlights the county’s dynamic young talent under the age of 40.
This year’s program was open to individuals who live or work in the county and were 39 years old or younger as of Dec. 31, 2026. To be considered for the program, they had to demonstrate leadership as a business owner, executive, manager, or professional, and/or hold a role with significant influence and impact within their field or community.
Additionally, they had to spend most of their work time in Flint & Genesee or work remotely for an employer headquartered in Genesee County. If employed outside Genesee County, they had to hold a leadership position in a local community organization and/or be a resident of Flint & Genesee. And, they had to be new to the 40 Under 40 recognition program, which is a one-time honor.
The community submitted 170 nominations that were reviewed by a committee made entirely of 40 Under 40 alumni.
The full Class of 2026 includes:
- Ciarra Adams, Shea Automotive Group
- Ahmad Alzahabi, Golden Boy’s and the Golden Balance
- Ryan Bair, Rowe Professional Services Company
- Kailey Baker, Genesee Health System
- Christina Blitchok, University of Michigan-Flint
- Tyler Boyd, Edward Jones
- Jordan Brown, SIPI
- Carissa Bush, Bush Financial LLC and the City of Flint Police Department
- Dr. Idara Edem, Insight Institute of Neurosurgery & Neuroscience
- Leah Feimster, Gloria Coles Flint Public Library
- Alexis Frierson, University of Michigan-Flint
- Allen “AJ” Gamble, Lewis & Knopf CPAs, PC
- Santino Guerra, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Mott Community College
- John Guynn, Genesee County Habitat for Humanity
- Ashly Harris, Flint Housing Commission
- Charles Hendricks, Kroger
- Corky Hickmott, Flint Cultural Center Corporation
- Ashlee Horn, Financial Plus Credit Union
- Dr. Ja’Nel Jamerson, Flint Center for Educational Excellence
- Leah Johnson, Genesee County Health Department
- Marcella Lloyd, Regional Medical Imaging
- Alex Love, Garden of Y.O.U.T.H.
- Kayla McAuley, Security Credit Union Foundation
- Jesi Munguia, Mid-Michigan NOW
- Stephen Murphy Sr., Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle
- Ashley Prew, Office of the Genesee County Prosecutor
- Bailey Ramirez, Sedgewick + Ferweda Architects
- Dr. Ryan Reece, Hurley Medical Center and University of Michigan
- Megan Ringwelski, Raymond James & Associates
- Olivia Sanders, The Way Coffee Company
- Steve Simmons, Grand Blanc Community Schools
- Xzavier Simon, Flintside and The Modern Queer LLC
- Jovan Slaughter, AutoWorld
- Lydia Starrs, Community Foundation of Greater Flint
- Emily Stetson, Genesee County Parks
- Levi Todd, The Nathaniel Group
- Ciara Vendittelli, Financial Plus Credit Union
- Percivierre Whitmore, State of Michigan Governor’s Office
- Dondré Young, Council on Federations
- Asa Zuccaro, Latinx Technology & Community Center
To learn more or read their profiles, visit AND.FlintandGenesee.org.
