In Business Madison

Meet Matthew Childress! As Wisconsin market president at Gorman & Company, Matthew works to create affordable housing opportunities that make a lasting difference in people's lives. He values the resilience and collaboration of the housing development community and believes everyone deserves a place to call home.

Learn more about IB Madison's Professional of the Month at ibmadison.com.

And do you know a professional in our community who deserves such recognition? Email [email protected] with your suggestions.

The nominations for 2026’s 40 Under 40 class tallied nearly 200, a record number in the 25 years In Business Madison has recognized and honored the next generation of leaders in Wisconsin’s Capital Region.

There were so many exceptional candidates that this year’s class numbers 45.

Three outside judges reviewed the nominations and scored the submissions, leading to the final list. They included Jeanan Yasiri Moe, director of strategic communications and public affairs at the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), Rebeccca Prochaska, president and CEO of Potter Lawson, Inc. and Alanna Thiede, managing director of engagement for the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce.

In Business Madison’s editorial team also honored Downtown Madison Inc. President Jason Ilstrup as the Alum of the Year.

Community members, professional colleagues and supporters gathered on May 13 at the Monona Terrace to toast these emerging leaders from a range of fields including construction, finance, the arts, health care, legal, restaurants, education, public service and more.

A short profile of each of the 40 Under 40 honorees follow in these pages — covering a mere fraction of the excellent work they do to shape Wisconsin’s Capital Region.

Read more at ibmadison.com.

Story by Katie Dean, Brittney Kenaston, Louis Livingston-Garcia and Joe Vanden Plas
Photography by Ilana Bar-Av and Sharon Vanorny

Human resources leaders help organizations attract talent, build culture, support employees and create workplaces where people can succeed.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Executive Excellence: Finance & Human Resources Awards. Help us recognize outstanding leaders in the following categories:

• Human Resources Executive of the Year
• Large Business Human Resources
• Small Business Human Resources Executive (Less than 50 Employees)
• Public Sector & Agencies: Leadership in Local Municipalities & State Government
• Non-Profit Human Resources Executive
• Rising Star in Human Resources

Do you know an HR leader making a difference in your organization or the Capital Region?

🗓️ Nominations close June 15
➡️ Nominate here: ibmadison.com/events/executive-excellence

The 2026 Executive Excellence: Finance & HR Awards will take place July 23 at The Edgewater Madison and is presented by Forvis Mazars US, with major partners Investors Associated, LLP, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. and UMB Bank, and supporting partner Johnson Financial Group.

Nominate a leader, reserve your seat and learn more at ibmadison.com.

Tickets are now on sale for In Business Madison’s 2026 Executive Excellence: Finance & HR Awards 🎉

Join us as we recognize outstanding leaders in finance and human resources across the Capital Region and celebrate the professionals making a difference within their organizations and our business community.

🗓️ Nominations close June 15
🔗 Nominate here: https://www.ibmadison.com/events/executive-excellence

Nominate a leader, reserve your seat and learn more at ibmadison.com.

The 2026 Executive Excellence: Finance & HR Awards will take place July 23 at The Edgewater Madison and is presented by Forvis Mazars US, with major partners Investors Associated, LLP, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c., and UMB Bank and supporting partner Johnson Financial Group.

✨ Sponsorship opportunities are still available. ✨