Cleveland's future is being built by this year's 40 Under 40 honorees.
Northeast Ohio’s momentum is driven by leaders whose vision, expertise and commitment are shaping the region’s future. Our 40 Under 40 honorees embody that progress. Chosen for their professional achievements, leadership and dedication to community impact, they represent the next generation of executives, innovators and changemakers advancing our economy and civic life. Across industries, their work reflects both excellence and purpose.
We invite you to celebrate these professionals whose achievements are defining what’s next for Cleveland — and ensuring the region’s continued vitality, resilience and success for years to come.
Join us Nov. 20 at Hotel Cleveland as we celebrate this year’s class.
Average age
By the numbers
36
The youngest honoree is 27, the only Gen Z on this year's list, and the oldest are 39.
C-suite
Despite their young age, 10 honorees have C-level titles and 5 of them are CEOs.
10
Industries
A dozen different industries are represented, with the most honorees working in real estate, the non-profit sector and manufacturing.
12
In their own words
"If you have the guts to bet on yourself, it’s going to pay off."
— Heather Gilleland
"Combining both the tangible aspect of seeing your work being done and the fact that these affordable housing projects are revitalizing communities that need this type of investment, it's just been extremely fulfilling for me."
— DEREK REED
"I feel a natural draw to do my best work and to be able to leave something behind so that our community is left in a much better place."
— Chantel Tolbert
“It's really important that whatever it is that I do, there's an intent and a purpose behind it. I strive to live by making sure that I leave a positive impact on people.”
— Rania CIresi
"Always be learning. Always be a student, because there's always something you don't know or a different way to do something, and be open-minded to understanding that."
— Nathan Jones
See all the 40 Under 40 honorees
See all the 40 Under 40 honorees
See all the 40 Under 40 honorees
Photography by Jason Miller
Photography by Justin Razmus
Meet Crain’s 40 Under 40 class of 2025
Meet the 40 Under 40 class of 2025