The Abilene Young Professionals (AYP), a program of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce the 2026 Top 20 Under 40 recipients.
2026 Top 20 Under 40 Honorees:
Janelle Benham, Abilene Zoological Society/Fox News
Liberty-Grace Bland, American Red Cross
Meredith Churchill, Condley and Company, LLP
Dillon Clark, Clark Nissan Abilene
Brad Evans, Enprotec / Hibbs & Todd
Victoria (Tori) Flores, First Financial Bank
Chris Ford, Hendrick Health
Kelly Gilgenbach, Passare (Directors Investment Group)
Katie Hahn, Paramount Abilene
Jack Hurd, J.D. Hurd Law, PLLC
Jerron Johnson, The Cabinet
Mac Mascorro, Chike Nutrition
Juan Nunez, Abilene Christian University & Summer Moon
Brent Partain, Bontke Brothers Construction Company
Kaitlin Richardson, City of Abilene
Ally Soat, U.S. Air Force
Michael Sullivan, Sylvan Learning of Abilene and Lubbock
Kellie Ulbricht, Abilene Police Department
Bubba Weckwerth, Whitten Real Estate / Vintage Marketplace
Jordan A. Ziemer, PH.D. - Abilene Independent School District
The program recognizes 20 young professionals who are excelling in their careers while making meaningful contributions to the Abilene community. Nominations are submitted by the public and reviewed by an anonymous selection committee comprised of a diverse group of local business professionals.
A reception honoring the 2026 Top 20 Under 40 class will take place in February 2026.
The 2026 class of Top 20 Under 40 recipients adds to a growing network of young professionals who are helping shape the future of Abilene and the Big Country. Their leadership, service, and dedication continue the legacy of past honorees who have left a lasting impact on our region.
The number of young people, from all walks of life, who make our community stronger each day continues to grow—an important advantage as Abilene works to attract talent, expand opportunity, and support long-term economic growth.
The Abilene Chamber of Commerce looks forward to continuing its support of the Abilene Young Professionals program, which fosters leadership development, networking, and community engagement for the next generation of leaders.
To learn more about this year’s recipients, click here.