From entrepreneurs and content creators to leaders in automotive, finance, hospitality, and more, the 2026 Class of 20 Under 40 honorees are a diverse group of alumni who have made outstanding professional and personal achievements since their time at Northwood University.
“The 2026 Class of 20 Under 40 represents an exceptional group of innovators and changemakers who are making meaningful contributions to their industries and communities and live by the timeless set of values that Northwood teaches,” said Vice President of Advancement Murray Kyte.
Established in 2023, the 20 Under 40 program honors Northwood alumni who exemplify excellence in their careers, organizations, and communities. This year’s selection process was highly competitive, with over 250 nominations submitted, showcasing the remarkable contributions of NU graduates across diverse industries.
“The 20 Under 40 initiative continues to exceed our expectations in highlighting the achievements of our outstanding alumni network while strengthening connections to Northwood University,” added Associate Alumni Director Robyn McLaughlin.
The following honorees are in the 2026 Class of 20 Under 40 (all hometowns are in Michigan unless stated otherwise):
- Gregory Adamczyk (Grand Blanc, Class of 2008) — Private Client Advisor & Vice President of Investments, J.P. Morgan Wealth Management
- Jeffrey Baldwin (Harrison Township, Class of 2011) — Director of Operations, Baldwin Restaurant Group
- Emily Bourne (Lake Forest, Illinois, Class of 2009) — Managing Director, Haig Partners
- Christopher Brower (Ypsilanti, Class of 2020) — Owner/Video Creator, TopherDrives
- Ryan Copacia (Austin, Texas, Class of 2008) — Principal, TikTok
- Christopher Deming (Youngsville, North Carolina, Class of 2009) — Communications Manager, Echelon Front
- Jerry Eluskie (Valparaiso, Indiana, Class of 2012) — Managing Partner, Graff Auto Campus
- De’Andre Kemp-Jordan (Detroit, Class of 2020) — Vice President, Treasury Management Officer, J.P. Morgan
- Alicia Nguyen Laeder (Guildford, UK, Class of 2015) — Business Process Director, Experience Marketing Inc.
- Becky (Lipinski) McCann (Harrison Township, Class of 2013) — Senior Ad Operations Manager, Strategus
- Ryan McColgan (Cincinnati, Ohio, Class of 2014) — District Sales Manager, Toyota Motor North America
- Dominic Moceri (Rochester, Class of 2014) — Project Manager, Moceri Companies
- Charlie Ryan (Reading, Pennsylvania, Class of 2018) — Sales Manager, East Penn Manufacturing Corporation
- Jackie Studor (Cleveland, Ohio, Class of 2009) — Co-Founder, Make & Model Marketing
- Kristin Tokarev (Midland, Class of 2020, MBA 2023) — Producer, Stossel TV
- Collin Ulvund (Chicago, Illinois, Class of 2016) — Regional Sales Manager, Fullpath
- Taylor Vaillancourt (Imlay City, Class of 2021, MBA 2022) — Senior Researcher, Cox Automotive
- Dani VanHouten Foster (Huntersville, North Carolina, Class of 2008) — Partner, EY
- Matt Veurink (Caledonia, Class of 2010) — General Manager, Veurink’s RV & Marine
- Keri Wood (Fenton, Class of 2009) — Vice President of People – Power Systems NA+LA, Rolls-Royce
The honorees will be celebrated during a special reception at7 p.m. April 17, 2026, at The Henry, Autograph Collection in Dearborn, Michigan.
For event registration, hotel reservation codes, and sponsorship opportunities, visit the Northwood University 20 Under 40 webpage.
