WTVP PBS is pleased to announce the 40 Leaders Under Forty program nomination period for the Class of 2025. Local businesses, non-profits and community groups are encouraged to nominate individuals whose leadership and service have had a significant impact on the well-being, health and vibrancy of central Illinois. 

Eligible nominees must be 39 or younger as of December 31, 2025. They must live and work within WTVP’s area of primary coverage: Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Stark, Mason, Marshall, Putnam, Menard, McLean, Logan, Livingston, LaSalle, Knox, Henry, Fulton, DeWitt, and Bureau counties.

Nominations must be received by WTVP through the submission portal by midnight on Friday, October 31, 2025. 

“WTVP PBS is thrilled to bring back 40 Leaders Under Forty,” said Jenn Gordon, President and CEO. "As a station, we are committed to telling stories that engage, enhance, and inspire the communities we serve. We have outstanding young leaders in central Illinois committed to meeting local needs, growing strong businesses, and helping their communities thrive. WTVP is pleased to provide a platform to recognize these individuals, tell their stories, and celebrate their achievements.”

A recognition committee will review nominations based on the information received and measure them against the criteria outlined in the nomination form. The 40 Leaders Under Forty - Class of 2025 honorees will be announced in early spring, and an awards recognition banquet will follow in mid-March. 

Row 1: Pierre Anyansi, Alexander Bousky, Brett Brooks, Nickolas Connor, Raquel Dagit, Everley Davis, Adam Donahoe, Marissa Draney, Mariam Ford, Ryan Foster

Row 2: Baylee J Gambetti, Ben Getz, Jona Hall, Michelle Hayes, Francie Hinrichsen, Ronnie Hudson II, Danni Jepson, Lexi Kaiser, Alicia Kamischke, Kerry Klesath

Row 3: Devon Knobloch, Brett D. Kolditz, Dr. Kimberly Ku, Alexandria Lavin, Reagan Leslie, Lisa Martin, Michaura Michale Pittman, Claudia Plumer, Dr. Nicole Rau, Liridon Rrushaj

Row 4: Josh Schnauber, Maxwell Schneider, Adam Shaw, Jami Truelove, Pat Venditte, Christina Walker, Judy Wang, Michael Winters, Jr., Michelle Wolfe, Dr. Charlie Zimmerman 

Row 1: Reema Abi-Akar, David Aduama, Dr. Aline Azar, Brynne Behringer, Sara Caruso, Jenna Cicciarelli Wiesner, Jessica Clark, Abby A. Cotta, Brent Cross, Nicole Hayse

Row 2: Heather Himstedt, Carolina Huser, Samira Kashem, Chad R. Kirkenmeier, Andrew Kitterman, Stephen Anthony Kouri II, Courtney Lee, Ryan J. Lucas, Ryan Luginbuhl, Lauren McBain 

Row 3: Megan McGann, Dalton Mellon, Daniel Meminger, Daniel Mikos, Bobby Murray, Danny Phelan, Jacobie Proctor, Trent Reeise, Lisa Repper, Kara Roat 

Row 4: Christina Robinson, Matt Rupert, Andrea Schaidle, Rajendhar Uddavolu, Lacy Wall, Luke Wolff, Caleb Wyss, Manajyoti Yadav, Celsy Young, Zac Zetterberg  

Row 1: Nicholas Baker, Zack Baker, Kendra Moultrie-Belk, Taryn Bradley, Andrew Chambers, Peter Chambers, Dr. Surya Teja Chaturvedula, Manuel Angel Cintron, Stephanie Schachtrup Coad, Lauren Dalfonso

Row 2: Lacey Jaye Dilbeck, LaKeisha Faggett, Nathan Frank, Kate Green, Keith Hanson, Arius Hounwanou, Christopher J. Jump, Renae Stenger Kerrigan, J. Scott Kriegsman, Cole McDaniel

Row 3: Aaron McLean, Ryne E. Meardy, Dr. Brinda Mehta, Mitch Johnson, Spencer Null, Heather M. Bean Oyler, Zachary M. Oyler, Scott Phegley, Kari Rauh, Frances Reyes

Row 4: Shelbey Simone Roberts, Jay H. Scholl, Shelley Sharpe, Tim Shelley, Timothy W. Spears, Hank Stickelmaier, Laura Sutter, Mikayla R. Vincent, Andrew Weeks, Dr. Ashley L. Whitlatch  

Sponsoring and underwriting the 40 Leaders Under Forty event is an invaluable opportunity to showcase your commitment to leadership and community development. By partnering with us, you'll not only gain visibility through advertising and recognition but also help empower the next generation of leaders in our region! 

$30,000

• Sponsorship opportunity is limited to one participant
• Twenty tickets to WTVP’s 40 Leaders Under Forty recognition event
• Forty Leaders program cover recognition
• One hundred copies of the yearbook
• Back cover advertisement in the 40 Leaders yearbook
• Fifteen second underwriting spot that airs through the calendar year.

$5,000

• Sponsorship opportunities are limited to eight participants
• Ten tickets to WTVP’s 40 Leaders Under Forty recognition event
• Your company logo will be featured on the trophy
• One hundred copies of the yearbook
• Full page advertisement in the 40 Leaders yearbook
• Fifteen second underwriting spot

(A LIMITED NUMBER OF CONGRATULATORY SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE)

$2,500

• Quarter-page congratulatory ad with your company logo in WTVP’s special 40 Leaders Under Forty yearbook
• Twenty-five copies of the yearbook
• Half page printed advertisement
• Fifteen second congratulatory underwriting spot

$1,250

• Quarter-page congratulatory ad with your company logo in WTVP’s special 40 Leaders Under Forty yearbook
• Twenty-five copies of the yearbook
• Quarter page printed advertisement
• Fifteen second congratulatory underwriting spot

$500

• Quarter-page congratulatory ad with your company logo in WTVP’s special 40 Leaders Under Forty yearbook
• Twenty-five copies of the yearbook

(A LIMITED NUMBER OF NON-CONGRATULATORY SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE)

$1,250

• Half-page ad with your company logo in WTVP’Ss special 40 Leaders Under Forty yearbook
• Twenty-five copies of the yearbook
• A table sign at the WTVP’s 40 Leaders Under Forty event