We invite you to join us in celebrating these exceptional talents and recognizing their incredible journeys. Their achievements serve as a testament to the vibrant community we strive to build together.
APRIL 30 ⎹ 5:30 - 8 PM
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PRESENTED BY
The wait is over-discover the
exceptional talent being recognized.
What Set Them Apart?
Fairfield County’s 40 Under Forty is more than just an accolade; it’s a powerful platform to recognize the exceptional talent under the age of 40, who are making significant strides in their industries and enriching Fairfield County. This honor not only showcases their accomplishments, but tells their story, serving as a beacon for others to pursue their dreams while making a meaningful impact. This recognition is based on nominations from the Westfair Business Journal readers and the judges’ selection process.
Exceptional talent being recognized.
After careful consideration, our judges faced incredibly tough choices, as the pool of qualifying nominations was impressive and filled with outstanding talent. Ultimately, only 40 remarkable individuals could be selected, each showcasing ingenuity, dedication, and the drive to make a difference in their fields in Fairfield County.
These honorees exemplify the spirit of innovation and leadership that is thriving within our community. They are the individuals who are not only breaking barriers but also inspiring those around them to strive for greatness. From innovative entrepreneurs to dedicated professionals, each honoree has made significant contributions that enrich Fairfield County and set a shining example for future leaders.
Judges
Nelson Merchan
Connecticut Small Business Development Center
Dr. Nikki Wingate
Welch College of
Business
and Technology
Sacred Heart University
The Next Generation of Leaders is here
The wait is over. Westfair Business Journal proudly introduces the 2026 40 Under Forty honorees — an inspiring group of young professionals redefining success across Fairfield County
Luke is an incredible young leader - a voracious learner, dedicated team member, tenacious client advocate, and selfless contributor. He aspires to excel at every task he undertakes and supports the passions and interests of those around him with genuine curiosity and interest.
LUKE ANDRIUK
Director of Investments
Saugatuck Financial
With over 15 years as a branch manager, Abby has demonstrated sustained, people-centered leadership—opening and grounding a new Bridgeport branch while driving financial literacy through University of Bridgeport pop-ups and community workshops.
Abby Arrindell
Branch Manager
Mutual Security Credit Union
Maria leads by initiative and integrity in a technical, male-dominated field—bringing entrepreneurial thinking, dependable execution, and a commitment to mentoring and community that amplifies long-term impact.
Mariajose
Aveiga Varela
Digital Operations Manager
Cheil
Bianca has built a highly regarded, client-centered salon—recognized as Westport’s Best Salon—by combining expert technical skills, smart small-business strategies, and efficient operations that keep her booked and profitable.
Bianca Bazante
Owner and Creative Director
The Artist Loft
Taylor combines measurable operational impact—stabilizing multi-location practice performance, reducing costs, and improving patient experience—with effective people-first leadership that builds high-performing teams.
Taylor Benedict
Director of Operations
Coastal Connecticut Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Bobbi has built #100GirlsLeading into a scalable, impact-driven nonprofit that has served over 3,000 girls through sustained mentorship, leadership programming, and a signature summit drawing 500+ participants.
Bobbi Brown
CEO
#100Girlsleading,Inc
Pauls’ purpose-driven leadership combines strategic vision, compassion, and clear accountability, consistently turning challenges into lasting improvements that elevate resident care and organizational performance.
Paul Brown
Associate Executive Director
Benchmark Senior Living
David’s people‑first, scalable operational leadership—demonstrated by dual‑property success, community and sustainability initiatives, and promotion to Regional GM—delivers measurable impact and rapid career progression.
David Alejandro Cabre
Regional General Manager
RMS Companies
Emily is a people-centered, strategic leader who blends empathy with accountability to drive meaningful results. She leads with a genuine belief that strong businesses are built on strong cultures, and she consistently models the behaviors she hopes to see in others — transparency, respect, and ownership.
Emily Campbell
Senior Vice President, People
Vineyard Vines
Karla built KGC Consulting from a three‑account home business into a trusted regional bookkeeping firm with a strategic CPA partnership and a focus on serving multicultural, Spanish‑speaking small businesses.
Karla Checo
Founder
KGC Consulting Services, Inc.
Kate combines senior leadership at Prosek with deep local
engagement, volunteering at Timothy Dwight Elementary, managing
Girl Scout cookie drives, and partnering with Mothers for Others to
raise funds and run diaper drives for families in need.
Kate Dillon
Managing Director
Prosek Partners
Everett leads with humility and a true team-first mindset with proactive support, and collaborative problem-solving that empowers colleagues and vendors to perform their best. His community-focused approach integrates service into events—creating opportunities and partnerships that leave a positive impact on host communities.
Everett Dolan
Program Manager, Marketing
Wings Unlimited Inc.
What sets Julia apart is her steady commitment to her community and her practical, people‑centered approach to leadership. Julia created accessible educational programs for small businesses and residents and launched the bank’s first nonprofit conference.
Julia Douglas
Vice President,
Community Relations Officer
Newtown Savings Bank
Ken balances strong procurement work at Aquarion with his entrepreneurial venture, Feldkamp Dynamics, delivering practical results and steady business growth.
Kenneth Feldkamp
Buyer
Aquarion Water Company
Dr. Geisler has expanded access to advanced, evidence‑based suicide intervention training—training over 250 counselors—and developed free, nationally available curricula and guides that proactively support student mental health.
James Geisler
Founder & CEO |
Author & Continuing Educator
JG Counseling, Consultation, and Education, LLC
Christopher combines strong commercial legal performance—rising to partner while building an independent book of business—with sustained, high‑impact pro bono leadership as counsel and board member for local nonprofits like Building One Community.
Christopher Geotes
Partner
Martin LLP
Ellen is a leading trusts, estates, and elder‑law attorney who combines technical excellence with recognized leadership, while guiding clients through complex estate planning, Medicaid, and long‑term care matters.
Ellen Hain
Principal
Cohen and Wolf, P.C.
Gillian quickly rose to lead the residential real estate department, where she guided the firms’ merger cobranding and rebranding efforts. Outside the firm, she co-chairs the Junior League’s largest fundraiser, serves on the Town of Greenwich Board of Human Services and the GDHS Fund Board, and actively supports local schools.
Gillian Ingraham
Partner
Mandelbaum Barrett PC
Andrew blends clinical excellence and scholarly impact—leading multidisciplinary care at a voice center, co-authoring research and multiple publications, and earning national recognition like the ASHA Distinguished Early Career Professional award.
Andrew Keltz
Voice Specialized
Speech-Language Pathologist
Yale Voice Center
at Greenwich Hospital
Alex transformed DR Bank’s digital channel and drove triple‑digit growth while launching specialty programs for the entertainment industry and a concierge Attorney Advantage offering, expanding the bank’s reach and revenue.
Alex Lieberman
Digital Product
and Marketing Manager
DR Bank
Paul goes above and beyond to serve his clients and advocate for them. He is always available around the clock to make sure Bank and Client needs are met. He is a true team player.
Paul Lutsky
Commercial Lender
Fairfield County Bank
Dan blends elite financial and strategic expertise with breakout luxury real estate performance—earning recognition like “Best Realtor” in Westport and delivering record‑setting sales for clients across Fairfield County.
Dan McCamblau
Luxury Real Estate Salesperson
Brown Harris Stevens
Emily combines standout litigation and advisory success in complex employment matters with meaningful pro bono service and nonprofit board leadership, demonstrating both technical excellence and community commitment.
Emily McDonough Souza
Counsel
Shipman & Goodwin LLP
Matt combines hands‑on civic organizing and public service—cofounding Shelton Students for Change, co‑launching Envision Shelton, mobilizing neighborhood cleanups, and serving as a constituent organizer—with measurable outcomes like securing student representation.
Matt McGee
Legislative Aide
Connecticut General Assembly
Patrick is a recognized technical leader in trusts and estates at Citrin Cooperman, driving quality control, training, and business development while advising on complex planning strategies for high‑net‑worth families.
Patrick McNamara
Managing Director
Citrin Cooperman
Askar founded and scaled Ankorz Up to provide equitable financial education for low‑income youth in Fairfield County, securing 501(c)(3) status, building strategic school and community partnerships, and leading program design, fundraising, and operations while working full‑time.
Askar P. Morisseau
Founder and CEO
Ankorz Up, Inc.
Jason has demonstrated impactful public service—moving from regional campaign organizer to a key role in Danbury city government where he advances communications, youth programming, and interdepartmental collaboration
Jason Nova
Communications Advisor
for Mayor Alves
City of Danbury
Corey Paris combines impactful public service as a Connecticut State Representative with executive nonprofit leadership as Chief Philanthropy & Strategy Officer at Person to Person, driving major philanthropic growth and co‑authoring the state’s new student loan reimbursement program.
Corey Paris
Chief Philanthropy and
Strategy Officer
Person to Person and
the State of Connecticut
Austin’s client‑first, solution‑oriented leadership keeps transactions moving under pressure, and his board service with Saint Vincent de Paul Place and United Way demonstrates a strong commitment to civic impact alongside professional excellence.
Austin Provost
Partner
Robinson+Cole
What sets Gabriela apart is that her success has never been just about business, it’s about breaking barriers, uplifting others, and redefining what leadership can look like.
Gabriela Rivera
CEO
Durango Insurance &
Financial Services Inc
Dr. Kaltrina Sedaliu has strengthened medical education and patient outcomes at Bridgeport Hospital—leading residency program improvements, and overseeing quality initiatives.
Kaltrina Sedaliu, MD
Internal Medicine
Residency Program Director
Bridgeport Hospital
Lindsay built LogicPrep from a personal tutoring practice into a global college consultancy headquartered in Greenwich, employing over 60 advisors and guiding hundreds of students to top colleges.
Lindsay Tanne Howe
Founder and CEO
LogicPrep
Britt’s people‑centered, results‑driven leadership preserves the company’s culture while strengthening operational readiness and developing the next generation of leaders.
Brittney Tavello
Director of Training
and Development
Stew Leonard's
Deirdre has advanced both clinical care and radiology education—raising ARRT first‑time pass rates, leading program accreditation improvements at Sacred Heart, and contributing peer‑reviewed research while practicing at Weill Cornell Medicine/New York‑Presbyterian.
Deirdre Valinsky
Director of Radiography Program and Assistant
Clinical Professor
Sacred Heart University
Stephanie is a standout Wealth Management advisor, serving as a strategic liaison on tax consulting and client planning across life stages. Poised, knowledgeable, and deeply respected as a mentor and executive‑team leader, she combines client-focused service with the leadership qualities befitting future firm partner.
Stephanie Van Albert
Principal Wealth Advisor
Moneco Advisors
Matt founded and grew New England Aquatic Services into a trusted, science‑driven leader in regional freshwater restoration, creating local jobs while delivering sustainable solutions for homeowners, associations, and municipalities.
Matt Vogt
Owner, President
New England
Aquatic Services LLC
Ashley brings contagious energy, creativity, and organizational rigor to every project she tackles. Her cross‑functional leadership, community partnerships across Connecticut, and extensive nonprofit board and volunteer work demonstrate creative, results‑driven impact that strengthens both the organization and the broader region.
Ashley Volkens
Director, Development
and Marketing
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Joe has driven downtown Stamford’s commercial recovery—leasing over 1.5 million sq ft and helping push occupancy in key assets from the low 70s to over 95% through creative, results‑oriented strategies.
Joseph Weaver
Vice President
CBRE
Malcolm founded Level Up Gym, a 7,000 sq ft Stratford fitness center that offers group classes, youth boxing and confidence programs, small‑group training, and nutrition workshops—creating local jobs and clear career paths for trainers.
Malcolm Wilson
Founder and Owner
Level Up Gym
Kevin has strengthened the Greater Norwalk Chamber’s membership through consistent growth, improved renewals, and hands‑on onboarding that connects businesses to resources and networks.
Kevin Wing
Director of Membership
Greater Norwalk Chamber
Plaques
Honorees have the exclusive opportunity to purchase a commemorative plaque to celebrate this achievement, providing a lasting keepsake beyond the award received. This additional memento offers a distinguished way to commemorate the occasion.
Words of Encouragement
Leave some words of encouragement or a positive compliment for the Class of 2026, highlighting a specific positive messages, goals to achieve. Focus on what these honorees have to look forward to or change the world.
Superlatives
Vote for your favorite honoree(s) in various fun, professional Superlative categories. With a total of 20 categories and two winners per category, there are plenty of chances to shine.
PARTNER
Supporters
Your partnership helps us celebrate excellence and drive progress across our region
EMCEE
Matt Scott
Meteorologist / Co-Host
Fox 61 Morning News
Celebrate the rising stars and visionaries shaping the future at Westfair Business Journal’s prestigious 40 Under Forty Awards 2026. Join us for an evening of recognition and connection, as we honor the exceptional achievements of young professionals who have redefined success in their respective fields.
This isn’t just an awards ceremony; it’s a dynamic networking opportunity where the energy of innovation converges. Rub shoulders with the brightest minds, forge alliances, and witness the power of collaboration among the next generation of leaders. Elevate your network and be part of an unforgettable evening recognizing and connecting with the trailblazers of tomorrow.
AWARDS PRESENTATION
About 4O Under Forty
April 30, 2026
5:30 - 8:00 PM
Event Venue
The Stamford Hotel,
700 East Main Street Stamford CT.
Chamber Partners
Brookfield Chamber of Commerce | CBIA | Darien Chamber of Commerce | Fairfield Chamber of Commerce | Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce | Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce | Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce | Greenwich Chamber of Commerce | Bridgeport Regional Business Council | Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce | Stamford Chamber of Commerce | Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce | Wilton Chamber of Commerce
Please be advised:
Any communications or materials from outside vendors regarding awards or plaques are independent of our organization. We do not endorse or support these offerings, and we encourage our honorees and attendees to contact us directly for any inquiries related to our Fairfield County 40 Under Forty Awards. Plaques from us can be purchased here.
For event information contact:
Natalie Holland nholland@westfairinc.com
For Sponsorship inquiries contact:
Anne Jordan Duffy anne@westfairinc.com
Recognize Emerging Leaders
in Fairfield County
2026 NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS
- Be over 25 and under 40 years of age
- Be a leader who’s part of Fairfield County’s business growth
- Live or work in Fairfield county
- Has not previously won this competition
Nominations are closed
February 13, 2026
Judges
Nelson Merchan
Connecticut Small Business Development Center
Dr. Nikki Wingate
Welch College of
Business
and Technology
Sacred Heart University