Jayhawk Area Council Announces 2022 Topeka’s Top 20 Under 40 Honorees

The Jayhawk Area Council’s Top 20 Under 40 Steering Committee Members sought out and surprised 20 individuals revealing they had been selected as a 2022 Topeka’s 20 Under 40 Honoree. 

Each spring a call for nominations goes out to the great Topeka community for candidates who’ve shown leadership and community involvement.  Once the nomination period has closed, all nominees receive an invitation to apply. Annually, the program receives more than 200 nominations and 100 applications.

“It was a privilege to lead the selection process for Topeka’s Top 20 under 40. The caliber of applications this year was extraordinary, and all on the committee were challenged to narrow down the final 20. This group represents the bright future of Topeka with leadership, passion and generosity ,” notes Kelly Potter, special events advisor .

The following list of 2022 honorees have been chosen from a pool of prominent nominees for their notable accomplishments in professional and personal service to build a stronger Topeka. Evaluation and selection of the nominees was completed by a committee of more than 20 community members.

The 2022 Class of Honorees are:

Chelsea Artzer, Principal, McClure Elementary

Kate Butler, Associate Attorney, Barber Emerson, LC

Sean Dixon, President, Visit Topeka

Dr. Jessica Dorsey, Executive Director, Kansas Volunteer Commission with the Kansas State Department of Education 

Ashley Esquibel, Vice President of Human Resources, Envista Credit Union

Nick Gardner, Principal, Ross Elementary School

Emmanuel “Manny” Herron, Founder, Infinite Properties Group LLC

Jodi Litfin, Assistant Solicitor General, Office of the Kansas Attorney General

Mallory Lutz, Lobbyist, Little Government Relations

Haley Matherly, Volunteer and Family Engagement Manager, Topeka Habitat for Humanity

TJ McDonald, Membership Sales Manager, Greater Topeka Partnership

Marcus Miller, Executive Director, First Tee – Greater Topeka

Michael Odupitan, CEO and Founder, Omni Circle

Rockell Otero, Financial Controller, Prairie Band, LLC

Julie Phillips, Director of Grants, Communities in Schools of Mid-America, Inc.

Eric Purcell, Wealth Advisor, Clayton Wealth Partners

Kelly Rippel, Crop Claims Adjustor, Zurich North America / Rural Community Insurance Services (RCIS)

Amber Smith, Deputy Judicial Administrator and General Counsel, Office of Judicial Administration

Gretchen Spiker, Director of Communications, City of Topeka

Lauren Wolf, Senior Registered Nurse Investigator, Kansas Attorney General’s Office

On November 10th, the Jayhawk Area Council will host a banquet at Townsite Avenue Ballroom to recognize the 2022 honorees.   To make a donation in their honor, purchase a ticket to the event or to become a sponsor visit www.jayhawkcouncil.org/20Under40. Topeka’s 20 Under 40 is a premier event benefiting the Jayhawk Area Council Boy Scouts of America.