Jayhawk Area Council, Scouting America's 2026 Topeka’s Top 20 Under 40 Honorees

Twenty emerging leaders have been selected as the 2026 Topeka’s Top 20 Under 40 honorees by the Jayhawk Area Council, Scouting America, recognizing their professional accomplishments, leadership and commitment to making a difference in the Topeka and Shawnee County community.

Each spring, members of the greater Topeka community are invited to nominate outstanding young professionals for the honor. Nominees are then invited to complete an application highlighting their professional achievements, community involvement and leadership. A selection committee made up of community, government and business leaders reviews the applications and selects 20 individuals for recognition.

The 2026 Topeka’s Top 20 Under 40 honorees are:

• Alex Orel, Citadel Public Affairs

• Andrew Lindeman, Envista Credit Federal Union

• Ashlee Spring Davis, Greater Topeka Partnership

• Blake Ramsey, Reser’s Fine Foods

• Brendan Sheehy, Bartlett & West

• Britta McKee, Advisors Excel

• Caleb Soliday, Greater Topeka Partnership

• Casey Richardson, West Ridge Mall

• Cassandra Hermes, Topeka Civic Theatre

• Cheri Faunce, YWCA Northeast Kansas

• Christine Caplinger, Verity Title/Caplinger Law

• Daniel Sheehy, United Airlines

• Dezyon Clark, Still Producing LLC

• Dylan Cox, Advisors Excel

• Jade Ramsdell, Kansas Department of Health and Environment

• Lauren Fitzgerald, Kansas Common Sense

• Melissa Deister, Refinery Medical Aesthetics

• Natasha Gunn, Security Benefit

• Sasha Klaurens, Beacon Events

• Wrylie Guffey, Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center

Topeka’s Top 20 Under 40 recognizes individuals for their commitment and contributions both professionally and personally. The annual program also supports the Jayhawk Area Council, Scouting America, and its youth development programs throughout its 11-county Northeast Kansas service area.