Each year, Arkansas Business puts the spotlight on talented young leaders in Arkansas’ business and nonprofit community. Each “20 in Their Twenties” class is chosen by an internal committee reviewing more than 300 nominations with an eye toward accomplishments, responsibilities and people clearly ahead of their time. Arkansas Business is proud to present “The New Influentials: 20 in Their Twenties.” There is no recognition event for the program.

The 2026 New Influentials: 20 in Their Twenties will be featured in a September issue of Arkansas Business. 

Class of 2025

MacKenzie Allison, Process Mechanical Team Leader, Garver

Keaton Beasley, Financial Center Manager, Simmons Bank

Matthew Brashear, Director of Finance, Delta Dental of Arkansas

Nick Burkes, CPA, OZK Accounting Consulting

Jagriti Chouhan, Graduate School HEI Program Coordinator, ASU

Christian Crain, VP of Operations, Crain Automotive

Bailey Eads, Treasury Services Sales Specialist, Farmers Bank & Trust

Olivia Heritage, Senior Marketing Associate, Tempus Realty Partners

Cole Jester, Secretary of State, State of Arkansas

Ben King, Business Consultant, SAU Arkansas Small Bus. and Tech. Center

Lacey LaBee, Senior Chemist, ECCI

Michael Leiterman, Project Manager, Kinco Constructors

Trinity Lopez, Director of Operations, Ingen Software

Shawna Martin, Assistant Sales Manager, SERVPRO of Little Rock

Chandler Perry, Parcel Application & Special Project Engineer, Hytrol

Hunter Strong, Sales Manager, FirstTrust Home Loans

Cole Swede, Partner, Sterling Seacrest Pritchard

Lauren Weaver, Founder & Partner, UpSkillery

Emily Whillock, Interior Designer, Evo Business Environments

Amanda White, Senior Technical Project Manager-Cybersecurity, Walmart

Qualifications

The individual must meet the following conditions:

• Be under 30 years old on Sept. 1, 2026.
• Not have been a previous honoree;
• Have made an impact on his or her company or community; and
• Show the potential to be a leader in business or politics.
• Completed nomination form with in-depth information regarding the nominee’s achievements and involvement within the community. (i.e. he/she is great and deserves this award is not sufficient)
• We also accept letter of recommendations along with each nomination

For questions contact:

Caitlyn Robbins, Events Lead at CRobbins@abpg.com or (501) 455-9334.