CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Honorees of the 2020 Wood Industry 40 Under 40 have been announced by Woodworking Network. This year marks the fifth annual awarding of the 40 Under 40, which celebrates the next generation of industry professionals who are making an impact on wood products manufacturing in North America.

Those selected are considered by their peers to be innovators, achievers – and even disruptors – who demonstrate excellence in the categories of: productivity, profitability, social good, ingenuity, peer inspiration, product development, organizational leadership, or another area. More than 140 submissions on behalf of approximately 120 individuals were received and evaluated by a team of six Woodworking Network editors.

"It's always difficult to select the best of the best when it comes to judging the 40 under 40 nominees. In addition to building successful businesses and careers, the Class of 2020 was rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic, the biggest challenge most of us have ever faced," said Harry Urban, publisher. "I applaud this year's honorees for their ability to keep their companies moving forward in the toughest of times while dedicating themselves to their communities and public causes. These are outstanding women and men who paint a bright future for our industry."

Update: View a slideshow of the 2020 Wood Industry 40 Under 40 honorees

"In our fifth year of celebrating the career paths of the best and brightest young leaders in the wood products manufacturing industry, we couldn’t be more pleased with the roster of nominees for this year’s distinction," said Tim Fixmer, CEO of CCI Media, the parent of Woodworking Network. "There were so many nominations enthusiastically placed for the 2020 group that we could easily have changed the name of the list to the '120 Under 40.' What impressed us the most was how each one of the nominees represents outstanding performance in their fields, and collectively, they comprise our industry." 

Added Fixmer, "This years’ honorees join an alumni class of 160 stellar performers who have shared this distinction in the past, and each of whom makes us all proud to serve this dynamic marketplace we call our industry. Their contributions to the companies and organizations make us all stronger. Hats off to the 40 Under 40 Class of 2020."

Those named to the 40 Under 40 Class of 2020 are (in alphabetical order):

Honorees will be recognized at a virtual reception to be held Aug. 26, and also will be featured in the special FDMC October Leadership print and digital issues. The 2020 40 Under 40 Award program is sponsored by Timber Products Co. and Hexagon Production Software: Cabinet Vision and Alphacam.

Plaques for the 2020 Wood Industry 40 Under 40 are being provided by Epilog Laser.

Entries to this year's 40 Under 40 were solicited at WoodworkingNetwork.com, through banner ads, eblast promotions and via social media. The 2020 class joins an elite group of honorees from 2019, 2018,  2017, and those recognized in 2016.

For more information on the 40 Under 40 award program, contact Karen Koenig at [email protected].