SHREVEPORT, Louisiana – Each year, the Greater Shreveport Chamber’s Young Professional Initiative (YPI) recognizes forty of the region’s most dynamic and influential young professionals. The “40 Under Forty” accolade, now in its 2023 iteration, celebrates individuals under the age of forty who have made significant contributions in various sectors, including business, politics, and public service. This prestigious recognition not only highlights their current achievements but also signals their potential as future leaders.
The 2023 “40 Under Forty” class, selected in collaboration with the 318Forum, features an array of talented professionals. Dr. Timothy Magner, president of the Greater Shreveport Chamber, expressed admiration for this year’s honorees, noting their vital role in invigorating the community. The selection process culminates in a gala event in December, where these young leaders are formally celebrated.
Among this distinguished group, one individual is chosen as the “Young Professional of the Year,” a title that honors the most exemplary member of the class. Sara Nelms, the 40 Under Forty Chair, lauded the 2023 class for their exceptional qualities and expressed excitement for the upcoming gala on December 1st.
The 2023 class is characterized by its diversity and breadth of expertise. It includes KaDavien Baylor, a public artist, and Liz Buhler, a marketing coordinator, to Dr. Kirandeep Chahal, a physician at the Willis Knighton Health System, and Kelli Cole, an entrepreneur and owner of Good Granoly. The list continues with professionals from various sectors, such as Cory Craig, a music educator and saxophonist, and Shocker Creal, the Chief Technology Officer for the City of Shreveport. The complete list of the members of the 2023 class is as follows:
- KaDavien Baylor: Public Artist
- Liz Buhler: Marketing Coordinator
- Jeremy Burge: Chief Operations Officer, Louisiana Truck Stop and Gaming
- Dr. Kirandeep Chahal: Physician, Willis Knighton Health System
- Kelli Cole: Owner, Good Granoly
- Cory Craig: Music Educator and Saxophonist
- Shocker Creal: Chief Technology Officer, City of Shreveport
- Krystal Critton: Program Director, Junior Achievement of North Louisiana
- Krysta Cyr: Director of Human Resources, Red Ball Oxygen
- Meagan Davis: Business Analyst, Centerpoint Energy
- Biskie Duncan: Evening Anchor, KSLA News 12
- Lakeisha Florence: Program Administrator, Providence House
- Christena Francis: Middle School Teacher and Jewelry Designer
- Wanda Gertin: CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ally Real Estate
- Bridgetta Giles: Clinical Sexologist
- Lariana Graham-Taylor: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Tamika Hayden: Accounting Coordinator, LSUS
- Dr. Ryan Jacobsen: Program Manager, Veterans Affairs
- Rodney Johnson: Corporate Credit Manager, McElroy Metal
- Erin Johnston: Owner, Healing Minds Therapy Practice
- Dr. Jimmy Jones Jr.: CEO, Axom Development
- Rodjerick Larry: Engineering Manager, Alloy Piping Products
- Dr. Shawn McNeil: Physician, LSU Health Shreveport
- Paige Melton: Associate Director of Communications, United Way of NWLA
- Lucas Morgan: Director of Athletics, LSUS
- Matt Oates: Professional at Home Federal Bank
- Corrie Parker: Assistant Director of Habilitation, Holy Angels Residential Facility
- Dr. Sierra Pollock-Durov: Veterinarian, Medical Director at University Veterinary Hospital
- Thomas Pressly: Attorney and Public Servant
- Dr. Krista Queen: Director of Viral Genomics and Surveillance, LSU Health Shreveport
- Allison Richardson: TBRI® Program Case Manager, Volunteers for Youth Justice
- Jason Shidiskis: HR and Recruiting Coordinator, Praeses
- Matt Stephens: Owner, Willow Chute Financial
- LaToria Stewart: Principal, Broadmoor Stem Academy
- Nikura Tucker: Family Nurse Practitioner
- Brittany Willis: Chemist and Business Owner
These individuals were nominated for their achievements and contributions in their respective fields, making a significant impact in their community.
The “40 Under Forty” initiative offers more than just recognition; it fosters a network of emerging leaders poised to shape the future of Shreveport. Through their varied contributions in business, public service, and community engagement, these young professionals embody the spirit of innovation and commitment essential for community growth and development. Their recognition serves as an inspiration to others and a testament to the vibrant potential within Shreveport’s younger generations.
