Top 10 Under 40

Shining examples of young, community-minded servant leaders

BY MEGAN FURST

PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE PETKOV

Greater Lafayette Young Professionals, formerly Tippy Connect, recognizes and celebrates young professionals each year who make a difference in the Greater Lafayette community. The Top 10 Under 40 award winners are shining examples of individuals who share creativity, vision and passion for the community where they live and work.

Dating back to 2007, the awards begin each fall with an open invitation to the community to submit nominations of young professionals under 40 years old deserving of the honor.

A selection committee made up of individuals representing Greater Lafayette Commerce, Greater Lafayette Young Professionals, the business community and past winners, reviews the nominees. Winners are chosen based on high scores from the following areas: servant leadership, community involvement and excellence in professional development.

“Our winners have always included exceptional individuals,” says Shelby White, content marketing specialist for Greater Lafayette Commerce and co-chair of the Top 10 Under 40 selection committee. “Past recipients include community and industry leaders such as Jacqueline Chosnek, Erin Easter, Jen Edwards, Tetia Lee, Julie Hendon and Andy Gutwein. So, the bar is and always has been set high for our winners.”

Once selected, the winners are notified and invited to attend the Greater Lafayette Commerce Annual Celebration. The 2022 winners were recognized at the event in October.

“It was incredible to see what people have accomplished in their careers at such a young age. We had CEOs, young people managing recovery programs, running nonprofits that feed and clothe families, and companies creating jobs,” White says. “And it was great to see their genuine surprise and appreciation at winning the award, because that’s not something that happens every day.”

Here’s a brief introduction to the 2022 winners.

Alex Johnston

Facility Planning & Sales, Titan Construction & Engineering Services

With his background in construction and strong faith, Johnston serves his community through his work, church, student athletes and neighbors. He’s always willing to help, plan and serve others. Johnston earned his bachelor’s degree in technology resource management from Southern Illinois University.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?

Don’t allow yourself to stop learning and growing. Continuing to grow presents opportunities for humility, leadership, open communication and relationship building. When we become stagnant in our knowledge is the moment others pass us by. Allow yourself to learn and grow.

What do the next 10 years look like for you?

Working in such a well-established company like Titan Construction and Engineering Services, there is not a lot of turnover. I see opportunities within the next 10 years to grow our client relationships and pursue new project opportunities.

As for me, Titan will be home for a long time. This company is a great fit for my family and me. The relationships I have come to hold dear to my heart are ones I wouldn’t trade for the world. As for growth in my community, Lord willing, I will continue to hone my skills as a servant leader and find ways to better educate our youth about the opportunities in the construction trades.

What is the best part about working and living in Greater Lafayette?

Growing up in a small town, Lafayette seemed like a big city when I first moved here. I have learned that big cities can still have that small-town feel when you have the motivation to network with others, get to know and love your neighbors and, most importantly, get involved in a local church.

Lafayette has opportunities for every age and ability. Our community is full of passion and growth, whether recreationally, professionally or socially. I love my city and couldn’t imagine raising my family anywhere else.

Jennifer Million

Chief Operating Officer, United Way of Greater Lafayette

Million has served the community through various roles with the United Way of Greater Lafayette since 2010. She started with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and was recently promoted to chief operating officer. Million earned a bachelor’s degree in public financial management from Indiana University and an M.S. in accounting from DeVry University.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?

Find a career that you are passionate about, and it will motivate you to be your best. There is a lot of talk about finding a work-life balance, but the reality is that work is a part of life, a big part of it for many people. If you’re going to have to be away from your families to make a living, why not spend that time doing something you love and that you find fulfilling and doesn’t just feel like work?

I never knew I needed to spend my career giving back to our community. Yet, after spending the last 12 years doing precisely that, I can’t imagine doing anything else. I know that it isn’t that simple for everyone, and I also know how fortunate I am that I stumbled into a career that is fulfilling both personally and professionally. I would love for everyone to find that for themselves, too.

What do the next 10 years look like for you?

While I don’t know where I’ll be in the next 10 years, I hope to continue to make a significant impact in my community, helping to improve the lives of others. I have been blessed to develop and grow in a career that I love, and I hope that I have the opportunity to continue to build upon that in the future.

What is the best part about working and living in Greater Lafayette?

There are so many wonderful things about Greater Lafayette — it’s hard to settle on just one best part. I love most the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with many different people in our community: from community partners and business leaders to volunteers. The people in this community are what make it such a great place to live and work.

Tracy Fuller

Executive Director, Hanna Community Center Director, Indiana Minority Health Coalition of Tippecanoe County

With a background in programming, event management, sponsorship, fundraising and sales, Fuller leads with passion and experience, serving as a voice and advocate for those in need. She earned a bachelor’s degree in media arts and animation from the Illinois Institute of Art and an M.S. in sports management and recreation from Indiana State University.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?

The most valuable lesson I have learned in my career is that to make a change affecting those in the community you serve, you have to be the change. After all, there can be multiple solutions to fix a need, and the more information you have, you can decide to implement a change.

What do the next 10 years look like for you?

In the next 10 years, I will grow both personally and professionally. I will continue to serve the community that is Greater Lafayette through advocacy, programming, fundraising, grants and donation security. I hope to remain in the non-profit industry and would be blessed to be CEO one day.

What is the best part about working and living in Greater Lafayette?

The best part of working in Greater Lafayette is that you get to interact with those that you serve. You see the difference in their lives because of what you helped accomplish, which is absolutely priceless.

Timothy Atwater

Midwest Area Post Collections Manager, Republic Services

Atwater believes in servant leadership and strives to leave his community in better shape for the future. He is a 13-year U.S. Navy veteran and serves as the site coordinator for the VA Medical Centers in Chicago and Indianapolis, including their associated VA Clinics in Lafayette and West Lafayette. Atwater earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, a B.A.S. in sustainability management from St. Petersburg College and an M.B.A. from Texas A&M University.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?

The most valuable lesson I have learned in my career is that complacency is an illness in the professional world. To succeed continuously, you must learn, change and adapt constantly. This is not to say that you shouldn’t have a good work/life balance — because you absolutely should. But if you manage your time wisely, you can be highly successful personally and professionally.

What do the next 10 years look like for you?

In the next 10 years, I see myself in a high-level corporate role. I am in a mid-level corporate position currently, but in 10 years I think I can reach executive status if I keep working hard and continue to be an invaluable asset to my company. This is obviously a stretch goal I have set for myself. That said, I am in no rush to get there and enjoy the climb to the top one step at a time.

What is the best part about working and living in Greater Lafayette?

The best part about living in Greater Lafayette is the heightened sense of community. I have lived in many different cities and towns across the country, and Lafayette ranks number one to me in mass community involvement and outreach. It’s a small town with a big heart. The city keeps the community close by having different festivals, parades and events throughout the year. Living in Lafayette will give anyone a sense of “home,” whether they are from the town initially or are a transplant like me.

Tristen Comegys

Chief Executive Officer, Bauer Family Resources

Aside from her leadership position at Bauer Family Resources, Comegys serves others in numerous ways, including tackling homelessness, food insecurity and promoting early childhood development. She is a United Way volunteer and a board member for the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, Healthy Communities for Clinton County, Highland Heights Foundation and Clinton County Chamber of Commerce. Before leading Bauer Family Resources, Comegys was the chief executive officer for Clinton County Family YMCA. Comegys earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and advertising from Purdue University Northwest.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?

The most valuable lesson I have learned in my career so far is to ask the silly questions. I became a nonprofit CEO at 28 with limited leadership and business management experience, and I quickly discovered that I had a lot to learn. I overcame the challenges I faced by asking questions to the experts around me. Looking back, many of those questions probably appeared novice to that expert; however, their insight allowed me to gain a better understanding and knowledge base more quickly. You can’t be afraid to be vulnerable when you don’t have the answer because it prevents you from getting the solution to help overcome something.

What do the next 10 years look like for you?

Within the next 10 years, I plan to earn my master’s degree in organizational leadership and design with the future goal of teaching at a university. Regardless of my career’s direction, I plan to continue serving the community as a leader, volunteer and donor.

What is the best part about working and living in Greater Lafayette?

The best part about working in Greater Lafayette is the extensive network of leaders and resources we have access to. Additionally, the best part of living in Greater Lafayette is the amenities: parks, downtown and easy access to neighboring communities.

Rebecca Jones Laughner

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, State of Indiana Owner, Eclectic Beauty + Fashion Founder, Ladies Lunch Network

Since age 12, Jones has been a community activist, empowering and helping others. Jones has served in leadership roles for Greater Lafayette Young Professionals, Tippecanoe Arts Federation, Purdue Extension Community Action Program and Pride Lafayette. She also founded the Ladies Lunch Network in 2022, a grassroots organization with more than 450 members to connect women in Greater Lafayette. Jones has an A.S. in liberal arts and early childhood education, a bachelor’s degree in human services and M.S. in management and organizational leadership.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned throughout my career is that failure is an essential part of growth and success. Mistakes are inevitable, but it’s important to learn from them, adapt and keep moving forward.

Taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone are essential to achieve your goals. Being open to feedback, continuously learning, and developing your skills are crucial growth mechanisms in any field. These skills help with professional and personal growth and lay a foundation for future connections, as they are the core requirements for constructing insight and experience.

What do the next 10 years look like for you?

Looking back over the last 10 years, I barely recognize myself in the growth I’ve encountered. I can imagine the next 10 years being similar. I am a huge proponent of community-centric programming and know that it is inevitable that I will land somewhere where I can continue to build on this passion.

Over the course of my career, I have realized that the broad spectrum of work is supported by niche positions laser-focused on a specific development. Using this understanding, I would like to continue to dig out my niche in programming and development to support the topics I have become undeniably passionate about — including young professionals, women empowerment and community engagement.

Looking back in 10 years, I hope that I am still supported by my work and community in locating and developing these opportunities in impactful ways.

What is the best part about working and living in Greater Lafayette?

One of the best parts of living in Greater Lafayette is the strong sense of community and the welcoming approach to new ideas and innovation. Opportunities, large or small, are meant to thrive here. It’s easy to feel like you’re in a small town — and the connections made truly reflect that.

It is impossible to have a small circle when it’s so easy to know everyone — and equally easy to cheer them on while celebrating their wins. I often say that I moved here for the opportunities and stayed for the community. It is a great place to live and work for those who want to grow their network, future and themselves.

Karissa Mooney

Financial Advisor, Edward Jones

Mooney has worked as a financial advisor at Edward Jones for more than 10 years. With a lifelong passion for helping others, she prides herself on serving as a partner and mentor to her clients through empathy, strategy and dedication.

Mooney is an active member of the Rotary Club of Lafayette, the Association of Women Business Owners and 100+ Women Who Care. She also serves on the development committee for the Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette and is a member of their Gold Key Advisors.

Mooney earned her A.S. and A.A. at Rend Lake College and her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance at Truman State University.

(Mooney's responses were not available at press time.)

Nathan Hedrick

President & Owner, PQ Talent Chief Financial Officer, Main Street MFG

After working in corporate positions, Hedrick decided to focus his energy and passion on helping others find a career. He has started four successful businesses, including PQ Talent, Hoosiers at Home, Card Payment Solutions and Main Street MFG. Since 2015, Hedrick’s companies have employed more than 150 people. He also serves on the board of directors for Leadership Lafayette and is heavily involved with their events and mission. Hedrick earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural and biological engineering from Purdue University.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?

We’ve been paying people for their hands for years, yet they would give us their hearts if we only asked. The tremendous responsibility of having employees is prioritizing people-centric leadership. We are responsible for being good stewards to help each employee be the best they can be. The impact of validating the worth of everyone on our team while still being focused on a common goal and a sense of fulfillment is invaluable. If our employees can go home feeling better about themselves, it can profoundly impact home life so they can be better husbands, wives, brothers and sisters.

What do the next 10 years look like for you?

In the next 10 years, I’ll hopefully still be making an impact locally, building great people and allowing them to have great families through current or new business, raising the level of our local economy.

What is the best part about working and living in Greater Lafayette?

We have a great community with employers actively involved in making the area a better place to live and raise a family.

Drew Smith

Owner, Smith IV Group | Marketing Manager, National Alliance on Mental Illness, West Central Indiana (NAMI WCI)

Smith leads area organizations in networking, relationship-building and public relations through the Smith IV Group. He facilitates open communication and collaboration to help build a more developed workforce and volunteer pool. Smith also serves in various volunteer positions for Greater Lafayette Young Professionals, Rotary Club Satellite and the Tippecanoe County Health Department. A graduate of Harrison College and Ivy Tech Community College, Smith served as an E4 specialist in the U.S. Army from 2008 to 2017.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is patience. It’s still something I’m learning and will be a lifelong lesson.

What do the next 10 years look like for you?

The next 10 years look like more networking and connecting with businesses and community members. I hope to help the city find its identity as we continue growing. Greater Lafayette is my home, and I plan on residing here for the long run.

What is the best part about working and living in Greater Lafayette?

The people are by far the best part of Greater Lafayette. As cheesy as it sounds, I truly believe Greater Lafayette can be the catalyst of change for Indiana.

Nathaniel Metz

CEO and Owner, Phoenix Paramedic Solutions President, Indiana EMS Association Executive Director, EMERG

With a long list of community charity events and initiatives behind his name, Metz has been leading by example for other young professionals for several years. He was the youngest EMS director in the state when he accepted his first leadership position, and he hasn’t slowed down since. Metz studied education, psychology and sociology at Purdue University, health sciences and nursing at Ivy Tech Community College and paramedicine at St. Elizabeth School of Nursing.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?

Little things, missteps or improvements add up to big things down the road. Patience is essential when you are building anything of impact. Whether it be your organization’s culture, building professional skills and capabilities in yourself or others, building your company or an impactful initiative ... all require patience.

Have an infinite mindset. There will never be a finish line, so stop running full speed toward one. My journey has shown me that patience is key. With patience, you also need perseverance because only some people want to see you succeed; not everyone can see your vision, nor have they seen the trajectory of where you came from.

I have found strength and perseverance within my team and peers. That can only come when you build trust by being authentic and vulnerable. So be you, be patient in your vision for your future, follow your heart, be humble, be hungry and be smart. Nothing of impact is done without the collaboration of others, so while the journey is yours… remember, this is a team game.

What do the next 10 years look like for you?

Honestly, I have no idea where I’ll be in the next 10 years. That’s not to say that I haven’t thought about it strategically and built plans and proformas for where I plan on taking myself or my organization. I have and often do.

That being said, I put less weight on those these days, as I have found that if you follow a mission based on a set of core values that can be directed toward projects that fulfill you, doors will open, which will lead you in directions you never thought of. If you stick too closely to a rigid plan, you fall victim to your own cognitive bias and may not evolve.

So where will I be in 10 years? Perhaps only the good Lord knows, but I hope to still follow my passion for helping others in any way I can.

What is the best part about working and living in Greater Lafayette?

I came to the area to study at Purdue University and moved to Battle Ground shortly after. There is just simply too much to say about the community. The level of collaboration between organizations for our community’s greater good is very special.

The way the community comes together in times of need also is very humbling. I have thousands of examples of this, but one I recall occurred after my wife and I lost everything in a serious house fire several years ago. We escaped with our lives but nothing else. In less than 24 hours, our community had us clothed, fed and supported.

Our local garden club dug up plants that would have normally gotten destroyed during demolition and took care of them until we could rebuild. Our community is compassionate, “wicked smart,” creative and full of hard workers. I love it. ★