Annual awards program recognizes 30 young Hoosiers already shaping the next chapter of Indiana’s manufacturing and logistics industries

INDIANAPOLIS (May 4, 2026) — Conexus Indiana today announced its sixth annual Rising 30 class, honoring 30 young professionals who are already leaving their mark on Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics (AML) industries.

Presented by Katz, Sapper & Miller (KSM), the Rising 30 program spotlights Hoosiers 30 years old and younger whose early-career contributions demonstrate the depth of talent driving Indiana’s largest industry sector forward. Each honoree was nominated by an employer or industry representative and selected based on professional accomplishments and demonstrated impact.

“Recognizing emerging talent is one of the most important investments we can make in Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics community. The Rising 30 class never fails to remind us of the depth of talent that exists across this state, and this year’s cohort is no exception,” said Jordan Mayer, partner in KSM’s Manufacturing & Distribution Services Group.

The 2026 cohort reflects the true breadth of Indiana’s AML sector. Honorees hold roles spanning quality engineering and controls, supply chain and logistics, finance and business development, materials science and R&D, operations leadership and IT and systems infrastructure. The honorees work for organizations of every size and type—from global automotive manufacturers and life sciences companies to homegrown startups and regional economic development organizations—and they are based in communities across the state. Nine Indiana colleges and universities are represented among this year’s honorees, a reflection of the depth of the state’s talent pipeline.

“Young talent is one of Indiana’s greatest competitive advantages in advanced manufacturing and logistics,” said Jay Wirts, President and CEO of Conexus Indiana. “What makes this class so exciting is what they reflect about the industries themselves. They’re high-tech, sophisticated and constantly evolving. These 30 individuals aren’t waiting to shape the future of Indiana manufacturing. They’re already doing it.”

AML is the backbone of Indiana’s economy, accounting for more than a third of the state’s GDP and employing hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers. Recognizing and developing young talent in the sector through the Rising 30 program is one way Conexus helps to keep that foundation strong.

In the year ahead, Rising 30 honorees will engage with Conexus Indiana’s programming as thought leaders, lending their perspectives on technology adoption, workforce development and the future of Indiana’s manufacturing and logistics industries.

The 2026 Rising 30 class is being recognized this week at an awards reception at the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis.

Eli Albright
IT Infrastructure Specialist
Allegion

Kaya Arnold
Plant Science Lab Technician
anu

Brock Bawel
Quality Engineering Manager
Jasper Engines & Transmissions

Shane Boyd
Director of Finance
Belden

Diego Castillo
Quality Engineer
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana

Dominic Desalvo
Programming Team Lead
Arcamed

Sasha Fry
Market Quality Unit Lead
Honda Indiana Auto Plant

Jack Harrison
Economic Development Specialist and MMA Liaison
One Southern Indiana

Roman Howard
Engineering Student
Eastbrook High School

William Huffman
Business Development Engineer
Photon Automation

Denisse Juarez
Strategy Leader – Global Propulsion Systems
Cummins

Kelley Klein
Shipping Manager
Antique Candle Co.

Desiree Lambert
Quality Assurance Lead
Aegis Sales and Engineering

Kartik Maheshwari
Engineering Project Manager
enFocus Inc.

Ethan Mathis
Quality Control Inspector
MSP Manufacturing

AlyxaKay McKee
Vice President of Operations
SHIELDS Windshields

Pavan Vishnu Kiran Medaramati
Material Science R&D Technician
Plastic Recycling Inc.

Sean O’Dell
Air Service Development Analyst
Indianapolis Airport Authority

Amar Avinash Patil
Quality Assurance Manager
Oscar Winski Company

Philip Rangitsch
Regional Engineering Manager
Martin Marietta

Alex Rapp
Systems and Technology Leader
Venture Logistics

Matthew Rodibaugh
Director of Applied Engineering
Fiber Global

Bella Rubin
Quality Associate Manager
Zimmer Biomet

Chase Sager
Supply Chain Planner
Lippert

Quinn Shanahan
Business Analyst
Polygon Composites

Tyler Sidwell
Co-Founder and Chief of Engineering
Fort Wayne Carbon Fiber

Tyler Smith
Senior Process Consultant – Logistics
Endress + Hauser InfoServe

Valentina Tamayo
Business Operations Manager
Thrive Orthopedics

Brett Walker
Electro-Mechanical Controls Engineer
Allison Transmission

Taylor Young
Production Control Assistant Manager
Toyota Material Handling

To view bios of each honoree, visit https://conexusindiana.com/activate-talent/rising-30-class-of-2026/. Nominations will open for the 2027 class in November.

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About Conexus Indiana

Conexus Indiana, a branded initiative of the CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), is dedicated to advancing the Hoosier State’s position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and logistics. Working closely with industry, academia, and government partners, Conexus Indiana drives workforce development, economic growth, and innovation across the state. For more information, please visit ConexusIndiana.com.