Idaho Business Review names 2026 CEO of influence honorees

From small startups to large corporations, business organizations to nonprofits, it takes a different mindset to lead others.

As it has for 16 years, Idaho Business Review has named its CEO of Influence list for 2026.

The CEO of Influence program, in its 16th year, honors business and civic leaders in Idaho throughout various sectors who are working for growth and prosperity. The program’s presenting sponsor for its 16th year is Perkins Coie.

Each year’s honorees are nominated by colleagues, peers, community members and others who feel the nominee deserves to be recognized for his or her dedication to their organization and employees. The list of candidates gets narrowed by an internal IBR committee, which considers each nominee’s track record of leadership, vision, innovation, competitiveness, financial performance and community leadership.

The selected CEOs are honored at the CEO of Influence award ceremony, to be held this year on May 7 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Boise Centre East in downtown Boise. A CEO of Influence VIP reception will be held prior to the event, starting at 5 p.m., and it is open to current and past honorees. This year’s honorees will be featured in a magazine to be distributed at the awards event and then to subscribers on May 8.

“Idaho Business Review has proudly recognized the best the state has to offer for 16 solid years in talent, creativity, leadership and expertise through programs and publications that highlight those unique individuals,” said Cindy Suffa, publisher of IBR. “This year’s list of CEOs represents individuals who are leading successful Idaho companies and organizations throughout many industries, including home improvement, education, agriculture, nonprofit, health care and more.”

This is the fourth year that the program will recognize a past CEO of Influence with the Link of Distinction honor. The inaugural honor was awarded to Tommy Ahlquist of Ball Ventures Ahlquist. After Ahlquist, Chris Taylor, the president and CEO of Fisher’s Technology, received the honor. In 2025, the honor went to Garrett Lofto, CEO of Simplot. For 2026, Rebecca Hupp, executive director of Boise Airport, will be presented with the honor.

This year’s honorees are:

Erin Anderson, Idaho Botanical Garden

Bill Banta, Decked LLC

Ben Davenport, Idaho Mining Association

Erika Ferrozzo, Idaho Urologic Institute

Brandi Hodnett, Deb Williams Insurance

Cherie Hoeger, Saalt, Inc.

Matt Hunter, IOM, Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce

David McFadyen, Saint Alphonsus Health System

Tressa McLaughlin, SOLV

Benjamin R. Merkle, New Saint Andrews College

Rick Naerebout, Idaho Dairymen’s Association

Neil Nelson, Engineered Structures, Inc. (ESI)

Graye Parnell, Graystoke Capital Partners/Fortified Property Management

Mark Russell, Fromley, LLC

Nicole Sirak Irwin, American Red Cross of Idaho, Montana and East Oregon

Ehsan Soltan, Soiltech Wireless

Ashley Squyres, AF Public Solutions

Ryan Warwick, RW Investment Management, LLC

Dr. Alejandro Zamora, Wilder School District

Callie and Jos Zamzow, Zamzows

“Please join us in congratulating the 2026 CEO of Influence honorees,” Suffa said.

Contact Cindy Suffa at [email protected] for more information on sponsorships and magazine advertising.