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CEO Of Influence Awards
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Event Location
The Idaho Business Review is proud to host CEO of Influence, the special recognition program for talented business and nonprofit leaders throughout our state. We accept nominations from anyone in the community who knows the CEO well and can speak to their experience. Nominators may reach out to the nominee to get the information they need, but they may also nominate anonymously.
Honorees are selected for consistently demonstrating strong leadership, integrity, values, commitment to excellence and diversity. A panel of judges will review nominations for:
• Leadership and vision
• Competitiveness and innovation
• Company history and growth
• Community leadership and service
Save the Date
Thursday May 7, 2026
Boise Centre East
195 S Capitol Blvd
Boise, ID 83702
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and benefits please contact your account manager or email at [email protected]
If you have questions about this awards event, please email Hillary MacArthur [email protected]
2026 Honorees
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-Bannock Chamber of Commerce
Rebecca Hupp, Boise Airport
Nicole Sirak Irwin, American Red Cross of Idaho, Montana and East Oregon
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
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 our 2025 honorees:
Link of Distinction Honoree
Garrett Lofto, CEO of Simplot
2025 CEO of Influence Honorees
Tyler Andrew, The Better Business Bureau Great West and the Pacific
Isaac Belden, Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance
Elaine Clegg, Valley Regional Transit
Ashley Crafton, Galena Innovations
Janeale Dean, Desert Creative Group
Eric Gilbert, Duck Club Enterprises
Rollin Hansen, 208 Properties
Shawnda Huffman, Tuuti
Pat Kelly, Your Health Idaho
Joy Luedtke, Wave Property Management
Alex McCoy, The American Ostrich Company
Mary Peters, Sasquatch Contracting
Ali Rabe, Jesse Tree
Mari Ramos, Idaho Hispanic Foundation, Inc.
Scott Allen Schlange, KeyBank
Megan Schomer, Rays for Rare
Mendy Stanford, Adams County Health Center
Dr. Marlene Tromp, Boise State University
Marie Widmyer, Marmalade
Brenda Worrell, ICCU
Paul Zurlo, Blue Cross of Idaho
EVENT ISSUE ARCHIVE
PAST HONOREES
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HONOREE VIDEO INTERVIEWS
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How can I be considered for the CEO of Influence?
Nominations can be made by anyone, including yourself, to be considered for this award.
To be eligible, nominees must live in or work in Idaho at the time of judging.
Can I win multiple times?
Yes, you can win more than once. If you are nominated a second time you will be considered for the CEO Link of Distinction award.
Can I save the nomination and application forms while working on them?
Unfortunately, you cannot. We suggest filling out the forms in a separate document first or setting aside ample time to complete the forms.
Who are the judges and what are they looking for when selecting the CEO list awards?
A committee selects the honorees based on professional accomplishments, community service, leadership and vision.
Can I buy a table?
Yes, but the tables are limited so please contact [email protected] as soon as possible for more information.
What is the format of the event?
This event is broken down into both a networking reception as well a dinner. The event begins with networking and moves into dinner, followed by an awards program.
Do I have to pay for parking at the venue?
Yes. There are many parking garages near the Boise Centre and parking is available for a fee.
Do winners sit with guests?
Yes, however the only guaranteed seating is through a sponsorship package.
My guest or I has a food allergy or dietary restriction; what do I do?
A vegetarian option is always available. Often the vegetarian meal is gluten and dairy free. If you have food allergy or require a vegetarian meal, please email [email protected] as early as possible.
Do winners have a speaking role?
We invite the honorees to give a short (3 minute maximum) acceptance speech.
Do winners need to purchase a ticket?
No, winners do not need to purchase a ticket, all other attendees must.
Can I buy an ad in the publication?
Yes, advertising space is available to purchase prior to the reservation deadline. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
I am a winner and I need ADA accommodations; what do I do?
Boise Centre is an ADA compliant facility and ramps will be provided to accommodate ADA needs. Please contact [email protected] if needed.
One of my guests needs ADA accommodations; who should I notify?
Please contact [email protected] and we will accommodate anything your guests need.
We offer a full suite of products and services to support your business marketing needs ranging from logo licensing to electronic article reprints to plaques and beyond!
• Leverage positive editorial coverage with official content licensing.
• Electronic reprints of original editorial coverage featuring your company, product, service or industry.
• Plaques, Desktop Awards, etc. are eye popping in high traffic areas, showrooms, trade show exhibits and POP displays.
To learn more about the only official, approved way to get content licensing and reprints, please visit EVG Media.
SPONSORS
Presenting Sponsor
Reception and VIP Reception Sponsor
Red Carpet Sponsor
Supporting Sponsor
Video Sponsor
Nonprofit Spotlight
