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
Event Date
Details Coming Soon
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and benefits please contact your account manager or email at [email protected]
For other questions, please contact Mandy Loyet [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-Chubbuck 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
EVENT ISSUE ARCHIVE

PAST HONOREES
—– Select A Year —–
2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011
HONOREE VIDEO INTERVIEWS
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2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
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.

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