What do a priest, an infectious disease specialist, five attorneys and a fro-yo magnate have in common? They, along with 32 of their peers, are recognized in this year’s 40 Under 40, an annual survey that showcases the cream of the crop of Oklahoma’s young professionals. From the artistic to the technological, oil and gas executives to design and planning visionaries, these 40 individuals represent infinite reasons to be optimistic about the future of our great state.

In her capacity with the Oklahoma City Chamber, it’s Martin’s responsibility to recruit companies to locate in Oklahoma City. More specifically, she meets with out-of-state and international firms looking to expand into the central U.S. and encourages them to consider a location in Oklahoma City. It’s a far cry from Martin’s first job working on a farm doing odd jobs like driving tractors, mowing fields and painting fences. Her inner farmer still prevails, as she is an avid gardener and loves seeing green space developed in the metro area.

A visual artist and art activist, Lee is best known for his efforts towards creating a racially diverse art community. As the director of Inclusion in Art, he is responsible for creating bridges that unite minority visual artists with organizations that can assist in creative endeavors. He also works with organizations to assist in outreach to underserved minority artists. Diagnosed with narcolepsy, Lee has refused to let the diagnosis slow him down. “… I have health issues, but somehow I find a way. I think those that nominated me (to be a part of 40 Under 40) were people that were familiar with the struggles I have faced but overcame.”? 

McKenzie has worked at the Muskogee Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Muskogee for more than a decade, beginning as a program director and now as the president and CEO. Under McKenzie’s tutelage, the Chamber has received six Redbud Awards from the Oklahoma Travel and Recreation Department and Oklahoma Tourism Industry Association. McKenzie is proud of the work she did in bringing the ESPN Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament to Muskogee in 2010, which resulted in a 30 percent increase in the area’s hotel taxes and a three percent overall sales tax boost.

After graduating from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in architecture, Austin worked for the renowned Pelli Clarke Pelli architectural firm in both the New York and Connecticut offices. She, along with fellow designer Mel Bean, founded Austin Bean in 2012, and the firm has quickly garnered attention for its casual, modern aesthetic that layers sophisticated finishes and functional details. “I prefer to design the entire house,” says Austin, “from the ground up to finishing with accessories on the coffee table. I love getting to know my clients and being able to provide that service.” 

A Philadelphia native, Hoback moved to Oklahoma to attend OSU; her passion for the state has kept her here since. At ConocoPhillips, Hoback is responsible for global recruiting projects, recruiter competency development and advising on the recruitment process on projects. This gal-on-the-go also manages to find time to spend with her family, and in 2012 she served as chair of Tulsa’s Young Professionals. “I was part of many teams that had success in 2012,” she says. “The shared wins were small and big, but some made larger headlines, and the people around me doing a lot of work made me look very good.”

As part of Bliss’ daily work, he sees acute and chronic injuries and illness; to combat the stress, he tries to incorporate humor into daily activities. “Dealing with illness and injury all day can be somber,” he says. “If I can help a patient or staff member smile or laugh, it helps their outlook.” Bliss’ advice to fellow young professionals is to be persistent. “Set short- and long-term goals and stay on track,” he says. “Don’t let small obstacles derail you from obtaining your goals.” As part of his long-term goal, Bliss hopes to promote health awareness and health education throughout the state.  ?

As an attorney and shareholder at Hall Estill, Woolery is often called upon to wear a suit and tie, but he much prefers the relaxation of jeans and a sweatshirt. He also enjoys spending time at his family’s farm in Blaine County perched in trees hunting deer during bow season. When he’s not living off the land, Woolery specializes in representing energy companies in oil, gas and environmental matters. “I not only spend time in the courtroom, but I also am fortunate to spend a great deal of time in the field working with my clients,” he says.  

Winkler has successfully built three marketing departments at both corporate and nonprofit levels. She serves as executive director of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma. “Find out what success really means to you,” she advises young professionals. “As a young professional right out of college, I thought it meant a high-paying job, a nice car and huge house. Over the years I’ve learned that the most important thing to me is being able to go home at the end of the day with the feeling that I’ve made a positive impact, even if just a small one, in someone’s life through my work.”

As an attorney in a relatively small city, Johnson serves as the assistant district attorney for Coal County, responsible for prosecuting felony and misdemeanor crimes and advising the county commissioners in the performance of their duties. Additionally, he serves as the city attorney for the tiny town of Commerce; Johnson also has a private practice in Ada that focuses on business law and civil litigation. In addition to spending time with his growing family, Johnson enjoys coaching baseball and was instrumental in establishing the Oklahoma Baseball Hall of Fame in Mickey Mantle’s hometown.