County Executive Coulter Announces Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2026

• Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter today announced the 2026 class of Oakland Together 40 Under 40, recognizing professionals younger than 40 who are having meaningful impact through leadership, innovation and service.
• The 2026 class was revealed with the help of 2025 honoree and sportscaster Brad Galli, who joined the county executive in a special announcement video highlighting this year's winners.
• Now in its 14th year, the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 program celebrates dynamic leaders who live or work in Oakland County and are helping move the region forward.

Pontiac, Mich. - Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, joined by sportscaster and 2025 honoree Brad Galli, announced today the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2026, recognizing 40 emerging leaders who are driving positive change across Oakland County and throughout our region.

This year's class was unveiled in a special video announcement featuring Coulter and 2025 honoree Brad Galli, underscoring the program's growing network of influential leaders and its continued momentum in spotlighting the county's rising talent.

"Each year, this program highlights the very best of our young leaders who are making a difference today and helping to build a stronger future for all of us," Coulter said, "And it shows the incredible depth of talent and innovation that exists across Oakland County."

Selected by a committee of community leaders and county officials, the Class of 2026 includes professionals from a wide range of industries, including business, law, public service, education, nonprofit leadership and the arts. Throughout the year, honorees will participate in events designed to foster collaboration, connection and continued community impact. All live or work in Oakland County.

Complete list of the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2026:

1. Fernando Bales of Pontiac, Chief Product Officer of Citizen Robotics
2. Cescily Barnes of Farmington Hills, Public Health Project Leader for the Detroit Health Department
3. Alexandria Bingham of Waterford, City Clerk for the City of Birmingham
4. Nicholas Blackmond of Grosse Pointe Woods, Quality Improvement Manager at the Dr. Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic in Pontiac
5. Jamar Bray of Southfield, Assistant Economic Vitality Manager for the City of Pontiac
6. Cristia Brockway of Livonia, Economic Development Director for City of Farmington Hills
7. Kimberly S. Buddin of Novi, Senior Policy Counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union
8. Brynn Cooksey of Belleville, Owner of Air Doctors Heating and Cooling and HVAC U in Southfield
9. Bruno Alejandro Olvera Diaz of Detroit, Director of Diversity Supplier Development at Stellantis in Auburn Hills
10. Kanika Ferency of Rochester, Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney at the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office
11. Mike Greene of Royal Oak, City Administrator for the City of Lathrup Village
12. Dr. Reda Jaber of Bloomfield Hills, Director of Enterprise Innovation at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
13. Shweta Kapur, Ph.D., of Troy, Visiting Assistant Professor at Oakland University
14. Ashley Kemp-Watkins of Farmington, Senior Analyst for Workforce, Training and Economic Development at Magna Services of America, Inc.
15. Aaron R. Martinez of Novi, Attorney at the Law Offices of Jason Waechter and Novi City Councilman
16. Amanda May of Madison Heights, Chief Behavioral Health Officer at Honor Community Health
17. Sam Miller of Huntington Woods, Deputy Chief of Investigations for the Michigan Department of Attorney General
18. Emily Mueller of Farmington Hills, Director of Community Investments for United Way for Southeastern Michigan
19. Emad Nawasreh of Bloomfield Hills, CEO of Cyber Firm Solutions
20. Christopher Okoye of Novi, CEO and Founder of Chinedu and Associates, Vice President of ICare Home Help
21. Katie Chaka Parks, Ph.D., of Oakland Township, Director of Education at The Zekelman Holocaust Center
22. Jody Paulan of Waterford, Project Manager/Senior Business Development Analyst for NorthStar Clean Energy
23. Sara Pitchford of Hazel Park, Clinical Mental Health Therapist at Nature's Playhouse
24. Melanie Plank of Brighton, Owner and Instructor of Play and Grow in Milford
25. Gisele Poole of Waterford, Director of Quality & Data at Community Housing Network
26. Monica Rattee of Hazel Park, Bookkeeper/Event Coordinator for Hazel Park Promise Zone
27. Davida Reed of Pontiac, Owner of Divine Twenty Six
28. Judge Kwamé L. Rowe of Pontiac, Judge of the Oakland County Circuit Court
29. Jake Serwer of Bloomfield Hills, Founder & CEO of Espresso Public Relations LLC
30. Paul Shkreli of Lake Orion, Attorney at Shkreli Legal PLLC
31. Andrew Skandalaris of Clarkston, Partner and Founder of Quantum Services Group, an Oakland County-based technology services company
32. Angelina M. Sulaka of Franklin, Attorney and Chief of Court Unit Security Branch for the Administrative Office of the United States Courts
33. Art Thompson III of New Hudson, Chief Information Officer for City of Detroit
34. Raghavender Tummala of South Lyon, EV Safety Subject Matter Expert for General Motors
35. Ashley R. Turner of Highland, Attorney at Patrick and Associates, PLLC
36. Adrian J. Walker of Royal Oak, Regional Manager of Corporate & Government Affairs at DTE
37. Kory Woods of Pontiac, Detroit Lions Beat Reporter for MLive
38. Joann Wrobel of Birmingham, Public Health Nutrition Supervisor at the Oakland County Health Division
39. Chantelle S. Yancy, Ph.D., of Troy, Supervisor of Wellness and Community Engagement at Troy School District
40. Zach Zuchowicz of Waterford, DEI and Community Engagement Coordinator for Oakland County Parks

Highlighted honorees:

Ashley Kemp-Watkins is a dynamic workforce and economic development leader who has built an impressive career at Magna Services of America, Inc., advancing from production roles to a senior analyst position, where she now helps shape strategy across North America. She manages a $54 million incentive portfolio and has secured millions in workforce training investments, directly supporting the upskilling of more than 6,000 employees each year. Known for her ability to bridge industry, government and education, she has cultivated partnerships that expand talent pipelines and strengthen regional economic growth. A certified grant professional and recognized industry voice, she has earned honors including Automotive News Rising Star and regularly shares her expertise at major workforce development forums. Through her leadership, mentorship and commitment to inclusive talent development, Kemp-Watkins is making a lasting impact on both the business community and the future workforce in Michigan.

Aaron Martinez is an accomplished attorney, public servant and community leader who has quickly built a distinguished career spanning law, government, and civic engagement. A cum laude graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, he has successfully litigated complex cases across Michigan, including serving as associate trial counsel on a historic $27.5 million jury verdict and representing more than 12,000 voters in a high-profile constitutional case. In 2025, he made history as the first Latino elected to the Novi City Council, where he now helps shape local policy and infrastructure decisions. Martinez's commitment to public service is further reflected in his work with the Michigan Department of Attorney General, his leadership in professional legal organizations and his longstanding involvement in community and political initiatives. Through his advocacy, leadership and dedication to expanding access to justice and representation, Martinez continues to make a meaningful impact across Oakland County.

Amanda May, a licensed master social worker, is a transformative behavioral health leader whose career has focused on expanding access to quality integrated mental health care across Michigan. As chief behavioral health officer at Honor Community Health, she leads clinical strategy and program development for a federally qualified health center, advancing innovative, evidence-based care for underserved communities. Previously, she held multiple leadership roles at Henry Ford Health, where she helped scale the Collaborative Care Model across more than 50 clinics, launched virtual behavioral health services and drove systemwide improvements in suicide prevention and patient outcomes. Known for building high-performing teams and sustainable care models, she has also developed training programs and clinical frameworks adopted at both the state and national levels. Through her leadership, advocacy and commitment to whole-person care, May is making a profound impact on community health and the future of behavioral health services.

Judge Kwamé L. Rowe is a respected jurist and former prosecutor whose career reflects a deep commitment to justice, public safety and community engagement in Oakland County. Currently serving on the Oakland County Circuit Court, including in the Adult Treatment Court focused on men's mental health and sobriety, he brings a balanced, rehabilitative approach to the bench. Prior to his judicial role, Rowe prosecuted complex cases ranging from narcotics and human trafficking to child welfare, earning recognition for both his legal skill and dedication to protecting vulnerable populations. Beyond the courtroom, he is an active mentor, educator and speaker, guiding aspiring attorneys and engaging young people through outreach programs across the region. Through his service, leadership and advocacy, Rowe continues to strengthen the justice system while making a meaningful and lasting impact on the Pontiac community.

For more information about Oakland Together 40 Under 40, visit OakGov.com/40under40.