UToledo Celebrates “20 Under 40” Honorees
The University of Toledo is celebrating instructor Daniel Pfaltzgraf and six of its alumni who were recently named to the annual “20 Under 40” list recognizing young leaders in the Toledo area.
Pfaltzgraf, an instructor in the John B.and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation, is also the lead author of the 20th edition of the “Contemporary Business” textbook. His professional experience includes large-scale transformation initiatives with major corporations like Hilton, Verizon, and American Airlines. He also serves as the on-field and in-arena host for the Toledo Mud Hens and Walleye.
A UToledo alumnus himself, Pfaltzgraf earned both his bachelor’s degree in business administration (2015) and his master of business administration degree (2020) from the College of Business and Innovation. He expressed his gratitude for the University’s role in his advancement, stating, “The University of Toledo helped me shape both my thinking and purpose.” He added, “My success is a reflection of the investment in me from so many people.”
Joining Pfaltzgraf on the “20 under 40” list are the following UToledo graduates:
* Rebecca Bennett (BBA, Finance, 2012): Executive Director of the Oregon Economic Development Foundation, overseeing over $1.5 billion in active development projects, including a $1 billion data center.
* Mahjida Berryman (BA, Interdisciplinary Studies, University College, 2013): Supervisor of Injury Prevention at the Toledo-Lucas county Health Department, and recipient of the Syringe Services Program of the Year Award.
* Ebony Carter (BBA, Finance, 2015): Vice President of Minority Business Services at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, and a 2025 YWCA Milestone “Women on the Rise” Award recipient, also named one of Toledo’s 100 Most Powerful Black Leaders.
* Keenen Fisher (BBA, Organization Leadership and Management, 2016): A mission-driven leader who spearheaded the Alpha Beautillion program, recognized with a mayoral proclamation for its community impact.
* Chris Kaspar (BBA, Accounting, 2011): Chief Financial Officer at Rudolph Libbe Inc., becoming the company’s youngest CFO at age 36.
* Michael Miller (BA, Adolescent and Young Adult Education, Judith Herb College of Arts, Social sciences and Education, 2013): President and CEO of KWIK Parking, rising from a part-time employee to lead the company.
Pfaltzgraf emphasized the importance of community and the University’s role in fostering success, saying, ”It’s ‘Wholly Toledo’ – it’s the people, the grit, the generosity…that radiates and lifts us up.” He concluded, “Let’s keep inspiring people and personalities – and the Glass City – to shine.”
