Through its sponsorship of Alaska’s Top Forty Under 40, the Alaska Journal of Commerce since 1998 has recognized the state’s top professionals younger than 40 who have demonstrated excellence in their field and displayed a commitment to their community.

Every year, nominations are open from September through February for individuals who fit the criteria. Nominations consist of responses to various questions pertaining to the individual's success in their careers and dedication to their community, as well as submission of letters of support.

A committee spends two weeks reading through hundreds of nominations that include upward of 500 submitted pages. Each committee member then scores the nominations, and the top 40 scoring nominations are selected for that year's Top Forty Under 40 class. These top 40 professionals are notified and photographed to be honored in a commemorative magazine and at a special evening celebration.

If you would like more information regarding the Top Forty Under 40, contact topforty@alaskajournal.com.

Find a list of previous winners here.

For the first time, we are excited to introduce the Distinguished Alumni Award as part of the Top Forty Under 40 program. This special recognition honors previous Top Forty Under 40 honorees who have continued to make significant contributions to their professions and communities. Eligible nominees must reside in Alaska and be over the age of 40 as of January 1, 2025. Nominate a Top Forty Under 40 Distinguished Alumni today.