The Young Professionals Initiative of Northwest Louisiana, a program of the Greater Shreveport Chamber, is pleased to name Jonathan Wheelis as the recipient of the 2024 Young Professional of the Year Award. The award was presented at the 18th Annual 40 Under Forty Awards and Gala held at Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino on Friday, December 6, 2024.
Jonathan Wheelis is a licensed professional engineer with deep expertise in the natural gas industry. He serves as Operations Manager for Expand Energy Corporation. Mr. Wheelis has a demonstrated track record of successfully leading teams in designing and optimizing processes to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability. A proud industry leader, Mr. Wheelis, strives to educate the community on the importance of sound energy policy, demonstrating how the industry improves the lives of consumers locally, statewide, and across the globe. In recognition of his commitment, Mr. Wheelis was invited by Speaker Mike Johnson to represent energy workers at the State of the Union Address earlier this year. Outside of work, he is a devoted husband and father of two and is passionate about mentoring young engineers and staying up to date with industry advancements.
“We are pleased to recognize Jonathan Wheelis as the YPI Young Professional of the Year,” said Dr. Tim Magner, President of the Greater Shreveport Chamber. “Jonathan is a standout member of this exceptional class of recipients. With young professionals like Jonathan making their way into leadership positions in our community, the future of Shreveport-Bossier is in good hands.”
The 40 Under Forty Awards honor forty professionals under the age of 40 that have excelled in their careers, education, professional development, community leadership, and volunteer efforts. One honoree is chosen out of the 40 to receive the Young Professional of the Year Award for exemplary efforts in each category.
The 2024 40 Under Forty honorees are:
Madeline Barclay – LSU Health Shreveport
Faron Blaney – Sagacity Solutions LLC
Hannah Bourque – Bonvenu Bank
Kasey Brown – Hancock Whitney Bank
Victoria Charles – Victory Heartsaver Academy
Kalli Combs – Social Pal Kal
Alexandria Coner – KSLA News 12
Marcus Dawson – Action Mobility Services
Matthew Dixon – Shreveport Police Department
Kristina Douglas – City of Shreveport- Office of the City Attorney
Drayden Dunn – Envision Media & Marketing
Raavin Evans – United Way of Northwest Louisiana
Megan Flavin – LSU Health Shreveport – School of Allied Health
Talicia Gaskin – Brentwood Hospital
Jessica Hall – Northwestern State University Child & Family Network
Anjelica Hart – Southern University at Shreveport
Matthew Hefner – Willis Knighton Health
Ida Henderson – Henderson Construction Services, Inc
Kysianna James – Department of Defense
Craig Johnson – Lifeologie Counseling Agency
Garrett Johnson – Community Foundation of North Louisiana
Spencer Lamb – Heard, McElroy & Vestal, LLC
Matthew Lee – Bradley Murchison Kelly & Shea
Michelle Lindholm – Caddo Career & Technology Center (Caddo Parish School Board)
Kyle Loyd – The Colony House of Flowers
Thomas Jacob Maddox – Benton Fire District #4
Kanya Michelle – Shreveport Biscuit Company / Local Market on Line Ave
Exzavia Mitchell – Shreveport Regional Arts Council
Angela Myles – Louisiana State University Shreveport
Mary Oates – House of Carpets and Lighting
Nick Oliver – Regions Bank
Jordan Pearson – Forte & Tablada, Inc.
Whittney Polley – The Providence House
Laurie Priftis – LSU Health Sciences Foundation
Deborah Smith – Louisiana State University Health Science Shreveport
Michelle Sorrells – Charter Schools USA – Louisiana, Magnolia School of Excellence
Emily Watkins – Pediatric Therapy Partners
Jonathan Wheelis – Expand Energy
Jacinda White – Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office
Allison Youngblood – Seeds in Action Community Health Care, Inc.