3 receive 20 Under 40 awards

FINDLAY — Shayna Lynn Pothast, a development officer and part-time faculty member at the University of Findlay, Findlay native Daniel Pfaltzgraf, program lead for innovation design for financial and insurance company Nationwide, and Jessica Hinks of Findlay's Hixon Zuercher Capital Management were among the recipients of this year's 20 Under 40 Toledo leadership awards. Pothast is a passionate educator, public servant and community leader who made history as the first female firefighter in her local department. She earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, conducting original research on autism and the environment, while also advocating internationally through A Child Lives in Uganda, supporting women and children in education, leadership and faith-based development. Pfaltzgraf, who resides in Toledo, is part of Nationwide's innovation team, where he helps bring new digital products and experiences to life. This work has earned national recognition and U.S. patents for its impact and creativity. He also serves as a Professor of Practice in the University of Toledo's College of Business and Innovation and is the lead author of "Contemporary Business" (Wiley) and its Canadian edition, textbooks used in more than 150 universities across North America. Previously, he worked with global brands including Hilton, Verizon and American Airlines on large-scale transformation initiatives through his role at Root Inc., now part of Accenture. Pfaltzgraf also serves as the on-field and in-arena host for the Toledo Mud Hens and Walleye. Hinks is a senior wealth advisor and certified financial planner at Hixon Zuercher Capital Management in Findlay. She is the sole author of TheEverydayAdvisor.com blog, and is a regular guest on The Wealth Mindset Show podcast, where she works to make financial strategies and tips easy to understand for everyday people. She started her finance career in Dayton, before moving to Findlay and joining Hixon Zuercher in 2019. Hinks' primary focus is making finance down-to-earth for clients. At just 30-years-old, Hinks was promoted to senior wealth advisor, a milestone that reflects expertise, leadership, and ability to inspire confidence in others. Each year since 1996, 20 young community leaders from Northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan have received this award, which recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in their careers and/or in the community. "In addition to honoring the recipients, the program is intended to help motivate young people throughout our area to become community leaders," states the 20 Under 40 Toledo website. Each spring, the organization solicits nominations for potential candidates, who are then asked to submit a profile. An independent panel of judges, including past honorees and community leaders, then selects 20 leaders from among the nominees to receive the award at a fall recognition program. At least two other Findlay individuals were also nominated for the award. Kayla Hackworth is a healthcare commercial relationship service specialist at Huntington National Bank. Maggie Morehart is assistant director of the Center for Career and Professional Development at the University of Findlay.