Introducing the exceptional leaders shaping the future of American business.

The CEO Magazine is proud to announce the 20 finalists for the 2026 Executive of the Year Awards – United States, recognizing an outstanding group of executives whose leadership, vision and achievements are making a significant impact across their organizations and industries.

From driving business growth and transformation to championing innovation, building high-performing teams and navigating complex markets, this year’s finalists represent the exceptional caliber of executive leadership across the United States.

Being named a finalist is a significant achievement – and for these 20 leaders, the journey now moves to the final stage.

Barry C McCarthy
President and CEO, Deluxe Corporation

Brian Sloan
President, TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Chris Schueler
CEO, Cyderes

Clay Savoy
CEO, Mid-State Industrial Maintenance

Dylan Taylor
Chair and CEO, Voyager Technologies

Erin Burke
Founder and CEO, Hansei Solutions

Gregory Smith
CEO and Operating Partner, Pantheon Electric

Khadim Batti
Co-Founder & CEO, Whatfix

Les Hiscoe
CEO, Shawmut Design and Construction

Marc Potter
CEO, Actian

Melissa Krueger
CEO, Classic Vacations

Michael Stivala
President and CEO, Suburban Propane

Pat Leonard
CEO, CorroHealth

Rachel Everett
CEO, Viderity

Ricardo Amper
Founder and CEO, Incode Technologies

Rich Benninghoff
CEO, The Malco Group

Roger Barnett
Chair and CEO, Shaklee

Sheldon Yellen
CEO, BELFOR Property Restoration

Terry Rasmussen
President and CEO, Thrivent Financial

Tiago Paiva
Founder and CEO, Talkdesk

The judges

The 2026 United States finalists were assessed by an accomplished panel of senior business leaders:

Chad Hesters – President and CEO, Boyden
David Humphreys – President and CEO, TAMKO Building Products
Derek Maetzold – Founder, President and CEO, Castle Biosciences
Evan Shriver – CEO, Atlantic Constructors
Monica Turner – President, Procter & Gamble
Stephen White – Founder, Bampot

The final stage

The 20 finalists will now progress to the final stage of judging, with nine honors to be awarded across the program.

The highest recognition will be CEO of the Year – United States, with a Winner, Runner-Up and Highly Commended recognition. Six additional winners will also be recognized across the program’s subcategories.

The finalists now have their sights set on the ultimate recognition of their leadership and achievements.

Who will be named CEO of the Year – United States?

Stay tuned as we reveal the 2026 Executive of the Year Awards – United States recipients.