Daniel Pfaltzgraf, an instructor in the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation, and six UToledo alumni were named to the annual list of 20 distinguished community leaders younger than 40 years old.
Pfaltzgraf is part of Nationwide’s innovation team, where he helps bring new digital products and experiences to life — work that has earned national recognition and U.S. patents.
Daniel Pfaltzgraf, an instructor in the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation, and six UToledo alumni were named to the annual “20 Under 40” list.
He also is the lead author of the 20th edition of the “Contemporary Business” textbook; has worked with global brands such as Hilton, Verizon and American Airlines on large-scale transformation initiatives; and serves as the on-field and in-arena host for the Toledo Mud Hens and Walleye.
“The recognition is humbling because I have such a respect for the local leaders and emerging young people who create the mosaic of the Glass City,” Pfaltzgraf said. “We often say the phrase ‘Holy Toledo’ when something’s surprising. But I’ve learned it’s ‘Wholly Toledo’ — it’s the people, the grit, the generosity — the wholeness of this city, and the institution, that radiates and lifts us up.
A UToledo alumnus, Pfaltzgraf received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Neff College of Business in 2015, and his master of business administration degree from the College of Business and Innovation in 2020.
“As someone who sat in the very same classrooms I now have the joy to teach in, The University of Toledo helped me shape both my thinking and purpose,” he said. “My success is a reflection of the investment in me from so many people — including some who are still here at the University.
I’m grateful to be a detail in the educational experience of emerging leaders — just as so many did for me. Let’s keep inspiring people and personalities — and the Glass City — to shine.”
The six UToledo alumni named to the “20 Under 40” list:
Rebecca Bennett, who received her bachelor’s degree in business administration in finance from the College of Business and Innovation in 2012, is the executive director of the Oregon Economic Development Foundation. She has led more than $1.5 billion in active development projects, including the landmark $1 billion data center project in Oregon.
Mahjida Berryman, who received her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from University College in 2013, is supervisor of injury prevention at the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department. She was honored with the Syringe Services Program of the Year Award, recognizing her leadership in protecting community health and expanding access to life-saving services.
Ebony Carter, who received her bachelor’s degree in business administration in finance from the College of Business and Innovation in 2015, is vice president of Minority Business Services at the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce. In 2025, she received the YWCA Milestone “Women on the Rise” Award and was named one of Toledo’s 100 Most Powerful Black Leaders.
Keenen Fisher, who received his bachelor’s degree in business administration in organization leadership and management from the College of Business and Innovation in 2016, is a mission-driven leader who led the Alpha Beautillion program, earning a mayoral proclamation for its cultural and community significance in uplifting Black male youth.
Chris Kaspar, who received his bachelor’s degree in business administration in accounting from the College of Business and Innovation in 2011, is the chief financial officer at Rudolph Libbe Inc., one of the largest self-performing contractors in the nation. At 36 years old, he became the youngest CFO in the company’s history.
Michael Miller, who received his bachelor’s degree in adolescent and young adult education from the Judith Herb College of Arts, Social Sciences and Education in 2013, is the president and CEO of KWIK Parking, where he advanced from a part-time employee to lead one of the region’s premier parking management companies.
