40 Under 40 honorees celebrated in downtown Fort Myers

Gulfshore Business’ 40 Under 40 awards celebrated 40 of Southwest Florida’s most accomplished young professionals Sept. 17 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in downtown Fort Myers.

The annual program recognizes professionals younger than 40 who have achieved excellence in their fields while also giving back to the community through service, volunteerism and leadership. Since its launch in 2003, the awards have become one of the region’s most prestigious honors, spotlighting the next generation of leaders across industries.

This year’s honorees included entrepreneurs, health care providers, financial advisors, attorneys, engineers, educators and nonprofit executives. Among them were James “Chip” Acker, owner of Nuviva Medical Weight Loss, who turned his personal journey into a mission to help others live healthier lives; Skylar Porter, founder of SkyStruk, who launched a women’s fashion brand that also supports local charities; and Erica Current, founder of The Skin Room in Naples, who is recognized for her work in advanced aesthetics and community philanthropy.

Other honorees included Tommy Bohanon, a former NFL player who now serves as a financial advisor with Baystate Financial while leading the Tommy Bohanon Foundation to support at-risk youth; Dr. Kelly Elleson, a Fort Myers native and breast surgeon specializing in advanced techniques to prevent lymphedema; and Jose Nunez Jr., an attorney and developer whose civic work extends from mentoring to community board service.

The honorees’ impact reflects the program’s mission to highlight leaders not just for their professional accomplishments but also for their commitment to improving the communities where they live and work. Many serve on nonprofit boards, lead fundraising initiatives or create programs to uplift children, families and underserved populations in Southwest Florida.

WINK News anchor Corey Lazar emceed the evening, which drew hundreds of attendees to celebrate the honorees and their contributions. The event underscored how the 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 is shaping the future of Southwest Florida through innovation, entrepreneurship and community leadership.

With their professional success and community service, the honorees embody Gulfshore Business’ vision of excellence with purpose, a reminder that leadership is not only about personal achievement, but about leaving a lasting, positive impact.