Kristopher Pockell is a software engineering manager at Liberty Lake-based OpenEye by day and the co-founder of Spokane Valley-based Elixir Sauce Co. by night.

The Journal of Business is proud to present the 2026 class of Rising Stars, recognizing 10 individuals as emerging leaders in their respective industries.

2026 has been a year of building for architect Tyler Kavanaugh, who has been promoted to associate at Spokane-based ALSC Architects PS and named president of the American Institute of Architects Spokane chapter for 2027.

Rose Honey is an educator, linguaphile, visual artist, and designer who teaches studio art and graphic design at West Valley High School.

Peter Mahoney, a member of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, is the wellness services director for Plummer, Idaho-based Marimn Health, where his department manages two facilities: the Marimn Health Wellness Center and the Marimn Health Coeur Center.

Devin Mecham, 39, is the vice president and commercial sales manager at Spokane-based NAI Black, a role he was promoted to in 2021.

Attorney Hannah Kimball joined Coeur d’Alene-based Malek + Malek in May, where she helps rural hospitals, healthcare nonprofits, and other health system clients manage their legal obligations.

After growing Spokane-based Ginger Co. Interiors LLC, which does business as Ginger Designs, from a small startup into an established interior design firm, Summerlyn Feckner, 30, expanded into co-ownership of Spokane Valley-based Coyote Creek Cabinets, bridging the gap between design and physical craftsmanship.

As CEO of CDL PowerSuite LLC, Andrew Hite sets the pace for the Spokane Valley-based company by defining business goals, establishing initiatives, and creating a supportive team environment.

Victoria Zsa Zsa Seebeck is balancing one career as a retail entrepreneur and another as a construction project manager.