Jonathan Wheelis credits work ethic for win

On Dec. 6, the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Initiative revealed its selection for the 2024 Young Professional of the Year.

This year’s top 40 Under Forty recipient was Jonathan Wheelis, operations manager for Chesapeake Energy Corporation.

This is the eighteenth iteration of the YPI award, and according to Wheelis the recognition was very unexpected. “I was very humbled and very honored to receive the reward.”

Wheelis was just one of the 40 young businesspeople selected based on their accomplishments in the public, private and non-profit sectors. The honorees are chosen based on their achievements, experience, innovations, leadership and community involvement. It is presented by Ochsner LSU Health System and sponsored by 318 Forum.

Wheelis sees real value in the Initiative’s effort to call attention to young talent in local business and industry. “It’s really awesome to see young individuals trying to make their mark in society.”

He said that the recognition was good, but he felt that the honor came as the result of a young professional providing a commodity that was beneficial to the community. He said the feeling of making a difference, as well as a living, was what made YPI’s recognition so special to the young professionals who were selected.

“Someone here locally got the award, the highest honor of the 40 Under Forty awards,” he said. “It’s made us [wonder] who could be next? Who’s the next person that we want to nominate for this award? It’s cool that somebody can put themselves out there and be vulnerable. You have to write about yourself; you have to explain to the local population why you deserve this reward. But on the flip side, it’s the company you represent each and every day when you get up and go to work; it’s your work ethic each and every day when you get up. The way I’ve always been raised is you’re only given the sunshine and your last name. You really don’t want to mess up your last name, so you get a good work ethic. It absolutely drives competition. I want to be like that guy or gal who got that award.

“Whatever you make of life and whatever you do each and every day, you need to put your best foot forward. So that you’re representing the best of you that you can each and every day. We all learn from our mistakes. How do we become better every day? If you start doing that, it compounds overtime, no different than interest on money.”

Dr. Timothy Manger, president of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, described the year’s talent pool as truly exceptional. The 2024 event chair, Victor Thomas, said, “This recognition showcases not only their professional accomplishments but how each honoree gives back to the community. By fostering collaboration and building relationships, we can make a greater impact together than we ever could alone. I’m inspired by their dedication, passion, and trailblazing achievements, and I look forward to seeing how they continue to drive change and influence the next generation of leaders.”

Wheelis’ biography for the competition described his demonstrated track record of leading teams in designing and optimizing business processes to enhance safety, efficiency and sustainability. It noted that Wheelis endeavors to educate the public on the importance of sound energy policy. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson invited Wheelis to represent the energy sector at the State of the Union Address.

On a personal level, Wheelis is married and the father of two. He said he is passionate about mentoring young engineers and keeping up to date with the changing energy industry.