May 13, 2026
INDIANAPOLIS — Two Trine University alumni were recently named to the sixth annual Rising 30 class, recognizing outstanding young professionals making significant early-career contributions to Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics (AML) sectors.
In nominating Desalvo, the company cited a 40% reduction in programming time — with projections of an 80% reduction — 97% first-time yield for new CNC programs and more than $56,000 in annual savings for Arcamed and its customers.
He also leads the company in AI, serves as a mentor to peers and youth apprentices, started a book club to encourage continuous learning and serves as an assistant coach on a high school lacrosse team — in addition to pursuing his MBA at Ball State University.
Huffman said he helps customers translate ideas to production-capable products. His supervisors said he enhanced Photon Automation’s ability to deliver on that promise by combining keen technical knowledge with strong leadership and operational and communication skills.
He is excited to contribute to reindustrialization and strengthening domestic manufacturing, a commitment he supports by working with area students and making the world of advanced manufacturing an exciting career choice.
About Rising 30
Presented by Katz, Sapper & Miller (KSM), the Rising 30 program spotlights Hoosiers 30 years old and younger whose early-career contributions demonstrate the depth of talent driving Indiana’s largest industry sector forward. Each honoree was nominated by an employer or industry representative and selected based on professional accomplishments and demonstrated impact.
“Recognizing emerging talent is one of the most important investments we can make in Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics community. The Rising 30 class never fails to remind us of the depth of talent that exists across this state, and this year’s cohort is no exception,” said Jordan Mayer, partner in KSM’s Manufacturing & Distribution Services Group.
Honorees hold roles spanning quality engineering and controls, supply chain and logistics, finance and business development, materials science and R&D, operations leadership and IT and systems infrastructure. The honorees work for organizations of every size and type — from global automotive manufacturers and life sciences companies to homegrown startups and regional economic development organizations — and they are based in communities across the state. Nine Indiana colleges and universities are represented among this year’s honorees, a reflection of the depth of the state’s talent pipeline.
“Young talent is one of Indiana’s greatest competitive advantages in advanced manufacturing and logistics,” said Jay Wirts, president and CEO of Conexus Indiana. “What makes this class so exciting is what they reflect about the industries themselves. They’re high-tech, sophisticated and constantly evolving. These 30 individuals aren’t waiting to shape the future of Indiana manufacturing. They’re already doing it.”
AML is the backbone of Indiana’s economy, accounting for more than a third of the state’s GDP and employing hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers. Recognizing and developing young talent in the sector through the Rising 30 program is one way Conexus helps to keep that foundation strong.
In the year ahead, Rising 30 honorees will engage with Conexus Indiana’s programming as thought leaders, lending their perspectives on technology adoption, workforce development and the future of Indiana’s manufacturing and logistics industries.
The 2026 Rising 30 class was recognized at an awards reception at the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis.
About Conexus Indiana
Conexus Indiana, a branded initiative of the CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), is dedicated to advancing the Hoosier State’s position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and logistics. Working closely with industry, academia and government partners, Conexus Indiana drives workforce development, economic growth and innovation across the state. For more information, visit ConexusIndiana.com.
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