Future 15: Brian Figueroa and Meghan Finger

Each year, the Greater Green Bay Chamber recognizes and honors young professionals making a real impact through leadership and innovation as well as workplaces where the next generation thrives through the Future 15, Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Next Generation Best Place to Work awards.

These award recipients and finalists will be recognized in March at the Future 15 and Young Professional Awards event, and will also be featured in stories in the Press Times each week leading up to the event.

This week, get to know Future 15 award winners Brian Figueroa and Meghan Finger.

Brian Figueroa

For Brian Figueroa, managing director of transportation at KBX Logistics, family has played a significant role in getting him to where he is today.

“My story starts with my parents, who are both from Guatemala and came to the United States in their early 20s,” he said. “Being a first generation born U.S. citizen, I feel, has given me such a unique perspective and appreciation of the opportunities I have had in my life and my pursuit of the things I value both in my personal and professional life. With so much of my extended family still in Guatemala, it has given me a life of consistent travel to see them, but also just to explore the world and experience different cultures which I feel is incredibly invaluable.”

It was his family, also, that introduced him to the industry he works in now.
“I also feel that my early work experience and exposure to the industry that I have such a love for now was helpful in how I attacked my academic career,” Figueroa said. “My uncle started a company in which they moved entire power plants to locations in Central America, South America and the Caribbean and in my last couple years of high school and first couple of years in college, I was able to go work in unique places and get exposed to large-scale projects that accelerated by love for operations, but more importantly how to engage and interact with people of different ages, demographics and experience.”

While pursuing his bachelor’s degree at UW-Madison, Figueroa began his professional journey as a transportation and logistics intern with Georgia-Pacific, where he gained skills and knowledge of supply chain systems — the industry he still works in today as managing director of transportation for KBX Logistics and that he plans to stay in throughout his professional journey.

“The world of transportation and logistics is ever-changing and evolving — it’s part of the reason why it’s an industry I can see myself in for the rest of my career,” Figueroa said. “With that, trucks and trains are moving 24/7, 365 days a year so you can imagine the complexities that come with it but with that, so many opportunities are presented.

Throughout my career, I feel the most influential moments that have got my career to the place where it is now are through the experience in running towards the most difficult and challenging obstacles. I feel they have been the most natural ‘interviews’ of my capability and where I have been able to create the most value… Before you know it, they may be seeing something that used to be something of a pain point or problem and have reframed it in a way to be opportunistic.”

Throughout his career, Figueroa said he has met many milestones, but he is most proud of his ability to step into a leadership role and serve as a mentor to other young professionals.

“While I have had some tremendous milestones professionally that have yielded significant dollars in value for my organization or the customers I support, I believe the thing that I am most proud of is my accomplishments as a leader and embracing the role of a supervisor,” he said. “Some of those early mentors and role models professionally made significant bets on me early in my career and that advocacy and sponsorship was so dramatically important in my maturation…. I think that it has been important now that I am helping develop leaders in my organization. It has been so fulfilling to see those in my work family tree go on to take on roles and responsibilities that tap into their potential. I knew how important that was for me and so what makes me proud is being able to be that same person to them as they pursue their professional goals.”

Meghan Finger

After growing up in Peshtigo and earning her degree in communications and public relations from UW-Green Bay, Meghan Finger has found her professional home at Green Bay Water Utility, serving as a communications intern and now as education and outreach coordinator.

“I think what’s been most influential and helpful is just diving right in,” she said. “Looking back to the start of my career, I worked through some high-stake situations, learning right away the importance of transparent communication. Building trust with your audience is so important! Green Bay Water Utility (GBWU) is the third largest drinking water provider in the state. We serve over 100,000 people who rely on Lake Michigan as their drinking water source.”

Throughout her professional journey, Finger has learned the value of saying “yes,” whether it’s attending a conference or joining a group of like-minded professionals.

“I’m part of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Northeast WI chapter where I get to engage with local communication/public relations professionals, attending workshops and webinars to develop my skills,” Finger said. “I serve on the Chamber’s Young Professional Civic Engagement Committee that collaborates with local government and business leaders to address social, economic and civic issues in our area.”

And that can-do attitude has earned her several accolades, including 2026 President of PRSA Northeast WI, 2024 Rookie of the Year with Current Young Professionals and 2024 WisCOMsin Young Professional of the Year.

Along the way, Finger said there have been several influential individuals who have helped her advance her career.

“Andrea Hay (director of communications for GBWU) is my sounding board for new ideas and projects,” Finger said. “She sees what I bring to the table and always has my back. We work so well together, often called ‘the dynamic duo!’ I’ve learned so much from her and can’t wait to continue growing together. And the entire Board of Directors for PRSA Northeast WI — I’ve learned so much from this group of accomplished PR professionals and am thankful for the mentorships and friendships made!”

To those starting out in their professional careers, Finger recommends, “Embrace opportunities, be open and enjoy yourself. Learn the power of networking, confidence will open doors.”