Published on October 16, 2026

Lake Land College Physical Therapist Assistant Instructor Jessie Palmer was recently recognized by the Effingham County Chamber as a 2026 recipient of the Top Leaders Under 40 award.

The Top Leaders Under 40 award is presented annually by the Effingham County Chamber to young professionals making a difference throughout the local region. As one of this year’s 20 award recipients, Palmer stood out for possessing exceptional empathy, ability to inspire, communication skills and pride for the Effingham region among a record-setting 54 nominees. Palmer’s name will be added to a list of more than 360 Effingham County residents who have been recognized for the honor since 2008.

“Since joining our Allied Health faculty in 2023, Jessie has represented Lake Land College with excellence through her vast knowledge in the Physical Therapist Assistant field and her unwavering devotion to her students,” said Erin Swingler, Lake Land College Division Chair of Allied Health/Nursing Instructor. “We wish to congratulate her on this outstanding and well-deserved recognition.”

Palmer and her fellow award recipients will be honored at the annual Top Leaders Recognition Dinner on Thursday, November 19 at Keller Convention Center in Effingham.

For more information about the Effingham County Chamber Top Leaders Under 40, visit the Effingham County Chamber website at EffinghamCountyChamber.com/Top-Leaders/.