2025 40 Under 40: Nathan Harter

Nathan Harter turned his passion as a volunteer into a career with K and C Stepping Stones, a nonprofit providing services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In less than a year, he became CEO at age 39.

“Being a CEO requires one to be educated in many areas of business and to build a team around you to accomplish the goals of the organization,” he says. “We work with such an amazing group of seasoned caregivers and professionals who manage their departments brilliantly. I am humbled to be their leader and to represent the agency.”

He leverages business acumen from his financial career to manage the nonprofit and advocate for state legislative initiatives to benefit those with IDD. Harter is a provider member of Starling, a network of service providers across the state that support people with IDD, and board president and treasurer of Friends of Stepping Stones.

First job? Dairy Queen when I was 14. I was a shift leader for four of the six years I worked there.

Best productivity hack? Oftentimes, I work in my office with the lights off and listen to music. I find this calming and productive.

Most treasured possession? My French bulldog, Wrigley, is an ornery little cutie! He has brought so much joy to my life.

What historical figure do you identify with? Queen Elizabeth. I admired her dedication to her duty and the people that she served.