BY Raina Lucero, Editor and Chief Kiowa County Independent

Tyler Gibson, Baca County Court Judge and owner of Baca Home Care Agency, has been named to the 2026 class of 40 Under 40 by the Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest.

The recognition is part of the publication’s relaunched 40 Under 40 Awards Breakfast, which returned in 2025 with a renewed focus on leadership, service and measurable community impact across Southern Colorado. According to the publisher, the initiative is not about titles or plaques, but about stewardship — honoring young professionals who choose responsibility, integrity and long-term investment in their communities over personal spotlight.

The program recognizes individuals across a wide range of employment sectors, including aerospace, defense, manufacturing, healthcare, education, real estate, finance, nonprofit leadership, public service and beyond. Honorees are selected for their professional excellence, civic engagement and commitment to strengthening Southern Colorado’s economic vitality and civic life.

Gibson, 32, embodies that cross-sector leadership.

A public servant and business owner whose career has centered on improving access to care and strengthening rural communities, Gibson currently serves as Baca County Court Judge. In that role, he brings organization, fairness and compassion to the courtroom.

Before his judicial appointment, Gibson served as mayor of Springfield, where he led revitalization efforts, improved local infrastructure and worked to strengthen civic engagement. He also served on the Springfield School Board, including a term as board president, helping oversee long-term planning and fiscal responsibility for the district.

Colleagues describe his leadership style as steady and pragmatic — grounded in thoughtful decision-making and a commitment to balancing vision with practical outcomes.

In addition to his work in public office, Gibson is the owner and director of Baca Home Care Agency, a state-licensed provider delivering personal care and homemaking services across rural Southeast Colorado. Under his leadership, the agency has expanded access to quality care, strengthened compliance and training standards, and built partnerships that support both clients and employees. The agency focuses particularly on reliability and dignity for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Gibson’s community involvement extends beyond government and business. Through Community Connections, he has helped organize events such as Oktoberfest, Dueling Pianos and the Pumpkin Shine, promoting civic pride and economic activity in the region.

Heidi Williams, President and CEO of Civic Results, praised Gibson’s impact, stating that he has “a rare combination of humility and strength — grounded in a genuine desire to serve others and improve the systems that impact people’s daily lives. In every leadership setting, Tyler models thoughtful decision-making, active listening and a steady commitment to fairness.”

The 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 represents young leaders from across Southern Colorado who are shaping the region’s future through early-morning discipline, late-night commitment and a focus on measurable results. Organizers emphasize that recognition matters — not for personal acclaim, but for visibility that encourages excellence and reinforces a culture of service.

For Gibson, the honor reflects years of investment in rural leadership and the belief that small-town communities thrive when leaders are willing to wear multiple hats and show up consistently.

As Southern Colorado continues to navigate economic growth, workforce challenges and rural sustainability, leaders like Gibson are helping define what success looks like — not just in business, but in service to neighbors and the next generation.

Thanks Raina & the Kiowa County Independent. Used courtesy of the Kiowa County Independent.

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