A rising leader who brings people together, creates opportunity and turns ideas into action is being recognized for his impact on Billings and beyond.
The Billings Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Cody Reitz as the 2026 NextGEN Exceptional Emerging Leader.
The award honors a Billings-area young professional who demonstrates strong leadership, excellence in their profession, philanthropic and community investment, and the ability to inspire others to succeed.
Cody embodies that spirit through a career and community presence defined by service, energy and a commitment to bringing people together. At MetraPark and MontanaFair, Cody plays an important role in one of Montana’s largest event venues, balancing operational excellence with a passion for creating memorable experiences and meaningful connections within the community.
His leadership extends well beyond his professional role. Cody has been actively involved with the Billings Chamber’s NextGEN program, previously serving as an Ambassador and currently as Co-Chair of the Grow Committee. Through NextGEN, he has helped create opportunities for young professionals to connect, develop their skills and become more engaged in the Billings community, both as a mentor and a mentee. He also played a key role in bringing forward-thinking ideas to the region through TEDxBillings, serving as an Event Coordinator from 2021 to 2023. Whether coordinating a major event, mentoring a fellow young professional or bringing stakeholders together, Cody has developed a reputation for reliability, professionalism and an ability to turn ideas into action.
Cody’s influence reaches beyond the local community. Through the Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs (RMAF), he serves as NE District Director and 2nd Vice Chair, demonstrating the credibility and leadership he has earned among his peers throughout the region. In 2024, he was honored as the RMAF Young Professional of the Year. His leadership has also been recognized closer to home. Cody was named a 2022 40 Under Forty honoree, recognizing his professional influence and potential as an emerging leader in the Billings region.
For Cody, leadership also means continuing to learn. He graduated from Venue Management School in 2022 and has pursued additional professional development through the Institute of Fair Management. His commitment to learning reflects the same forward-thinking mindset he brings to his work and community involvement.
Cody consistently looks for fresh ways to engage the public, elevate community events and ensure public spaces and experiences continue to meet the needs of a changing community. That willingness to innovate has become a defining part of his leadership.
What makes Cody an exceptional emerging leader isn’t simply the number of organizations he serves or the titles he has earned. It’s the way he shows up. He brings energy and enthusiasm to his work while investing in his peers and his teams. He builds connections across organizations and industries. He encourages others to get involved and find their own opportunities to lead.
Cody doesn’t simply participate in the community. He activates it. His leadership demonstrates the power of young professionals who are willing to step forward, take responsibility and help shape the future of the place they call home.
The 2026 NextGEN Exceptional Emerging Leader Award recognizes Cody for his leadership, professional excellence and ongoing investment in Billings and the broader region.
Congratulations to Cody Reitz, the 2026 Billings Chamber NextGEN Exceptional Emerging Leader award recipient!
Learn more about the 2026 Business Excellence Award recipients and celebrate their accomplishments with us on September 24 at the 2026 Annual Business Celebration.