United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC) hosted its ‘40 Under 40’ awards celebration September 16 at The Island Resort. Presented by Florida Power & Light, nearly 200 people attended the sold-out awards celebration which recognized Okaloosa and Walton counties’ top young leaders.
“FPL is honored to partner with United Way Emerald Coast as the Presenting Sponsor of the ’40 under 40’ event to recognize our local up-and-coming leaders,” offered Bernard Johnson, Florida Power & Light’s Regional Manager. “The evening was full of creativity and fun, and our team is excited to support all of the honorees as well as learn about the organizations and causes that they support in our communities.”
UWEC received more than 150 nominations for the award. The applications were reviewed by a selection committee comprised of professionals from a variety of local businesses and nonprofit organizations. The 40 Under 40 were selected for their excellence in the areas of leadership, community involvement and professional accomplishment.
“40 Under 40 is my favorite annual event,” said UWEC President & CEO, Kelly Jasen. “It is incredibly inspiring to see the great work being done by this group of young professionals. We are proud to recognize these awardees for their outstanding contributions and are grateful to the many volunteers and sponsors who made the event possible.”
At the event, UWEC also recognized the ‘Emerging Leader of the Year’ and presented the first ‘Forever Young’ award.
Ryan Mims, Chief Health Strategist and Public Health Services Manager at the Florida Department of Health in Walton County was recognized as the ‘Emerging Leader of the Year.’ Ryan Mims volunteers as a ReadingPal, serves on the Emerging Leaders committee, and is a champion of United Way Emerald Coast’s work in the community.
40 Under 40 awardees were invited to nominate a mentor over the age of 40 who lives and/or works in Okaloosa/Walton that has contributed to their success. Several nominations were received, and the Emerging Leaders Committee selected Tim Bolduc, City of Crestview City Manager as the first ‘Forever Young’ award recipient. Tim was selected for the outstanding leadership, mentorship, and guidance he offers young professionals throughout the community.
The second annual event was planned and coordinated by UWEC’s Emerging Leaders committee. Emerging Leaders are young professionals under the age of 40 dedicated to creating a lasting impact in our community. These professionals make an annual contribution of $120+ to UWEC and receive opportunities to connect, serve, and lead throughout the year. To learn more about Emerging Leaders, including eligibility requirements, upcoming socials, and volunteer opportunities, please contact Aubrey Robbie (aubrey@united-way.org) or Briley Kennedy (briley@united-way.org)
40 Under 40 Class of 2022
Alexander Fogg, Okaloosa County, Destin – Fort Walton Beach
Arielle May, Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida
Ashley McCallum, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Brieanne Raines, Vitas Healthcare
Brittnee Orr, Fort Walton Beach Housing Authority
Carrie Parker, Bridgeway Center Inc.
Chrissy Hartley, Dream Team Realty of Northwest Florida
Courtney Dollson, Eglin Federal Credit Union
Deanna Simonsen, Waste Management
Eva Wise, Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida
Hillaree Durso, Frances Roy Agency
Jenna Seebeck, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office
Jessica Speas, Northwest Florida State College
Jessica Trimboli, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office
Joanna Soria, Waterstone Mortgage
Jordan Staggs, VIE Magazine/The Idea Boutique
Joseph Richardson, Richardson Realty International
Kaitlyn Sanchez, Habitat for Humanity of Walton County
Katie Anderson, Let’s Get Social Society + Bleached Babes
Kelly Cash, Westonwood Ranch, Inc.
Kelly Curry, The Idea Boutique
Kevin Henderson, CHELCO
Matt Langford, Shalimar United Methodist Church
McKayla Hale, Extra Ordinary Delights
Megan Harrison, Walton Area Chamber of Commerce
Melissa Ehlers, Hurlburt Field Airman & Family Readiness Center
Misty Rae Ruthrauff, Saltwater Restaurants, Inc.
Mitch Anderson, Okaloosa Gas District
Nic Dezinski, Vertex Solutions
Pamela Clarke, Cox Media
Reid Soria, Autism Sings, LLC
Robin Donlon, SmartBank
Shiri Brandenburg, Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc.
Stephanie Wedel, Coca-Cola United
Ta’ki Brown, United States Air Force
Taylor M. Goode, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast
Terry Mauer, SBDC at UWF
Thomas Everidge, Publix
Tim Haney, Fresh Prints of South Walton
Whitney Lee, Sociallee PR & Digital Media
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