Meet Our 40 Under 40

Nikki Barefoot, Psy.D.

Georgia Southern University
2009 B.S. Psychology
2012 M.S. Clinical Psychology
2014 Psy.D. Clinical Psychology

Licensed Psychologist
Statesboro Psychiatric Associates Statesboro, Georgia

My most unforgettable experience is:
Studying abroad in Costa Rica

Chris Booth

Georgia Southern University
2009 B.A. History

Senior Investigating Officer
United States Coast Guard
Duluth, Minnesota

When I was a kid I wanted to be:
A dump truck driver. Although that dream never came to fruition, I’d say I’m pretty happy serving my country as a Lieutenant in the USCG!

Dana Powell Bostic, MBA, MS, MLS(ASCP)

Georgia Southern University
2003 B.S. Medical Technology

Assistant Professor
The University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, Kansas

What excites me most about my career is:
Serving as a role model for our youth and positively impacting the future pipeline of medical professionals entering the health care field. My career has provided me the opportunity to engage with other healthcare professions, interact with youth in STEM programs, and to give back to our communities through service.

Kimberly D. Brown

Georgia Southern University
2013 M.Ed. in Counseling

Lead School Counselor
Beaufort County School District
Beaufort, South Carolina

What excites me most about my career is:
Seeing my students succeed and excel in life and achieving their goals. Getting to stay connected to my students after high school and them sharing their achievements and accomplishments with me. Attending the college and military graduations of my former students is the best feeling in the world!

James D. Burchett

Georgia Southern University
2004 B.S. Construction Management

Attorney/Georgia House Representative District 176
J.D. Burchett Law/State of Georgia
Millwood, Georgia

When I was a kid I wanted to be:
An astronaut. I didn’t become an astronaut. However, I figured if I aimed for the stars and came up a little short I would be fine. 

Victor Cabral

Georgia Southern University
2005 B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies
2013 M.S. Kinesiology

Football Coach
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, Georgia

What excites me most about my career is:
The thing that excites me most about my career is that I get to do what I love! Motivating and guiding young men to accomplish their goals they set for themselves and team is great. No two days are ever the same and I get to do it for the greatest university in the country.

Stephen N. Crooke, Ph.D.

Georgia Southern University
2012 B.S. Chemistry

Instructor of Medicine
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota

What excites me most about my career is:
The potential to make a difference in someone’s life. On any given day, my research could yield results that bring us one step closer to curing or preventing disease. 

Christopher D’neil Brown

Georgia Southern University
2005 B.S. Biology
2010 MHSA 

Medical Service Corps Officer/Business Owner
U.S. Air Force/Brown’s Wellness & CPR Training Center, LLC
Bonaire, Georgia

What inspires me:
Building generational wealth, while simultaneously helping others pursue their financial and wellness goals.

Leia Dedic

Armstrong State University
2012 B.A. Business, Economics

Director of Research and Grant Management
Savannah Economic Development Authority
Savannah, Georgia

What inspires me:
Working closely with incredible visionaries and seeing ideas, projects and solutions come to fruition. 

Sara Jean Dunn

Georgia Southern University
2014 MBA

Vice President of Operations & Electronic Banking
Oconee State Bank
Athens, Georgia

What excites me most about my career is:
My organization’s mission to create remarkable experiences that significantly mark the lives of others. While our team strives to fulfill this mission each day, Oconee State Bank has made a tremendous mark on my own life, allowing me to foster my passion for community outreach. I believe we are all empowered and responsible to leave a positive wake in our industries, our organizations, our communities and our families.

Ebony Starla Halliburton

Georgia Southern University
2002 B.S. Justice Studies

Senior Intelligence Analyst
Department of Justice
Arlington, Virginia

When I was a kid I wanted to be:
I wanted to work for the Department of Justice. I can truly say that I have been blessed to realize that dream and now have the honor and privilege to serve along amazing women and men to help protect our nation daily.

Kyle E. Fleck, M.D.

Georgia Southern University
2006 B.S. Biology

Orthopaedic Surgeon
Georgia Sports Medicine at Tift Regional Medical Center
Tifton, Georgia

When I was a kid I wanted to be:
An Orthopaedic Surgeon.

Ma’Corius Harris, PT, DPT

Georgia Southern University
2006 B.S. Kinesiology 

Owner, Physical Therapist 
Valor Performance Therapy, Inc.
Houston, Texas

What excites me most about my career is:
I get to help individuals through some of the most challenging times of their lives to get back to their life roles or a modified version of that role.

Brad Haynes

Georgia Southern University
2010 MBA

Director of Operations, 
69th Bomb Squadron
United States Air Force
Minot, North Dakota

What excites me most about my career is:
The chance to make history. Every day can be an opportunity to change the world, one piece at a time with someone.

Anita Griffin-Howard

Armstrong State University
2003 B.A. Fine Arts and Design

Head Women’s Basketball Coach
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, Georgia

What excites me most about my career is:
Coaching allows me to share the gift of the globe. Basketball serves as a unique tool to expose student-athletes to travel, networking, leadership development and much more. I thank Jesus daily.

Brian J. Joiner

Georgia Southern University
2007 BBA Accounting
2018 MBA

Vice President, Commercial Banking
Synovus
Warner Robins, Georgia

The best advice I ever received was: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

— Ferris Bueller

Kyle W. Hollis, DMD, DICOI

Georgia Southern University
2012 B.S. Biology

Partner/Lead Dentist
South Georgia Dental Management
Savannah, Georgia

The best advice I ever received was:
Focus on being honest with people and helping them find solutions to whatever problems they may be having. Everything else will come. 

— Hudson J. Powell

JR Johnstone

Armstrong State University
2013 MPH

Senior Compliance Monitor
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland

What inspires me:
Working with my talented colleagues across the county to bring lifesaving kidney and liver transplants to those living with HIV.

Kendria M. Lee

Georgia Southern University
2003 BBA Information Systems
2007 MBA

Director for Economic Development & Community Relations
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, Georgia

The best advice I ever received was:
To not wish for the challenges of life to disappear but to search hard for the lesson, embrace it, and push myself to grow from it.

Scott Lindsey Mikell, M.D.

Georgia Southern University
2010 B.A. Biology

Physician
Statesboro Family Practice
Statesboro, Georgia

What excites me most about my career is:
The opportunity to give back to my hometown of Statesboro, Georgia.

Terrence Mabry Sr.

Georgia Southern University
2005 B.S. Kinesiology, Sports Medicine/Athletic Training
2007 MHSA

Regional Reimbursement Director,
Central United States
MiMedx, Inc.
Statesboro, Georgia

The best advice I ever received was:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path. 

Brian McDonald

Georgia Southern University
2006 B.S. Broadcasting

Director of Operational Excellence
Viant Medical
Vidalia, Georgia

What inspires me:
Undoubtedly, the most inspiring part of my career in the medical device industry is having the opportunity to truly impact the lives of employees and patients on a daily basis.

William Alan McDonald

Georgia Southern University
2003 B.S. Information Technology

Security Technical Specialist
United States Department of State, 
Bureau of Diplomatic Security
Nairobi, Kenya

What excites me most about my career is:
The opportunity to manage multi-million-dollar technical security programs in different countries, each with their own political, cultural and security challenges, to keep our people, facilities and information secure worldwide.

Molly Trendell Nation

Georgia Southern University
2009 B.S. Biology
2012 MAT Science Education

Assistant Professor of Environmental Education
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, Florida

What excites me most about my career is:
I’m lucky to be able to dedicate my life to educating young people about the importance of conserving this planet. I’m inspired by the students in my classes, and feel optimistic about our future because of them. 

Matt Ringer

Georgia Southern University
2006 B.S. Information Technology, Telecomm & Network Administration

Global Director Information Technology
Universal Alloy Corporation
Canton, Georgia

The best advice I ever received was: 
Always live your life with the Servant Leadership philosophy of I am Third:In Life: God is First, My Family is Second, and I am Third.
At Work: My Team is First, my Teammates are Second, and I am Third. 
Never forget to put others before yourself and never let work get in the way of your faith or your family.

Tosin Odesanya

Georgia Southern University
2002 BBA Information Systems
2003 MBA

SVP, Head of Digital Self Service
Citigroup
Frisco, Texas

What inspires me:
My parents inspire me. They sacrificed everything by moving us from Nigeria to the USA and worked tirelessly for the pursuit of the American Dream. They taught me resiliency, and were a great example of how to continually transform, transcend and find means to thrive despite all odds.

Brian J. Prevatt, CPA

Georgia Southern University
2009 BBA Accounting
2009 MAcc

Chief Financial Officer
Parker’s 
Savannah, Georgia

What excites me most about my career is:
The opportunity to achieve great things while working with remarkable people.

JaBre V. Scott

Georgia Southern University
2005 B.S. Sports Management

Sales Development Leader –
Atlanta Outside Sales Division
Payscape
Lawrenceville, Georgia

What excites me most about my career is:
My ability to positively impact businesses and business owners every day. While working in a fast paced and ever changing industry.

Gemma Skuraton DrPH, MPH, CHES, LAT, ATC, USAW, CPT, FMS

Georgia Southern University
2012 B.S. Kinesiology, Athletic Training/Exercise Science
2014 MPH
2018 DrPH

Health Promotion Coordinator
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, Georgia

My most unforgettable experience is:
My most unforgettable memory from Georgia Southern University is my master’s level capstone/thesis research project. My research topic was to determine if physical activity could be utilized as an adjunct to treatment for individuals having experienced psychological trauma. I conducted group fitness classes among young women, ages 14-17 living in a foster care group home. This experience allowed me to witness true and authentic gratitude. I am thankful that this connection allowed me to fully conceptualize holistic well-being as well as the power of community-based participatory research. 

Angela Sehzue

Georgia Southern University
2003 B.S. International Trade

Senior Intelligence Analyst
Department of Justice
Houston, Texas

What inspires me:
The inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy in which he challenged all Americans to “ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”

Yahaziel Simon, DMD

Georgia Southern University
2008 B.S. Kinesiology, Exercise Science

General Dentist
United States Navy
Pensacola, Florida

What excites me most about my career is:
I have the joy of literally putting a smile on someone’s face after treating them. It’s absolutely rewarding to know that you have changed someone’s life almost instantly.

Clinton A Smith 

Georgia Southern University
2006 B.A. Finance

CEO
Mercy Federal Credit Union
Savannah, Georgia

What excites me most about my career is:
I get to truly help people day in and day out with their finances.

Zakiyyah Vashe’ Weatherspoon

Georgia Southern University
2005 BSN
2011 MSN

Family Nurse Practitioner
Legacy Behavioral Health
Valdosta, Georgia

What excites me most about my career is:
Bringing awareness to childhood mental health problems and working as a community to decrease teen suicide rates.

Catherine Sneed

Georgia Southern University
2010 B.S. Public Relations

Senior Communications Representative
Lockheed Martin
Wallingford, Connecticut

What excites me most about my career is:
Knowing the path isn’t linear. I’ve held roles in business operations, human resources and corporate communications with a strong foundation in communications from Georgia Southern.

Allison Brown Wilkinson

Georgia Southern University
2006 BBA Logistics and Intermodal Transportation

 Assistant Director of Payroll Services
Georgia College and State University
Sandersville, Georgia

The best advice I ever received was:
Never stop dreaming! No matter your age you can always make a difference. Give back to others, show kindness and never let anyone dull your sparkle!

Kash Trivedi

Georgia Southern University
2010 B.A. Political Science

Managing Partner
Terminus South
Atlanta, Georgia

The best advice I ever received was:
Be kind, you never know who is watching. 

Russell Kelly Williams Jr.

Georgia Southern University
2005 BBA Regional Economic Development

Senior Director, Technology Solutions
Vaco
Roswell, Georgia

The best advice I ever received was:
Your life today is the result of your attitudes and choices in the past. Your life tomorrow will be the result of your attitudes and the choices you make today.