{"id":6132,"date":"2017-05-03T14:35:53","date_gmt":"2017-05-03T18:35:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/?p=6132"},"modified":"2017-06-16T13:34:01","modified_gmt":"2017-06-16T17:34:01","slug":"40-under-40","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/2017\/05\/03\/40-under-40\/","title":{"rendered":"40 under 40"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/40.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/40.png\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"405\" height=\"311\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-6365\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/40.png 405w, https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/40-100x77.png 100w, https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/40-315x242.png 315w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 405px) 100vw, 405px\" \/><\/a><em>Of Georgia Southern\u2019s 83,000 living alumni, more than 33,000 are under 40 years of age. The Alumni Association recently honored its biennial class of 40 Under 40, representing the excellence of the University\u2019s young alumni and demonstrating the positive contributions and achievements for which University graduates are known.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Berger.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6177\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Berger-85x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"85\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>David Berger<\/strong>, 2009<br \/>\nB.S., Information Technology<br \/>\nLake St. Louis, Missouri<br \/>\nBerger is a United States Navy Petty Officer Third Class who holds a top-secret clearance and has served two submarine deployments aboard the Los Angeles class nuclear submarines USS Toledo and USS Hartford. During deployments he was responsible for tracking and identifying contacts on multiple sonar sensors.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Blom.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6178\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Blom-83x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"83\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Timothy J. Blom,<\/strong> 1999, 2001<br \/>\nB.S.Ed., Secondary Education<br \/>\nM.S. Ed., Secondary Education, Mathematics<br \/>\nIndianapolis, Indiana<br \/>\nBlom serves as a curriculum coordinator with the Metropolitan School District, Washington Township, Indianapolis, Indiana. He organizes and oversees district program evaluations, facilitates the textbook adoption process, serves on the district quality assurance review team and is a member of the teaching and learning division. He also serves as the Indiana state leader for the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Booker.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6172\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Booker-85x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"85\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Ansley Booker<\/strong>, 2008<br \/>\nB.A., Biology<br \/>\nMacon, Georgia<br \/>\nBooker is the site coordinator with the Mercer University Educational Opportunity Center where she works with low-income adults and first-generation students to achieve post-secondary success through financial literacy and college admissions completion. Booker is also co-owner of B&amp;B Designs and Events, which orchestrates weddings, parties and corporate events. She also holds an M.S. in Pharmacy from the University of Georgia and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Mercer University.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Bray.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6173\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Bray-85x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"85\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Alan R. Bray<\/strong>, 2000<br \/>\nBBA, Finance<br \/>\nWashington, D.C.<br \/>\nBray serves as the director of advance at the U.S. Department of Justice where he oversees all logistical travel for the U.S. Attorney General. He organizes all of the Attorney General\u2019s national and international events including official speeches, appearances, tours, press events and photo lines. He also holds an MPA from Savannah State University.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Castaneda.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6174\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Castaneda-84x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"84\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Trevor Castaneda<\/strong>, 2007<br \/>\nB.S., Kinesiology<br \/>\nM.H.A., Healthcare Administration<br \/>\nNewport, Tennessee<br \/>\nCastaneda is the chief executive officer of Newport Medical Center, a 74-bed community hospital that includes a staff of specialists in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, radiology, pediatrics, gastroenterology, general surgery, ophthalmology and emergency medicine. He previously served as COO of Harton Regional Medical Center in Tullahoma, Tennessee, and interim CEO of Williamson Memorial Hospital of Williamson, West Virginia. He is active in Rotary, Kiwanis and the Cocke County Partnership Chamber of Commerce.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Chance.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6175\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Chance-83x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"83\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Travis Chance<\/strong>, 2004<br \/>\nBBA, Marketing<br \/>\nStatesboro, Georgia<br \/>\nChance is the president and owner of CFG Wealth Management, serving as a certified financial planner, specializing in retirement income planning. He has grown his practice from a single location to include offices in Statesboro, Savannah and Bluffton, South Carolina. In 2015, he published Navigating the Storm, a book on successfully preparing for retirement. He is also active in his community, currently in his third term as a city councilman and is the current Mayor Pro Tem. He and his wife, Shannon, and their children reside in Statesboro.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Coker.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6176\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Coker-83x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"83\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Seth M. Coker<\/strong>, 2008<br \/>\nB.S., Political Science<br \/>\nSandy Springs, Georgia<br \/>\nCoker is the director of government and external relations with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. He coordinates the state and federal affairs programs, drafts legislation for the agency, and tracks pending and potential legislation impacting the agency. Coker is an Eagle Scout and a member of the Georgia Economic Developers Association, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Atlanta Alumni Chapter of Sigma Chi, Peachtree Road United Methodist Church and the Georgia Southern Alumni Association<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Dawada.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6168\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Dawada-85x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"85\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Shannaan Dawda<\/strong>, 2009<br \/>\nBBA ,Finance<br \/>\nAtlanta, Georgia<br \/>\nDawda is the founder and financial coach of From Paychecks to Power, which promotes financial empowerment. He authored the book, From Paycheck to Power: 7 Power Moves to Unlock Wealth Building, has appeared on NBC and has spoken at worship services with his \u201cFinancially Empowering 50 places of Worship in 50 Days\u201d initiative. He is active in Alpha Phi Alpha, Phenomenal Women\u2019s Health and Camp Horizon. He also teaches high school students to be financially empowered with \u201cFrom Pay Checks 2 Power Teen Academy.\u201d<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Day.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6169\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Day-82x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"82\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Marcqwon T.M. Day, M.D.<\/strong>, 2011<br \/>\nB.S., Biology<br \/>\nGalveston, Texas<br \/>\nDr. Day is a resident physician within the Family Medicine Department at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He received a bachelor\u2019s degree in biology from Georgia Southern with the honors of magna cum laude. Upon graduation from Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), he earned his medical degree and was recognized as the recipient of the MSM Primary Care Award in 2016. Day\u2019s academic and clinical interests include health care delivery systems, public health and health care policy, global health and addiction medicine.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Deltora.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6170\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Deltora-84x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"84\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Brendon G. DelToro<\/strong>, 2009<br \/>\nB.S., Justice Studies<br \/>\nWashington, D.C.<br \/>\nDelToro is the deputy political director at the National Republican Congressional Committee where he works with members of Congress and candidates on their campaigns to help maintain a Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Donavan.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6171\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Donavan-84x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"84\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Jaclyn K. Donovan<\/strong>, 2000<br \/>\nB.S., Sports Medicine<br \/>\nMoultrie, Georgia<br \/>\nDonovan is a state-licensed and NATABOC-certified athletic training services coordinator with Vereen Rehabilitation Center where she implements and directs athletic training services as part of a comprehensive sports medicine program servicing multiple high schools and community sport programs. She is active with the Moultrie Rotary Club, serving as Assistant District Governor, Youth Leadership Awards Chair and Youth Leadership Awards Counselor.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Freakley.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6163\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Freakley-82x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"82\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Ben C. Freakley<\/strong>, 2000<br \/>\nB.S., Public Relations<br \/>\nM.S., Sport Management<br \/>\nM.S., Sport Psychology<br \/>\nStatesboro, Georgia<br \/>\nFreakley is the mental performance coach for the Toronto Blue Jays. He previously served as TormentaFC general manager and head coach, head coach of the Erskine College men\u2019s soccer program, head soccer coach at Virginia Military Institute and assistant men\u2019s coach at Georgia Southern. He has also served as performance psychology consultant for Special Operations forces for the 1\/75 Ranger Battalion and is the founder of Ready.Set.Resilient performance consulting.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Gains.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6164\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Gains-82x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"82\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Kevin Gaines<\/strong>, 2000<br \/>\nB.S., Mathematics Education<br \/>\nHartwell, Georgia<br \/>\nGaines is the principal of Hart County High School. His school\u2019s graduation rate was 92 percent for the Class of 2016. He serves on the board of directors of the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals and has received honors as Hart County Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year, Georgia TSA Administrator of the Year, Anderson Independent\u2019s 20 under 40 and the BCHS Teacher of the Year.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Golden.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6165\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Golden-84x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"84\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Zakira I. Golden<\/strong>, 2012<br \/>\nB.S., Public Health<br \/>\nBerkeley Lake, Georgia<br \/>\nGolden is an autism behavior therapist and program coordinator with All Kids First LLC. She provides applied behavior analysis therapy to children and teens on the autism spectrum. She also works for the Spectrum Adult Asperger\u2019s Support group, providing opportunities to help adults in the community.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Hammond.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6166\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Hammond-83x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"83\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>James Hammond<\/strong>, 2006<br \/>\nB.S., Broadcasting<br \/>\nAtlanta, Georgia<br \/>\nHammond is a managing partner with Ikon Filmworks LLC. He has more than 10 years of experience in the government sector with a focus on public relations, broadcasting, leading teams and community involvement. He is a member of the New Leaders Council, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Urban League of Greater Atlanta Young Professionals, Atlanta MicroFund, served as Riverwood High School Jr Raiders Football Team Coach, was a 2015 Project Understanding Fellow and a member of the inaugural class of Emerging Leaders of DeKalb.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Hardy.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6167\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Hardy-82x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"82\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Michael J. Hardy<\/strong>, 2004<br \/>\nB.S., Political Science<br \/>\nCollege Station, Texas<br \/>\nHardy is the director of strategic engagement for the Association of Former Students at Texas A&amp;M University where he is responsible for legislative affairs and advocacy, engaging with legislative affairs teams at the Texas A&amp;M Office of the President and Chancellor\u2019s Office of the Texas A&amp;M University System. He formerly served as deputy chief of staff for the Office of Lt. Governor Bill Bolling of Virginia.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Howell.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6158\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Howell-82x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"82\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Sheila L. Howell<\/strong>, 2003<br \/>\nB.S., Special Education<br \/>\nMBA<br \/>\nWoodbridge, Virginia<br \/>\nHowell is a U.S. Army major and assistant product manager for U.S. Army Acquisition Corps. She is a graduate of the Command and Generals Staff College Intermediate Level Education and served on a military transition team in Iraq as personnel advisor for an Iraqi Logistics Battalion. Howell\u2019s awards and decorations include the Army Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. She also holds an M.S. in Education from the University of Maryland.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Hoynes-J.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6159\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Hoynes-J-81x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"81\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Jason Hoynes<\/strong>, 2002<br \/>\nBBA, Information Systems<br \/>\nMarietta, Georgia<br \/>\nHoynes is a senior .NET infrastructure analyst with Assurant, Inc. He has more than 15 years of experience in a wide variety of technologies and in the implementation of government and large-scale deployments. He was previously a programmer\/analyst for the Cobb County, Georgia, sheriff\u2019s office, providing tech support for more than 600 employees.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/HoynesS.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6160\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/HoynesS-85x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"85\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Schuyler F. Hoynes<\/strong>, 2004<br \/>\nMBA<br \/>\nMarietta, Georgia<br \/>\nHoynes is the associate judge of the Probate Court of Cobb County. She presides over matters involving contested and uncontested dockets involving the probate of wills and administration of estates, guardianship and conservatorship proceedings for minors and incapacitated adults, and hearings to determine the need for involuntary psychiatric treatment, as well as the issuance of weapons carry licenses and marriage licenses, and other matters falling under the jurisdiction of the probate court. Hoynes also holds a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Alabama and a J.D. from Atlanta\u2019s John Marshall Law School.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Joye.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6161\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Joye-83x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"83\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Dr. Shauna Joye,<\/strong> 2003<br \/>\nB.S., Biology<br \/>\nStatesboro, Georgia<br \/>\nJoye is an assistant professor of Psychology at Georgia Southern and is a licensed clinical psychologist in Georgia and California. Her accomplishments include conducting ongoing research on the use of wilderness therapy with combat veterans, opening a private practice that specializes in serving children with autism spectrum disorder, and co-authoring an introductory textbook on integrated statistics and research methods. She earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Florida State University.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Lawrence.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6162\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Lawrence-82x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"82\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Raymona Lawrence<\/strong>, 2000<br \/>\nB.S., Kinesiology<br \/>\nM.P.H., Community Health<br \/>\nD.P.H., Community Health<br \/>\nStatesboro, Georgia<br \/>\nLawrence is an assistant professor of Community Health Behavior and Education at Georgia Southern. She has received the Award for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring for the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, is a Delta Omega Honorary Public Health Society Inductee and earned the New Investigator Award from the American Public Health Association Genomics Forum.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Lee.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6153\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Lee-83x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"83\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Matthew Lee<\/strong>, 2004<br \/>\nB.S., Construction Management<br \/>\nCanton, Georgia<br \/>\nLee is a senior project manager for Young Contracting\/SE, Inc. He is active in Associated General Contractors of Georgia, Inc., where he has been a member of the chapter\u2019s Young Leadership Program since 2010 and previously served on the board of directors. Lee is currently a member of the University\u2019s Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Alumni Association Scholarship Committee.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Lord.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6154\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Lord-79x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"79\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Kristen Lord,<\/strong> 2005<br \/>\nBBA, Accounting<br \/>\nMaster of Accounting<br \/>\nAtlanta, Georgia<br \/>\nLord is the chief financial officer for Mauldin &amp; Jenkins LLC. She is a University Alumni Board Member, member of the Alumni Association Atlanta Advisory Council, AICPA, GSCPA, CPA Firm Management Association and Cobb County Chamber. Lord is a Leadership Cobb 2015 graduate, a member of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church and volunteers with The Big Thank You, Georgia Southern Alumni Eagle Outreach, Wellness Initiative at M&amp;J (Wellstar), the Salvation Army Angel Tree, the American Cancer Society Study and the Red Cross.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Mata.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6155\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Mata-82x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"82\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Kalib G. Mata<\/strong>, 2005<br \/>\nB.S., Information Technology<br \/>\nWashington, D.C.<br \/>\nMata is a senior program manager for the Defense Intelligence Agency and was the founder of the U.S. Africa Command J2 Intelligence Directorate, Information Management Branch. His duties cover a myriad of complex technical and administrative issues dealing with the knowledge management and dissemination of intelligence products while directly supervising more than 20 civilian, contractor and military personnel. For implementing new initiatives, he was awarded the 2013 Defense Intelligence Agency\u2019s Meritorious Civilian Service Medal and led several important advancements to improve security and stability in the Africa Area of Operations.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/McCain.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6156\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/McCain-83x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"83\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Josh McCain<\/strong>, 2009<br \/>\nB.S., Health and Physical Education<br \/>\nBozeman, Montana<br \/>\nMcCain is the founder and president of Big Sky Bravery, a non-profit organization that provides the U.S. Military\u2019s Active Duty Special Operations Forces with post-deployment decompression programs throughout Montana\u2019s restorative surroundings. Big Sky Bravery tailors its programs to these elite forces by focusing on the psychological and emotional well-being of each soldier, and by building trust, brotherhood and friendships that last a lifetime. McCain quit his job as the director of business development for the Avondale Group in New York City to fill this unmet need.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/McGowan.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6157\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/McGowan-84x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"84\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Brendan McGowan<\/strong>, 2002<br \/>\nB.S., Management Information Systems<br \/>\nWoodstock, Georgia<br \/>\nMcGowan serves as the chief technology officer and board member at Safe Systems, Inc. He uses his extensive IT engineering background and communication skills to develop product strategy around IT and security. He guides financial institutions through technology investment strategies in a highly regulated environment. McGowan previously served as VP of technical services, director of consulting services and senior technology consultant. He is a member of the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Information Technology Advisory Committee, and 1NService, a global consortium of integrators and technology suppliers.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/McKie.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6149\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/McKie-83x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"83\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Yannik McKie<\/strong>, 2014<br \/>\nBBA, Marketing<br \/>\nHephzibah, Georgia<br \/>\nMcKie is a business development manager for Georgia Business Net, and the founder and executive director of the McKie Foundation. He is a certified Christian life coach and ordained minister who has more than seven years of marketing, management and human resource experience. He has authored a motivational book, <em>Adversity Creates Purpose<\/em>, and his work has been featured on <em>ESPN<\/em>, <em>Good Day Atlanta<\/em>, <em>Charisma Magazine<\/em>, <em>The Huffington Post<\/em> and <em>The 700 Club<\/em>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Mcneal.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6150\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Mcneal-81x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"81\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Ryan McNeal<\/strong>, 2002<br \/>\nB.S., Justice Studies<br \/>\nM.P.A.<br \/>\nStatesboro, Georgia<br \/>\nMcNeal is the chief investigator for the Georgia Department of Community Health Board of Dentistry where he supervises the enforcement and investigative unit, overseeing all investigative operations and coordinates investigations with other governmental entities. He is an alumnus of Sigma Chi Fraternity and member of the Statesboro Rotary Club. He also holds an M.S. in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from Kaplan University.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Minc.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6151\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Minc-83x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"83\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>America Minc<\/strong>, 2000<br \/>\nBBA Human Resource Management<br \/>\nMBA<br \/>\nStatesboro, Georgia<br \/>\nMinc is the director of recreation facilities and fitness for Georgia Southern\u2019s Office of Campus Recreation and Intramurals. In addition to fitness programming, she oversees facilities for the Recreation Activity Center, the M.C. Anderson Park, the University Park Golf Course and the Shooting Sports Education Center. She serves on the University Appeals Committee, the SOAR Advisory Board, the Title IX Panel and the University Staff Council. In 2013, Minc served as the staff chair for A Day For Southern.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Parkhill.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6152\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Parkhill-81x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"81\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Elisha Parkhill<\/strong>, 2003<br \/>\nB.S., Child and Family Development<br \/>\nMontgomery, Alabama<br \/>\nParkhill serves as the Mental Health Flight Commander for Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. She commands 30 multidisciplinary mental health and early developmental professionals across five product lines providing mental health care for 35,000 beneficiaries. Parkhill also holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Roach.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6144\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Roach-82x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"82\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Stacey Roach<\/strong>, 2001<br \/>\nB.S., Computer Science<br \/>\nMenlo, Georgia<br \/>\nRoach is the chief operating officer with Inventure IT, which services hundreds of companies in the Chattanooga and Savannah metropolitan areas with a variety of hardware, software, web and tech support needs. He has roughly 20 years of software engineering experience. He is also the founder and chief technology officer at K12 Logistics of Dalton and Statesboro and Anagen Systems of Dalton and Savannah.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Rosen.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6145\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Rosen-81x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"81\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Vance T. Rosen,<\/strong> 2009<br \/>\nB.S., Justice Studies<br \/>\nJackson, Georgia<br \/>\nRosen is a Lieutenant with the Special Operations Division of the Henry County Police Department. He is responsible for the operational oversight of the K9, Motors, Traffic Enforcement, Gang\/Criminal Apprehension, Traffic Investigations, Drone and COPs Units. Rosen manages six sergeants and 25 officers. He also serves as an Adjunct Instructor for the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth and as a contributor to PoliceOne.com.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Scott.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6146\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Scott-81x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"81\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Sally Scott,<\/strong> 2011<br \/>\nBBA, Management<br \/>\nStatesboro, Georgia<br \/>\nScott is the regional director of development for the Georgia Southern University Athletic Foundation where she has closed $1.1 million in major gifts. She has created and executed a new annual fund society called the Champion Society, created and executed a planned\/deferred giving program and assisted in establishing an endowment fund. Scott is a Screven County Athletic Hall of Fame member, a graduate of the inaugural class for the Lynda B. Williamson Foundation women\u2019s leadership academy and is currently pursuing her MBA at Georgia Southern.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Sears.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6147\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Sears-79x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"79\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>R. Bryan Sears<\/strong>, 2005<br \/>\nB.S., Chemistry<br \/>\nBoston, Massachusetts<br \/>\nSears is an assistant professor of chemistry at Emmanuel College in Boston, Massachusetts. He has received the Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award, the MGH Office of Research &amp; Career Development Prestige Award and the American Society for Photobiology Urbach Award. He also holds an M.S. in Chemistry and Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from Ohio State University.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Sheppard.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6148\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Sheppard-82x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"82\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Trey Sheppard<\/strong>, 1999<br \/>\nBBA, Finance<br \/>\nSandersville, Georgia<br \/>\nSheppard is the vice president of Kaolin Mining Operations for Howard Sheppard, Inc. He also serves as vice chairman with the Board of Directors, Citizens Bank of the South; chairman of the Georgia Southern University Athletic Foundation Board; ex-officio member of the Georgia Southern University Foundation Board of Trustees; board of directors for the Georgia Motor Trucking Association; and member of the State Board for the Technical College System of Georgia.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Skipper.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6139\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Skipper-85x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"85\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Alan Skipper<\/strong>, 2008<br \/>\nB.S., Nursing<br \/>\nStatesboro, Georgia<br \/>\nSkipper is the co-owner\/chief nursing officer for Southern Manor Retirement Inn, Lakeview Manor Community in Springfield, Georgia, and The Gardens at Southern Manor in Statesboro. He manages daily clinical operations at the facilities, sets company operations and sales goals and ensures delivery of customer service. He also holds an M.S. in Nursing from Valdosta State University, post-master&#8217;s certification from the University of Massachusetts and a D.N.P. from the University of Alabama.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Smalley.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6140\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Smalley-84x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"84\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Bryant Smalley<\/strong>, 2002<br \/>\nB.S., Psychology<br \/>\nM.S., Psychology<br \/>\nMBA<br \/>\nStatesboro, Georgia<br \/>\nSmalley is the executive director of Georgia Southern\u2019s Rural Health Research Institute. He leads numerous initiatives focused on improving physical and mental health outcomes in Bulloch and surrounding counties. He also holds an M.S., Psy.D. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Teate.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6141\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Teate-84x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"84\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Berkeley Teate<\/strong>, 2012<br \/>\nB.A., Political Science<br \/>\nAtlanta, Georgia<br \/>\nTeate is a research assistant at the Carter Center who shares her expertise in countering ISIS propaganda by analyzing data and drafting reports used for international workshops and public forums. She also holds an M.P.P. from Georgia State University.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Vickers.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6142\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Vickers-81x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"81\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Russell Vickers<\/strong>, 2010<br \/>\nB.S., Biology<br \/>\nGriffin, Georgia<br \/>\nVickers is a U.S. Army Supply Operations Officer in Charge for Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. He serves as contracting officer\u2019s representative for the Army pre-Positioned Stock Five contract, valued at more than $800 million annually. Vickers is responsible for the morale, health, welfare, training and deployment readiness of five soldiers and two Department of the Army civilians.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Warner.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6143\" src=\"http:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/Warner-82x100.jpg\" alt=\"Georgia Southern Alumni Image\" width=\"82\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a><strong>Julie Warner,<\/strong> 2004<br \/>\nB.S., English Education<br \/>\nWashington, D.C.<br \/>\nWarner is an education research analyst with the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C. Her work includes supporting evaluation activities addressing PK-16 program and policy areas, informing legislative and budget proposals by conducting objective policy analysis, and developing issue briefs, technical papers and evidence reviews to inform senior leadership. She was a 2015 Presidential Management Fellow and was a 2016 International Literacy Association Outstanding Dissertation Award Finalist.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Of Georgia Southern\u2019s 83,000 living alumni, more than 33,000 are under 40 years of age. The Alumni Association recently honored its biennial class of 40 Under 40, representing the excellence of the University\u2019s young alumni and demonstrating the positive contributions and achievements for which University graduates are known. David Berger, 2009 B.S., Information Technology Lake [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":6369,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[55],"class_list":["post-6132","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alumni","tag-spring-2017"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6132","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6132"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6132\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6369"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6132"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6132"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ww2.georgiasouthern.edu\/news\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6132"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}