Meet The 40 Under 40 Class of 2023

Blake Nation

Player Development Academy, Milwaukee Brewers, Fort Myers, FL

College: College of Arts and Humanities, Waters College of Health Professions

Degree: B.S., General Studies, ’08, M.S., Kinesiology, ’14

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory: I met my spouse at GSU the second week on campus, we married in 2009 and are still together today.

TV Show Blake Would Like to Be On: Below Deck

What Excites Me The Most in My Career: Building relationships with people from all over the world.

Brian Moore, Ph.D.

Director Center for the Advancement of Military and Emergency Services, Kennesaw State University, Dallas, GA

College: College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Degree: B.S., Psychology ’09, M.A.S.S., Social Sciences,’11

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory: Getting married to my beautiful wife.

First Job: Cashier at a fried chicken restaurant.

What Excites Me The Most in My Career: The ability to make meaningful impacts in my community and most importantly – in people’s lives.

Brittany Standifer

Community Engagement Program Manager, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

College: College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Degree: B.A., Political Science, ’14

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory: Planning events on Sweetheart Circle for my fellow Eagles.

First Job: Out of college…Fundraiser at UGA
In high school…Sandwich Artist at Subway

What Excites Me The Most in My Career: Watching communities grow and prosper as a result of the daily grind.. 

Brooklyn Cartwright

Senior Director of Basketball Operations, Atlanta Dream

College: Waters College of Health Professions

Degree: B.S., Sport Management ’16

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory: My most unforgettable memory would be football games!

First Job: I worked at a movie theatre in high school!

What Excites Me The Most in My Career: The ability to impact the lives of professional athletes and aid in building a legendary franchise.

Candace Young

Brand Growth Strategist, Piedmont Healthcare

College: Waters College of Health Professions, Parker College of Business

Degree: B.S., Sports Management, ’05
MBA, ’09

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory: My most unforgettable memory at GSU was when Dyverzion had our dance showcase in the Student Union. It was a full show of all our dances that we had performed throughout the year, and new dances as well. There was one dance in particular that I was featured in. We danced to I’m a Slave 4 U by Britney Spears and I was featured as Britney. It was the best night ever and my team members and I still reminisce about that show, as well as that dance in particular, till this day!

First Job: My first job ever was working as a hostess at a restaurant called Le Peep in Marietta, GA!

What Excites Me The Most in My Career: What excites me the most is the fact that I have a hand in helping patients (and potential patients) understand the types of health care services that Piedmont offers to the community. I get excited when I think about the role that I play in bringing healthcare close to home and how I make a positive difference in every life I touch at Piedmont.

The Honorable Casey Woolsey

County Court Judge, State of Florida, Seventh Judicial Circuit

College: College of Arts and Humanities

Degree: B.A., Writing and Linguistics, ’07

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory: Football games at Paulson and pool parties at Campus Club!

First Job: My first job was as a lifeguard! Best job ever!

What Excites Me The Most in My Career: One of the best parts about being a judge is the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives and on society as a whole. Judges have the power to ensure justice is served, to uphold the law, and to make fair and informed decisions that can make a difference in individuals’ rights, disputes, and overall well-being.

Christopher Wiggins

Synovus, Retail Market Manager

College: College of Arts and Humanities, Parker College of Business

Degree: B.S., General Studies, ’16; MBA, ’23

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory: The feeling of accomplishment (or maybe it was relief) walking across the stage to receive my diploma!

First Job: As a teenager, I helped a local farmer bail hay after school and in the summer.

What Excites Me The Most in My Career: Helping others achieve their dreams.

Chukwuka Okafor, DMD

Dentist/Partner, Zona Dental

College: College of Arts and Humanities

Degree: B.S., Biology, ’12

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory: EIP 2008!

Organizations While at Georgia Southern: Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc, Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta)- Biology Honor Society

First Job: Informal first job: cutting grass at age 12.
Formal first job: cashier at Publix grocery store

What Excites Me The Most in My Career:
Increased opportunity to have life long positive impact on others.

Cynthia Cradduck

Managing Partner, Cecilia Russo Marketing

College: College of Arts and Humanities

Degree: B.S., Public Relations, ’14

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory: We were the inaugural graduating class in the newly-built stadium. Stepping onto the field for the first time was an indescribable experience, filled with an overwhelming sense of joy and achievement. The presence of our cherished family and friends made the occasion even more special. I can vividly recall the majestic sight of Freedom the Eagle soaring overhead, etching this memorable moment in my mind forever.

First Job: At just 15 years old, my first job was as a busser for a fine-dining restaurant. I broke barriers as the first female busser, even though I couldn’t even drive myself to work. This opportunity opened doors for me, leading me to become a hostess and then a waitress, all before I even started college. Working in the service industry was an incredible experience and taught me invaluable lessons about providing exceptional customer experience and servant leadership.

Organizations While In College: I actively participated in various organizations, such as Kappa Kappa Gamma and PRSSA. In fact, I held a position on the executive committee for PRSSA. Additionally, I had the privilege of being a part of the L.E.A.P. certification class.

What Excites Me The Most in My Career: I am truly passionate about making a positive impact. Public relations has the incredible power to shape the world for the better. It fills me with joy to know that my efforts contribute to the success of the organizations we work with – whether it’s a long-standing family business, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing crime and empowering young men, or a cause striving to find a cure for childhood cancer.

Our work spans various sectors, and being a part of sharing these inspiring stories is truly thrilling! I also love that public relations and marketing is a fast-paced field, and there’s a challenge to keep up with the latest trends and technology. I also love the variety of work that I get to do in public relations. No two days are ever the same..

Eldrick Jacobs

Owner, Flint and Port Hat Company

College: College of Arts and Humanities

Degree: B.A., History, ’15

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory: Homecoming 2013

Organizations While at Georgia Southern:
SGA, Judicial Conduct Board, Kappa Alpha Psi, History Honor Society

First Job: Funeral Home

What Excites Me The Most in My Career: I’m most excited about entrepreneurship and private equity for the value it creates in terms of job creation and social impact.

Ellen Wooditch

Interior Designer, Hussey Gay Bell

College:College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Degree: B.S., Interior Design, ’11

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory: Its so hard to pick just one, but honestly my best memories were usually around a bonfire. I loved that it was a simpler time when we could just gather as friends and just be ourselves and forget the troubles of college life.

Organizations While at Georgia Southern: I was a member of the student Interior Design Association (IDA at the time). I was and still am an active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma.

First Job
Working for my parent’s insurance company at the age of 12.

What Excites Me The Most in My Career
Space planning! I love being given a program and a set of limited space to cram everything into, especially when there are odd angles to play around with.

Jason Hood

North America Brand Manager – Brand Defining & Purpose Marketing, Nike

College: Parker College of Business

Degree: BBA, Marketing, ’08, MBA, ’10

Organizations While at Georgia Southern: Delta Epsilon Iota Honor Society.

First Job: Chick-fil-A… and yes, it’s my pleasure!

What Excites Me The Most in My Career: The fact that I get to do work that directly influences mainstream culture through the lens of under-represented communities.

Jay Canady

Realtor, Keller Williams Realty

College: Parker College of Business

Degree: BBA, Management, ’10

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory: There are so many. Getting to see President Bush (especially Marine One landing at Paulson), Condoleeza Rice, Blake Mycoskie, and others speak on campus. Having the privilege of getting to hear Coach Erk Russell speak just a few weeks before his death…The thrill of beating App, at the Rock, when they hadn’t lost at home in years, and celebrating on their field!!

First Job: Bag boy at Harvey’s Supermarket

What Excites Jay The Most in His Career: Helping people achieve the American Dream.

Jenna Wiese

Vice Chancellor of Internal Audit, Ethics, & Compliance, University System of Georgia

College: Parker College of Business
Degree: BBA, Accounting, ’07, MAcc, Accounting, ’08

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory: The memories are limitless. The live concerts at Retrievers on Thursdays, bid day at the KSU sorority house, day trips to explore, Savannah and Tybee Island, GS football game days, and the lifelong friends that I made. I also will always be grateful to my Accounting Professor at GS, Tom Buckhoff, who encouraged me to join his forensic accounting program and made the curriculum exciting enough for me to stick with it. That’s why I am where I am today.

Organizations While at Georgia Southern: I was a Kappa Delta, a member of the Association of Fraud Examiners Student Chapter and a member of Beta Alpha Psi.

First Job:I was a cashier at Chick-fil-A when I was 15 years old.

What Excites Jenna The Most in Her Career: I love that every day brings a new challenge and that I’m problem solving to find ways to ensure our system is the best at what we do.

Jennifer Lewis

Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence and Chief of Staff to the Provost, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

College: College of Education
Degree: B.S., Middle Grades Education, ’12, M.Ed., Higher Education Administration, ’14

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory: Took the bus to App State and we beat them in Boone. Still remember rushing the field.

First Job: Worked as a bagger and cashier at Ingles Supermarket.

What Excites Alton The Most in His Career: The opportunity to help young people achieve the transformational power of higher education. 

Jessica Allen, DVM

Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence and Chief of Staff to the Provost, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

College: College of Education

Degree: B.S., Middle Grades Education, ’12, M.Ed., Higher Education Administration, ’14

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory: Took the bus to App State and we beat them in Boone. Still remember rushing the field.

First Job: Worked as a bagger and cashier at Ingles Supermarket.

Current Job Explained to a 5-Yr Old: I am a teacher and I help my boss keep the school running.

What Excites Alton The Most in His Career: The opportunity to help young people achieve the transformational power of higher education. 

Jessica Ash

Vice President, TD Synnex

College: College of Arts and Humanities

Degree: B.S., Broadcasting, ’07

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory
I have so many amazing memories from my time at Southern, but cheering through college was one of the highlights. Every football game, lining up in front of the football team huddle before they break…and taking off running was the biggest adrenaline rush. Nothing like game days in the Boro.

Organizations While at Georgia Southern
I cheered all 4 years in college and helped get our cheerleading launched into competitive cheerleading. My senior year was Southern’s first time competing and then the following year, they won Nationals.

First Job
My first job was in television at the ABC affiliate in Topeka, KS. I was a news anchor and reporter.

What Excites Jessica The Most in Her Career
I have the best career because technology is always changing, adapting, new inventions/developments are hitting the market. There are always things to learn and grow…it keeps you on your toes and is never boring!

Johnita Daniel

Master Planner, Georgia Department of Defense

College: College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Degree: B.A., Political Science, ’10

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory: Witnessing the Eagles beat App State in Boone in 2007.

Organizations While at Georgia Southern :
University Singers, Voices in Ministry, Residence Hall Association
Southern Pride Marching Band, Model United Nations

First Job: My first job was in television at the ABC affiliate in Topeka, KS. I was a news anchor and reporter.

What Excites Johnita The Most in Her Career: Being a part of a great organization, not just in Georgia, but across 54 states and territories. I’m able to help shape the look of the Army National Guard and Georgia Department of Defense for years to come.

Jordan Yakoby

Director and Chief Nurse Administrator, Touro University

College: Waters College of Health Professions

Degree: B.S., Nursing, ’12
M.S., Nursing, ‘1

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory: I published a book during college and took a picture for the Savannah Morning News on the steps of the new Student Union.

First Job: Intern at the Savannah Chatham County Public School System.

What Excites Jordan The Most in His Career: The ability to help people in a tangible way at the most vulnerable point in their lives each day I go to work. Also, the ability to teach the future leaders in healthcare. I chose two things in recognition of my dual role as teacher and nurse.

Joshua Kerr

Lead Process Design Consultant, All State Insurance Co.

College: College of Arts and Humanities

Degree: B.S., English, ’09

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory: Attending the GSU v UGA game in 2004. After two quarters, #3 ranked Georgia was leading 13-7 and you could hear a pin drop in Sanford Stadium at halftime. At the end, we may not have won, but I-AA (FCS) GSU put on a show and they fell a spot in the rankings.

Organizations While at Georgia Southern: The George-Anne freshman year and I participated in Campus Recreation and Intramurals activities for all of undergrad.

First Job: Cashier, Drive-Thru, and Line Cook at McDonald’s

What Excites Joshua The Most in His Career: Working in insurance, I never imagined that I’d be part of an international team. I get to build and design processes with peers in two different countries. The exposure to the cultures and perspectives has been the highlight of my career and I’m excited to continue this work.

Kacey Biddy

Producer, Apple Music, Atlanta, GA

College: College of Arts and Humanities

Degree: B.S., Multimedia Communication, ’13

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory
When it snowed in Statesboro in 2010, all the football game days, and my years living in the Alpha Delta Pi house.

First Job
Working retail at Sports Emporium of Statesboro while in college.

What Excites Kacey The Most in Her Career
“That I get to create fun, new programming every day around music that I’m passionate about. It’s a career that doesn’t feel like work.”

Katrina McNair

Chief Auditor, Georgia Southern University

College: Parker College of Business

Degree: BBA, Accounting, ’11

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory: Participating in Project Adrian

Organizations While at Georgia Southern: Accounting Association, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

First Job: Customer Service Rep at Wilkes Telephone. 

What Excites Katrina The Most in Her Career: I am most excited about the opportunity to enhance accountability, transparency, and efficiency within the institution’s operations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and contributing to the academic and administrative excellence of Georgia Southern University.

Kelsey Cline

Kelsey Cline State Farm Agency, Owner

College: College of Arts and Humanities

Degree: B.S., Public Relations, ’09

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory
Winning 2008 Homecoming Queen at a school I absolutely loved surrounded by friends and family.

Organizations While at Georgia Southern
Student Government Association – VP multiple times
Alpha Delta Pi – President
Southern Ambassador
Dean of Students Office – student assistant

First Job: Working as an implementation manager for a time and attendance company. I basically did onboarding of clients after the sales team sold our product.

What Excites Kelsey The Most in Her Career: That I am in control of it and that the sky is the limit. I don’t have to wait for a promotion or to be recognized for my efforts, I can continue to grow my business to be as big as I want it to be all by myself.

Korey Castleberry

Senior Stock Plan Administrator, Spotify

College: Parker College of Business

Degree: BBA, Finance/Financial Services, ’06

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory
My most unforgettable memory at Georgia Southern University was meeting my beautiful wife, Latara Castleberry.

Organizations While at Georgia Southern
Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, Omicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity.

First Job
My first job was as a Finance Apprentice with the McDuffie County Board of Commissioners.

Current Job Explained to a 5-Yr Old
I would briefly explain to them what stocks are… ownership of a company, and that some companies pay their employees with money & stock. What I do is help companies give their employees stock and make sure employees understand how they can use their stocks.

What Excites Korey The Most in His Career
Investing in the stock market has historically been one of the best way to build wealth. For many people, one of their first stock investments are through an employer-sponsored stock compensation plan. What excites me most about my career is the impact that I can have on others through advocating for and educating them about their company sponsored stock plans.

LaMonika Hill, Ed.S.

Assistant Principal, Dooley County High School, Dooly County School System

College: College of Education

Degree: B.S., Early Childhood Education, ’06

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory
One of my most unforgettable memories at Georgia Southern was during SOAR. It was an eye-opening experience that made me realize I was truly becoming a college student. It was also the first time I got to stay on campus, which added to the excitement and sense of independence. .

Organizations While at Georgia Southern
In 2003, I had the privilege of being a resident assistant at Southern Courtyard when it first opened its doors. I volunteered at the local Boys and Girls Club in Bullock County. I served as a coach for recreation cheerleading at Parks and Recreation. I also volunteered for various programs and events with Eagle Entertainment. .

First Job
Dairy Queen was where I had my first job. I was the best Blizzard and dipped ice cream cone maker.

What Excites LaMonika The Most in Her Career
The best part of my career is having the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives through various avenues. Being able to positively influence and impact other, whether through my work, my interactions, or my contributions, fills me with a sense of genuine purpose.

Patrick Barker

CEO, Glenn Layton Homes

College: Parker College of Business, AEP College of
Engineering and Computing

Degree: BBA, Logistics/Intermodal, Transport,
Construction Management, ’14
B.S. Construction Management, ’14

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory
Beating App State in Football when they
were ranked #1 in the country.

Organizations While at Georgia Southern
Played on the GSU Football Team, Athletes in Action,
Construction Management Guild

First Job
Post graduation: Purchasing manager at
Glenn Layton Homes

What Excites Patrick The Most in His Career
Being in a position to influence the growth of a

Rob Douglas

Partner, Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC

College: Parker College of Business

Degree: BBA, Accounting, ’10, MAcc, ’11

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory
The football gamedays always had an electric atmosphere with school pride on full display.

Organizations While at Georgia Southern
Kappa Alpha Order and Beta Alpha Psi

First Job
Changing tractor and truck tires at Bass Service Station. An invaluable experience in hard work.

What Excites Rob The Most in His Career
Helping business owners and decision makers navigate the the language of business.

Robbyn Ingram

Vice President, Communications & Strategic
Messaging, Citi

College: College of Arts and Humanities

Degree: B.S., Public Relations, ’08

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory:
During my first year at Georgia Southern, a paper I wrote for one of my classes titled Crabs in a Barrel was selected by my professor to be submitted for a national award. I was very passionate about the
subject matter and extremely proud to be recognized for my writing/work.

Organizations While at Georgia Southern
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Lambda
Kappa Chapter at GSU), Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity
Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Student Government Association (SGA), Southern Ambassadors, Black Student Association (BSA), Minority Advisement Program (MAP)

First Job
My first job was working as a sales associate at TJ Maxx. I worked there the summer before I started my senior year of high school.

What Excites Robbyn The Most in Her Career
The possibilities! My career has taken many forms and I love that about my professional experience. I have a lot of options to choose
from: the opportunities under the communications umbrella – from creative to corporate – are vast and that is what excites me the most.

Robert Lucas

CEO, The Sweet Impact

College: AEP College of Engineering and Computing

Degree: B.S., Information Technology, ’16

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory
Living in Eagle Village dorms freshmen year.

Organizations While at Georgia Southern
Soul’d Out Campus Choir

First Job
McDonald’s

What Excites Robert The Most in His Career
Having freedom to be as creative as I want.

Samson Seyoum

CEO, Tolo Logistics Services

College: Parker College of Business

Degree: BBA., Logis/Intermodal Transport, ’10

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory
Move in day freshman year. Met some of my closest friends on that day.

First Job
Concession stand at the movie theater (maybe best job I’ve ever had).

What Excites Samson The Most in His Career
Developing and mentoring young employees that are figuring out their life and future.

Tanielle Smith, M.D.

CEO/Physician, Brew Wellness Collective/Ackerman Cancer Center

College: College of Science and Mathematics

Degree: B.S., Biology, ’09

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory
Becoming a member of the Lambda Kappa Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Organizations While at Georgia Southern
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, NAACP, PreMedical Organizations
Phone- A- Thon

First Job
McDonald’s

Current Job Explained to a 5-Yr Old
I help people live a healthier life.

What Excites Tanielle The Most in Her Career
In my career as a physician and as a coach, I am able to have a positive influence in people’s lives which allow them to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Tirrany Thurmond

Founder, Idaltu Counseling & Consulting

College: College of Education

Degree: M.Ed, Counselor Education, ’15

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory
Serving as a resident scholar on an Alternative Spring Break Trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Organizations While at Georgia Southern
The Black Graduate Student Association, Student Association for Licensed Professional Counselors, National Association for Academic Advisors (NACADA), Golden Key International Honour Society, and Georgia Southern Advising Professionals (GSAP).

First Job
I was a waitress in my grandmother’s restaurant when I was 12. I am sure it was against child labor laws, but her guests loved me and I liked helping my Granny with her business!

What Excites Tirrany The Most in Her Career
I enjoy how my work allows people to engage in complex, meaningful, and sometimes uncomfortable conversations that serve as catalysts for individual and communal change. People get to see others and be seen in a way that is transformative which leads to healing and growth, restoration, and repair.

Trenese McNealy, DBA

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

College: College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Degree: B.A., Fashion Merchandising & Apparel Design, ’06

Most Unforgettable Georgia Southern Memory
My most unforgettable memory at Georgia Southern University was driving back from my Walt Disney World internship to watch Challenger fly across the football field during my graduation ceremony. I was amazed the entire time and this memory has always stuck with me.

Organizations While at Georgia Southern
Southern Pride Marching Band, Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity, & Eagles Entertainment

First Job
My first job was working for my family’s business, Best Cut Lawn Care, where I did all types of yard work from cutting grass, raking leaves, laying down sod, building fences, and helping to install sprinkler systems for customers.

What Excites Trenese The Most in Her Career
The exciting aspect of my career is developing workshops for conferences and events, securing high-profile individuals as speakers and panelists for these workshops, and delivering key takeaways for attendees.