Meet The 40 Under 40 Class of 2025

Nathan Barker (’16,’16)

Legislative Director, US House of Representatives Rick Crawford

College: College of Behavioral & Social Sciences, Parker College of Business
Degree: B.A., Political Science; BBA, Economics

Nathan Barker is the Legislative Director for U.S. Representative Rick Crawford (Arkansas 1st District), overseeing legislative affairs and strategy. Previously, he served over two years as Legislative Director for Rep. Rich McCormick (GA-06), managing a team of six staffers and spearheading legislative development. Nathan successfully advanced key bills including the Economic Espionage Prevention Act and served as lead staff on the House Artificial Intelligence Task Force. He is actively involved with Eagles in DC, supporting Georgia Southern students participating in the Legislative Internship Program and fostering alumni connections in Washington, D.C.

Lindsay Brown (’14,’17)

Clinical Nurse Manager, Pediatrics, Memorial Health

College: College of Science & Mathematics, Waters College of Health Professions
Degree: B.S., Biology; B.S., Nursing

Lindsey Brown is the Clinical Nurse Manager for Pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Savannah, where she leads multiple nursing units with a focus on excellence, collaboration, and patient-centered care. She has spearheaded several impactful initiatives, including the development of the hospital’s float pool team. Through this program, Lindsey established a partnership with Georgia Southern’s nursing program to expand clinical externship opportunities for students. This initiative offers invaluable hands-on pediatric experience and often leads to full-time roles post-graduation. A proud supporter of Eagle Nation, Lindsey and her husband are annual athletic boosters and love cheering on Georgia Southern with their sons.

Latara Castleberry (’08)

Regional Sales Training and Development Manager, Cintas Corporation

College: Parker College of Business
Degree: BBA, Finance

Latara Castleberry is a powerhouse in leadership and professional development, currently serving as the Regional Sales Training & Development Manager for Cintas Corporation in Atlanta. She leads 93 Sales Representatives and 11 Sales Managers, helping drive over $200 million in annual revenue and earning her region the #1 spot for revenue projections in FY24. With a passion for growth, Latara creates impactful training programs that boost performance, retention, and career advancement. She proudly supports Georgia Southern through campus recruiting and mentorship, helping students turn opportunities into careers. Her dedication to excellence and Eagle Nation makes her a standout in every sense.

Major Amessia Chapman (’09,’11)

Public Health Officer, United States Air Force

College: College of Science & Mathematics, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health
Degree: B.S., Biology; Master of Public Health

Major Amessia S. Chapman leads public health efforts as Flight Commander at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, overseeing 23 prevention programs for over 38,000 personnel. Certified Tactical Combat Casualty Care and Expeditionary Medic instructor, she’s trained hundreds in critical battlefield medical techniques. From 2020-2025, Major Chapman spearheaded COVID-19 quarantine, vaccination, and outbreak response for 100,000+ active-duty members, earning “Team of the Year” and “Top 10% Officer” awards. A dedicated Georgia Southern alumna, she regularly attends the American Public Health Association conference, representing the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health and engaging in alumni events to strengthen connections and support the university community.

Alvie Coes III (’07,’09,’10)

Chief Workforce Officer, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce

College: Parker College of Business, College of Education
Degree: BBA, Management/HR Mgt; Master of Education, Higher Education Administration; MBA

Alvie Coes is a seasoned education administration executive with over a decade of senior leadership experience across the University System of Georgia, Technical College System of Georgia, and South Carolina Technical College System. Currently, he plays a key role in securing resources to advance community initiatives, including $1.2 million in ARPA funding to support nine nonprofit workforce development programs in Clarke County. Passionate about giving back, Alvie actively supports the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Xi Tau Chapter Endowed Scholarship program, ensuring deserving Georgia Southern students receive crucial financial aid. His dedication strengthens the GSU community and inspires future leaders.

Tashengrem (Rae) Cook (’09)

Design Manager, IHG Hotels & Resorts

College: College of Behavioral & Social Sciences
Degree: B.S., Interior Design

Rae Cook is a visionary interior designer at IHG, where she brings bold creativity and strategic innovation to the Essentials and Suites hotel portfolio. She led the design of IHG’s Garner Hotel, launched in 2023, which has been widely celebrated by owners and the industry. In recognition of her rising impact, Rae was named one of Hospitality Design’s Boutique 18 top emerging designers in 2023. A licensed interior designer, she also helped lead the Clark Atlanta University Lounge renovation through an IHG partnership. Rae remains connected to Georgia Southern, regularly attending alumni events in the Atlanta area and supporting future Eagles.

Tabitha Coombs (’15)

VP, Social Media Manager, Truist

College: College of Arts & Humanities
Degree: B.S., Multimedia Communication

Tabitha Coombs is a Georgia Southern University alumna who remains actively engaged with the Eagle community through alumni networking events and mentoring recent graduates. Professionally, she serves as a dynamic leader in social media strategy at Truist, where she launched the company’s first Financial Literacy Month campaign, reaching over 3.5 million users and achieving a 5.75% engagement rate. Tabitha oversees the strategy and execution of high-impact campaigns across multiple Truist lines of business, driving over 277 million impressions. She is passionate about giving back to Georgia Southern through service and philanthropy, while staying closely connected to its mission and growth.

Alexis Crawford (’18)

Critical Care Registered Nurse, Baylor Scott and White — Temple

College: Waters College of Health Professions
Degree: B.S., Nursing

Alexis Crawford is a dynamic nurse leader, mentor, and advocate for equity in healthcare and education. A proud Georgia Southern alumna, Alexis supports the Black Student Nurse Association by offering resume guidance, interview prep, and career mentoring. She also stays engaged through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., collaborating with fellow Eagles to uplift future healthcare professionals. Clinically, Alexis has pioneered efforts to improve patient safety during critical care transport and helped establish continuity of care between Johns Hopkins Hospital and Bayview Medical Center. Whether in the ICU or the classroom, Alexis is driven by service, excellence, and meaningful impact.

David Cutler (’13)

Director of Development, Georgia Southern University

College: Waters College of Health Professions
Degree: B.S., Sport Management

David Cutler is a dedicated advancement professional at Georgia Southern University, where he proudly serves his alma mater each day. Motivated by a deep passion for the university and its mission, David takes great pride in representing Georgia Southern and contributing to its continued success. His commitment extends beyond his role—he also gives back financially to support current and future Eagles. To date, David has personally raised over $3 million in major gifts, playing a critical role in advancing the university’s goals. His work reflects a strong sense of loyalty, purpose, and pride in the Georgia Southern community.

Laura Dalton (’13)

Senior Associate, Blackrock

College: Parker College of Business
Degree: BBA, Finance/Real Estate

Laura Dalton remains deeply connected to Georgia Southern through her involvement in athletics, philanthropy, and alumni mentorship. A proud supporter of Eagle athletics, she and her husband contribute annually to the Erk Russell Fund, committed to growing their impact each year. Laura also actively mentors young women through her sorority’s alumni network, promoting the same leadership and sisterhood that shaped her as a student. Professionally, she serves as a Senior Associate at BlackRock’s eFront Insight platform, leading complex SaaS implementations and client success initiatives. Her ongoing dedication to Georgia Southern reflects both gratitude and a commitment to giving back.

Jay Dalton (’12)

Partner, Chattahoochee Construction Group

College: Allen E Paulson College of Engineering and Computing
Degree: B.S., Construction Management

Jay Dalton is the co-founder and partner of Chattahoochee Construction Group, one of America’s fastest-growing privately held companies and a recent Atlanta Business Chronicle Pacesetter Award winner. Deeply committed to supporting Georgia Southern, Jay’s company currently employs three Eagle alumni—including himself—and is providing summer internships to current students, helping launch the next generation of professionals. He also gives back as a donor to the Erk Russell Fund, supporting Georgia Southern student-athletes. Through mentorship, internship opportunities, and community involvement, Jay continues to strengthen the bond between his growing business and the university that fuels its talent pipeline.

Caroline Davis (’20,’22)

Speech Language Pathologist, Atrium Health Floyd

College: Waters College of Health Professions

Degree: B.S., Communication Sciences and Disorders; Masters, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Caroline Davis is a dedicated Speech Language Pathologist at Atrium Health Floyd, where she evaluates and treats a diverse inpatient rehab caseload with compassion and clinical excellence. Outside of her professional role, Caroline proudly serves as co-lead of the Georgia Southern Rome Alumni Chapter, where she helps keep fellow Eagles connected through events and outreach. She cherishes every opportunity to return to campus, whether it’s for football games or special alumni gatherings, finding joy in revisiting the place that holds so many treasured memories. Caroline’s Eagle pride runs deep, and she’s passionate about giving back to the university that shaped her.

Ryan Gibson (’17,’20)

CFO, The Sack Company

College: Parker College of Business
Degree: BBA, Finance; MBA

Ryan Gibson is the Chief Financial Officer of The Sack Company, a Statesboro-based industry leader with over 450 employees and $100+ million in annual revenue. As CFO, Ryan oversees all financial operations, guiding strategic planning, growth initiatives, and long-term sustainability. A proud advocate for Georgia Southern, he has championed hiring and internship pipelines for students and graduates, helping shape the next generation of Eagle professionals. Ryan has also led impactful funding efforts for the Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation, creating opportunities that connect student-athletes to meaningful careers. His commitment to excellence and Eagle Nation drives both business success and community impact.

Jordan Given (’13)

Regional Field Supervisor, Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

College: College of Behavioral & Social Sciences
Degree: B.S., Justice Studies

Jordan Given serves as Regional Field Supervisor for the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice’s Office of Investigations. He oversees criminal investigators across multiple jurisdictions, manages budgets and procurement, and leads strategic planning and training initiatives. A Georgia Southern University alumnus, Jordan credits the university with shaping his commitment to leadership and service. “Georgia Southern taught me that true leadership is about responsibility, not recognition,” he says. Jordan remains closely connected to the university community and is an avid supporter of Eagle football, proudly attending games at Paulson Stadium and on the road whenever possible.

Lauren Hayley Guilfoyle (’07)

Bankruptcy Auditor, U.S. Department of Justice

College: Parker College of Business
Degree: BBA, Accounting

Hayley is a dedicated auditor for the SDGA, where she serves as the sole auditor overseeing the integrity of complex financial systems. Her work has been instrumental in preventing the fraudulent discharge of tens of millions of dollars and supporting the successful prosecution of multiple financial crime cases. Outside the office, Hayley is equally driven by compassion. A lifelong animal lover, she has fostered over 100 animals and, in recent years, has become a go-to “small dog” foster for Fixing the Boro—especially for pups with special medical needs. She and her family are also proud supporters of local golf, regularly volunteering at The Schenkel Invitational and participating in The Last Drive. Whether she’s tracking fraud or nursing a sick dog back to health, Hayley brings dedication, heart, and a strong sense of purpose to everything she does.

Gabriel Hackney (’10)

Executive Director, Wells Fargo

College: Parker College of Business
Degree: BBA, Logistics/Intermodel Transport

Gabriel Hackney is the Executive Director at Wells Fargo, overseeing 30+ branch locations across Jacksonville to Destin, with 225 employees and a $10 billion book of business. A strategic and people-focused leader, Gabriel is known for driving innovation and operational success in the financial sector. Outside of work, he is a dedicated husband and father of four, passionate about mentorship, financial literacy, and community service. A proud Georgia Southern alumnus, Gabriel stays actively involved by attending alumni events in Atlanta and Jacksonville, supporting university initiatives, and serving as a strong ambassador for the Eagle network in both business and life.

Kyle Hadden (’11)

Owner, Hadden Capital

College: College of Science & Mathematics
Degree: B.S., Biology

Kyle Hadden remains deeply engaged with Georgia Southern University through his strong support of Eagle athletics. He contributes consistently through donations and fundraising efforts, particularly for the football and baseball programs, helping ensure student-athletes have the resources to compete at a high level. Kyle is also passionate about the continued growth and success of the Men’s and Women’s golf teams, dedicating both time and financial support. His involvement reflects a genuine commitment to the university’s athletic excellence and long-term success, as well as a desire to give back to a community that has significantly influenced his personal and professional journey.

Jenna Houston (’16)

Senior Recruiter, Atlanta Braves

College: Waters College of Health Professions
Degree: B.S., Sport Management

Jenna Houston serves as Senior Recruiter for the Atlanta Braves, leading recruitment across all departments up to the Vice President level. She oversees the Trainee Development Program, hiring and developing 30+ recent graduates annually, and manages the Talent Ambassador program, including the Braves Buddies onboarding experience. Jenna drives key training initiatives such as hiring manager and unconscious bias training and leads employee engagement efforts through the Talent Committee and Women in Baseball Leadership Council.Giving back via her time, Jenna visits Georgia Southern with Dr. Rich, speaking to several hundred students across four classes about careers in sports.

Emil Laursen (’19)

Portfolio Manager, I&T Asset Management

College: Parker College of Business
Degree: BBA, Finance

Emil Laursen is a standout Georgia Southern alumnus whose legacy spans the classroom, the soccer field, and international education. A former team captain and Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year, Emil helped lead the Eagles to their first-ever conference championship in 2016. He earned numerous honors, including CoSIDA First-Team Academic All-American and Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Now back in Denmark, Emil speaks at high schools about studying abroad and helps recruit future Eagle student-athletes. Whether mentoring students or leading on the pitch, Emil exemplifies leadership, service, and global impact—carrying Georgia Southern’s spirit wherever he goes.

Winfield Lee (’16)

Partner, Lee Hill and Johnston Insurors

College: College of Behavioral & Social Sciences
Degree: B.S., Recreation

Winfield Lee is deeply involved with Georgia Southern University Athletics, both personally and professionally. His company proudly serves as the Official Insurance Agency of Georgia Southern Athletics, and he has been a dedicated season ticket holder for baseball, basketball, and football since 2018. Winfield also supports the university through his work in risk management, offering assistance as needed. His connection to Georgia Southern spans generations—his grandfather was a Hall of Fame coach and athlete, and his grandmother founded the liberal arts program. With both parents as alumni and community pillars, Winfield proudly carries on a strong “True Blue” legacy.

Alicia Moore (’10)

International English Teacher, Self-Employed

College: College of Behavioral & Social Sciences
Degree: B.S., Child/Family Development

Alicia Moore is a visionary international educator, curriculum specialist, and global changemaker with over 14 years of experience—10 of which have been spent transforming classrooms around the world. From France and China to Brazil and Panama, Alicia has championed inclusive, globally minded education through IB, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia methodologies. Her leadership in curriculum development continues to elevate learning for diverse communities. A proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Alicia recently returned to Georgia Southern to celebrate her chapter’s anniversary, reaffirming her deep roots. Wherever she goes, Alicia carries the spirit and legacy of Georgia Southern with pride.

Chris Nowicki (’08,’12)

Customer Delivery Executive, Gulfstream Aerospace

College: College of Behavioral & Social Sciences, College of Education
Degree: B.A., Political Science; Master of Education, Higher Education

Chris Nowicki recently served as President of the Georgia Southern University Alumni Board of Directors, where he collaborated with the Alumni Office to boost Armstrong alumni participation, engagement, and giving. A committed donor, Chris has also been a featured Alumni Board speaker at numerous commencement ceremonies in Statesboro and Savannah. Professionally, he manages the development and execution of Gulfstream’s new aircraft completions packages, guiding buyers through design, outfitting, and customization while serving as the primary point of contact throughout the process.

Matthew Penn (’10)

Manager, Vendor Management, Amazon

College: Parker College of Business
Degree: BBA, Marketing

Matt Penn is a Manager of Vendor Management at Amazon, currently leading the Canada retail teams for Tools, Home Improvement, Lawn & Garden, and Major Appliances. Prior to this role, he managed high-impact categories within Amazon’s Toys & Entertainment division. A U.S. Army veteran, Matt served nearly eight years, including as a Company Commander overseeing 220 personnel across multiple departments. He is a proud alumnus of Georgia Southern’s ROTC Eagle Battalion and remains connected to the university through mentorship and alumni engagement. His leadership spans both military and corporate sectors, combining strategic insight with a passion for developing high-performing teams.

Ben Phillips (’13,’16,’22)

Senior VP, Director of Learning & Development, AgSouth Farm Credit

College: Parker College of Business, College of Education

Degree: BBA, Management; Master of Education, Higher Education Administration; Doctor of Education, Education Leadership

Ben Phillips has built a life in Statesboro with his family, deeply rooted in supporting Georgia Southern. An avid Eagle fan, Ben has not missed a single home football game since 2008 and regularly attends athletic and donor events with his family. Professionally, he leads Learning and Leadership Development at AgSouth, designing and facilitating leadership programs enterprise-wide. He partners across departments to drive employee growth, focusing on leadership, mentoring, diversity, and collaboration. Ben’s commitment to GS and community reflects his passion for cultivating future leaders and strengthening the university’s mission.

Kandyce Reeves (’12,’14)

Public Health Analyst, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

College: College of Science & Mathematics, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health
Degree: B.S., Biology; Master of Public Health

Kandayce Reeves is a dedicated public health leader and community advocate. In her role as Public Health Analyst, manages the NIOSH Firefighter Registry Subcommittee and contributes to national health policy initiatives. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kandayce remains actively involved with the Xi Eta Chapter at Georgia Southern, most recently helping plan its 45th Anniversary. Her dedication to honoring NPHC legacy and advancing scholarship exemplifies her passion for service and leadership.

Tyler Slate (’16)

CEO/Lead Dentist, Slate Family Dentistry

College: College of Science & Mathematics
Degree: B.S., Biology

Dr. Tyler Slate is a dedicated dental professional who balances his time between running a new practice and raising his young son. Despite a demanding schedule, he remains connected to Georgia Southern by giving back to aspiring healthcare professionals. He frequently volunteers his time to speak with pre-dental and biology students, offering insight into the dental field.

Eddison Smith III (’16)

Graphic Designer, The Penthouse Creative + Ron Clark Academy

College: Parker College of Business
Degree: BBA, Marketing

Eddison Smith is a creative powerhouse with a passion for bold visuals and meaningful storytelling. As Graphic Designer at The Ron Clark Academy, he brings ideas to life through eye-catching designs across print, digital, and social media. He’s also the Founder and CEO of The Penthouse Creative Branding Agency, where he’s helped over 100 small businesses shine with standout brand identities. From motion graphics to merch, Eddison does it all—with style. A proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Xi Tau Chapter, he’s not just shaping brands—he’s shaping culture. Creativity with purpose? That’s Eddison’s signature.

Tim Stillwell (’11)

Director, Planning Design and Construction, Georgia Southern University

College: Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering & Computing
Degree: B.S., Civil Engineering Tech

Tim Stillwell serves as the Director of Facilities Planning, Design & Construction at Georgia Southern University, where he plays a vital role in shaping the physical landscape and advancing the institution’s long-term vision. A proud Georgia Southern alumnus, Tim is dedicated to giving back through his professional work, ensuring that campus facilities foster student success, innovation, and growth. In addition to overseeing major construction and planning efforts, he actively engages in leadership development programs, including the Leadership Development Institute and the Leadership Exploration and Development Cohort, helping to mentor and empower emerging leaders within the university community.

Isaac Taylor (’18)

Editor, The Wall Street Journal

College: College of Arts & Humanities
Degree: B.S., Journalism

Issac Taylor is a distinguished journalist and dedicated Georgia Southern supporter whose impact spans both professional excellence and alumni engagement. As an editor and researcher, he was part of The Wall Street Journal team recognized as a 2022 Pulitzer Prize finalist for explanatory reporting. In 2025, he received The Institute Global’s Vanguard Award for editorial excellence in digital journalism. Beyond his achievements in media, Issac is deeply committed to mentoring fellow Eagles. By helping younger alumni secure career opportunities and fostering a thriving professional network, he actively uplifts the Georgia Southern community and its future leaders.

John Triplett (’08)

CFO, Brunson & Triplett Enterprises

College: Parker College of Business
Degree: BBA, Management

John Triplett is a seasoned entrepreneur and business owner with a diverse portfolio that includes a retail company of 400+ employees nearing $100 million in revenue, an industrial maintenance and LED firm contracted through Georgia Power, a real estate development company, and an ACE Hardware co-op location. He also manages a broad commercial real estate portfolio. John actively supports Georgia Southern University by hiring graduates and fostering their professional growth within his companies. He maintains strong relationships with GSU staff and looks forward to expanding his involvement through speaking, mentoring, and collaborative opportunities in the years to come.

Dana Velasquez (’10)

Senior Manager, Ernst & Young U.S. LLP

College: Parker College of Business
Degree: BBA, Accounting and Economics; MAcc

Dana Velasquez is a Senior Manager at Ernst & Young in Forensic & Integrity Services, bringing over eight years of experience in fraud investigation, forensic accounting, and regulatory compliance. As a former member of Georgia Southern’s Young Alumni Board for the Parker College of Business, Dana passionately supported students and recent grads through mentoring, mock interviews, and career events. She continues to give back by counseling and mentoring fellow alumni, helping them navigate professional growth. Dana’s dedication to the Eagle community and her expertise in forensic accounting make her a valued leader and mentor.

Holly Waltman (’08)

Owner/ Trial Attorney, The Waltman Firm LLC

College: College of Arts & Humanities
Degree: B.A., Philosophy

Holly Waltman is the founder and managing attorney of The Waltman Firm, a boutique criminal defense practice with offices in Marietta and Cumming, Georgia. With a focus on complex felony cases, Holly leads a dedicated team while maintaining a demanding trial caseload. A proud Georgia Southern University graduate, she remains closely connected to her alma mater by hosting summer interns from GSU. She is consistently impressed by their professionalism and dedication, and many have pursued legal careers inspired by their experience. Holly values giving back through mentorship, helping shape the next generation of professionals while supporting her university community.

Tamara Wright (’13,’18)

Life Scientist, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

College: College of Science & Mathematics, Waters College of Health Professions
Degree: B.S., Chemistry; DPH

Dr. Tamara Wright is a Life Scientist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where she leads national efforts to uphold the Safe Drinking Water Act and has responded to major crises like the Maui Wildfire and Kentucky Floods. As Curriculum Lead Faculty at Columbia Southern University, she mentors future environmental professionals and shapes public health education. A passionate advocate for environmental justice, Dr. Wright volunteers with organizations like Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and frequently partners with Georgia Southern—guest lecturing, collaborating on research, and serving on alumni panels—to connect students with real-world insights and inspire the next generation of Eagle leaders