From the Editor: Introducing The Fayetteville Observer's 40 Under 40 Class of 2024
Beth Hutson
Editor's note: This story has been updated with information about the 40 Under 40 celebration on Aug. 29.
I’m excited to announce the winners of The Fayetteville Observer’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2024.
This prestigious award, now in its 14th year, is designed to spotlight young professionals who excel at work and in service to their communities. Nominees must live or work in Bladen, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Moore, Robeson, Sampson or Scotland counties and be younger than 40 as of July 1, 2024.
Our nominees were considered by a panel of judges that considered each nominee's community involvement and professional experience. Observer Opinion Editor Myron B. Pitts was joined on that panel by four community leaders who have firsthand experience with the 40 Under 40 program: They’re all alumni. They are:
- Tamara Holmes Brothers, the Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion manager for the NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, is a member of the 40 Under 40 Class of 2017.
- Brian Adam Kline, a theater and film instructor and Arts Department chair at the Capitol Encore Academy, is a member of the Class of 2020.
- Wayne McDonald, the operations manager at Maxim Healthcare Services, is a member of the Class of 2021.
- Anna Meyer, executive director of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, is a member of the Class of 2023.
Our judges had a tough task in narrowing down the hundreds of impressive nominations we received from the community, and I appreciate their time and efforts in selecting a stellar group of people. The Class of 2024 is made up of 40 community-minded, hardworking young professionals, and I think we can all be proud that they choose to call Fayetteville or surrounding cities and towns their home.
Celebrating the Class of 2024
I’m happy to share that for this year’s 40 Under 40 reception, we’re partnering with the Fayetteville NEXT Advisory Commission, a board established by the Fayetteville City Council to help retain and attract young professionals to the area.
Fayetteville NEXT and creative director Ayana Washington have a fantastic evening planned for the Class of 2024 on Aug. 29 at 1601 Raeford Road. The evening kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail hour, followed by the ceremony at 7:30 p.m. A limited number of tickets are now available for purchase by the general public. Tickets, which are $26, include refreshments by Bella Melange and others; a 360 photobooth with Celfie 360; professional photography with MelaJay; keynote speaker Sen. Val Applewhite; and entertainment courtesy of The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra.
Congratulations again to the Class of 2024!
- Jessica Bullock
- Barbara Caison
- Dr. Erica Campbell
- Aerial Chatman
- Carla G. Clark
- Sean Clark
- Hanna Davis
- Xavier DeBrough
- Demetrius Dowdy
- Krystal Eason
- Stephen Fife
- Nichelle Gaines
- Lisa Gillespie
- Alishia Graham
- Terrance Gray Jr.
- Haley Nichole Greene
- Brian Haney
- Peter Hannon Jr.
- Dominic J'Rael Hunter
- Ashley Johnson
- Tonette Sheree Johnson
- Nicole Knotts
- Fabian Llamas
- Ernest E. Logan III
- Bishop McNeill
- Ryan Shanell Mitchell
- Katey Morrill
- Rashawn Moore
- Faith Burns Phillips
- Robyn E. Pitt
- Alec Powers
- Brittany Roberts
- Kristle M. Anderson Rouse
- Elizabeth Santamour
- D'Angelio D. Scott
- Liz Simpler
- Michelle Skinner
- Keyona P. Smith
- Ayana Washington
- Jacob Zepp
News Director Beth Hutson can be reached at bhutson@fayobserver.com.
