2019 Charleston Regional Business Journal - Forty Under 40

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MEET THE CLASS OF 2019 The Charleston Regional Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 spotlights a class of individuals who focus on work as well as community. These 40 individuals are among those who go above and beyond by donating personal time, money and talents to the Lowcountry’s nonprofits and charitable and entrepreneurial organizations that help keep our community vibrant. Every year, the Charleston Regional Business Journal honors this select group during a networking event and awards ceremony. This year’s Forty Under 40 event will be held May 9 at Alhambra Hall in Mount Pleasant. The judges are all previous Forty Under 40 winners: Erica Taylor of Charleston County School District and Scott Baker of Stantec, both members of the class of 2018, and Erin Marie Ulmer of Camp Rise Above from the class of 2017.

Purchase tickets online today: www.charlestonbusiness.com/events

#40CHS 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m

Thursday, May 9

Presented by:

Alhambra Hall Mount Pleasant

Sponsored by:

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BEHIND THE SCENES

Photography of winners by Kim McManus and Kathy Allen

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KATIE BLOMQUIST Age: 36 Position/title: Founder and Executive Director, Going Places Education: Bachelor’s degree in sociology, master’s in elementary education

What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

While I was growing up, I never really knew what I wanted to be, but charity work was always a large part of my life. I think it’s always been written in the stars that I would create and run Going Places.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

I created something, singlehandedly, that is changing lives by bringing joy to so many disadvantaged kids, something that is showcasing the importance of the socialemotional need for joy.

KARL L. BRADY, JR. Age: 35 Position/title: Director of Development, The Salvation Army of Charleston Education: Bachelor’s in history and political science, Wake Forest University; master’s in nonprofit management with a concentration in leadership, Northeastern University.

What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

I don’t look at it so much as choosing a profession but more the process of elimination. It was not my original choice growing up; I had wanted to be a lawyer since I was a little kid.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Growing the revenue needed to help sustain and expand life-changing programs that the nonprofits I’ve worked for over the years have offered.

MATT BRADY Age: 38 Position/title: Economic Development Director, city of Goose Creek Education: B.A., political science and history, University of South Carolina; master of public administration, University of South Carolina What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

I am in economic development because I’ve seen the dramatic, transformative effects it can have on communities.

Economic development can literally change lives for generations.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

A dear friend of mine — and a legend in the S.C. economic development field — once told me to keep my head down and my nose clean.

I am not sure any better advice exists out there.

JASON BRISINI

Age: 35 Position/title: Teacher, Wando High School Education: Ed.D., curriculum and instruction, University of South Carolina; M.Ed., educational administration, The Citadel; B.A., history, College of Charleston What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher from an early age. I recognized and appreciated the impact great teachers had on me as a student and felt it would be fulfilling to have the same impact on others.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

“Do what is best for kids.” This advice drives everything I spend my time on.

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JENNIFER BROWN Age: 38 Position/title: Director of Business Retention & Expansion, Charleston County Economic Development Education: B.S. Management, Clemson University; MBA, The Citadel What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

I somewhat fell into economic development and I have enjoyed every minute of the last six years.

I guess it chose me.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

From age 13 to 16, I saved every penny of babysitting, lawn mowing and birthday money and was able to buy a brand-new car with a $10,000 down payment that I saved up. I drove that car for 13 years!

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

“You can’t be everything to everyone, so stop trying.”

This is true in life and the workplace. Work hard, do your best and make yourself happy.

JENA CLEM Age: 34 Position/title: Special Events Manager, Gibbes Museum of Art Education: B.S., fashion and business marketing, Georgia Southern University; B.A., communication, College of Charleston What is your proudest accomplishment?

Today, my proudest accomplishment is knowing how far I’ve come over the last nine years. I came to Charleston, started as an intern at Charleston magazine, became a contract worker for Charleston magazine, started at the Gibbes Museum as the rental coordinator, and now I manage our major fundraisers. I came in super-eager to learn and grow, and because of this, I’ve completely transformed the Gibbes private event rental program. Not to bore you with numbers, but since I started seven years ago, I’ve increased the rental revenue by 500%. That is probably my proudest professional accomplishment.

Any advice for the next generation?

Slow down. In life we are always waiting on the next best thing to happen, and we miss out on what is right in front of us. Be yourself — in person and on social media. Be kind to one another. Listen to your parents — they know what you’re going through, I promise. And most important, trust God.

SARA CORBETT Age: 38 Position/title: Public Affairs Specialist, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Education: B.A., communications, minor in political science, American University What made you select your chosen profession?

Was this your choice when you were growing up?

I have always been a “communicator.” In fact, if you ask my dad what I majored in at college, he will tell you that it was talking.

Why do you choose to live in Charleston?

We came for my husband’s job, but we stayed because of the friendly people and warm weather.

How do you feel rewarded by your community service?

I am a firm believer that if you want where you live and work to be great and you’re in the fortunate position to make it great, then you should help where you can.

Any advice for the next generation?

Travel and learn about different cultures as much as you can before you settle down. It will teach you more about yourself and life than any textbook.

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JAKE CUSTER Age: 30 Position/title: Relationship Development Manager, South Carolina Federal Credit Union What made you select your chosen profession?

Was this your choice when you were growing up?

The Credit Union philosophy is People Helping People. I fell in love with that concept early in my career and knew I wanted a job where I could help people.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

“Concentrate on the people; the rest will fall into place.” That advice has really shaped my management style.

Why do you choose to live in Charleston?

My wife and I moved to Charleston without ever stepping foot in the city. We had heard wonderful things about the people and culture and knew it was where we wanted to call home. Plus, you can’t beat living by the beach.

TIFFANY CRUMPTON

Age: 38 Position/title: Director of Marketing and Strategy, Blackbaud Higher Education Solutions Education: B.S., marketing and human resource management, University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

I am enthused by the fast-paced nature of sales and marketing — and I love technology.

I was drawn to Blackbaud and the social-good customers that we serve — and the fact that I get to work with higher education customers every day is beyond incredible.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

I was told early in my career by one of my mentors to “be comfortable with the uncomfortable,” which has stuck with me every day since then.

KATIE DAHLHEIM

Age: 36 Position /title: Assistant County Attorney, Charleston County Attorney’s Office Education: B.A., Marshall University; J.D., Capital University What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

As a child, I pictured myself with a career as a “helper,” but I do not remember having specific aspirations. I decided to go to law school after working at a group home for troubled youth while in college.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

The only real problems are the ones that cannot be solved with money.

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STUART DAY Age: 35 Position/title: Senior Associate, Stantec Consulting Services Inc. Education: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees, civil engineering, Clemson University What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

I grew up in a home where my father was a transportation engineer, so I was exposed to it at an early age. When I attended Clemson, I went into general engineering but naturally gravitated to transportation as I was already familiar with a lot of the background and concepts.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Working on the Clemson University Mobility Framework Plan. It is a pleasure to be able to combine work passions with personal passions.

JAMIE DEMENT

Age: 37 Position/title: Marketing Services Manager, Charleston Regional Development Alliance Education: Communications, Clemson University What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

Falling in love with my first internship in radio promotions led me to a career in digital marketing and events.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Teaching myself graphic design and website management, which allowed me to manage the development and creative direction of Palmetto Moon’s and CRDA’s websites.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and admit when you’ve messed up.

REBECCA LEIBOWITZ ENGEL Age: 36 Position/title: Assistant Director, Charleston Jewish Federation Education: B.A., Jewish studies and psychology, Rutgers University; Master’s in Social Work and Community Organization with certificate in Jewish communal work, Yeshiva University What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

During my freshman year at Rutgers, I became involved with Hillel, the Jewish life organization on campus.

Through my experience as a student leader, I realized that the more I did to serve others, the more I received in return, exponentially. After college, I jumped into the field of Jewish communal service and have never looked back.

How do you feel rewarded by your community service?

There’s a Jewish value, tikkun olam (in the original Hebrew). This is loosely translated by many as repairing a broken world through positive action. When I see tikkun olam being performed, I feel rewarded.

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ED DOUGHERTY Age: 32 Position/title: Director of Innovation, Ashley Hall School Education: B.S., childhood and secondary education; M.S., educational leadership What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

I’ve always had a knack for coaching and working with younger kids. I believe this love for coaching led me to teaching. Although I have moved out of the classroom, my work as director of innovation keeps me grounded in making an impact on students’ lives.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Running a lacrosse clinic at Google headquarters in Sydney. It was a major win for lacrosse and the power of human connectedness formed around sports and fun.

Why do you choose to live in Charleston?

Charleston is such a fantastic place to live. Charleston is where I met my wife, where my two children were born, and where we have made so many amazing friends. I couldn’t picture living anywhere else.

McCOWN GRIFFIN

Age: 30 Position/title: Director of Marketing, Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry Education: B.A., Wofford College; Master’s in mass communication, University of South Carolina What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

I always dreamed of being a lawyer but, at the very last minute, decided against applying to law school with the harebrained idea to get my master’s in marketing instead.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

When I was in college, my grandmother sent me a card that read, “A ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.” It’s stayed with me.

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SEAN FLOOD Age: 40 Position/title: CEO and Founder, Gotcha Education: Bachelor’s degree, Florida State University What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

As a child, I thought I was going to be an actor (lol). I started my career as a real estate developer and in 2008, when the market crashed, so did my business. Afterward, I visited my alma mater and saw there was a need for transportation for students to easily commute to and from class, football games and events. In 2009, I launched Gotcha.

Why do you choose to live in Charleston?

In the beginning, it was a lifestyle move for my family and it was convenient for our campus partners at the time.

Charleston has been a great place for recruiting talent and scaling our business.

ERIN HERRMANN

Age: 36 Position/title: Executive Director of Market Development for Eastern South Carolina and Georgia, March of Dimes Education: B.A. in communication, North Carolina State University What is your proudest accomplishment?

Working with a hospital partner for over a year to implement a local program to help families who currently have a baby in the neonatal intensive care unit. I am thrilled this local program will help families navigate their NICU journey, as it can be a very intimidating, scary and challenging time.

How do you feel rewarded by your community service?

I love knowing that I am helping impact future generations.

MARTINA JACKSON Age: 38 Position/title: Engineer — Integrated Product Team Lead, Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic Education/degrees: B.S., computer engineering, with minor in business administration, Clemson University What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

Growing up, I wanted to go into either education or nursing. I was introduced to engineering at the end of my eighth grade year through a summer program that was for minorities in Aiken County who excelled in math and science classes, called Science and Technology Enrichment Program. Prior to that I didn’t have any idea of what an engineer was or did.

What are your professional goals for the next five years?

To obtain my PMP certification and commence and complete my MBA degree, and to move up to the next level of department leadership within my organization.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

The best advice I’ve ever been given is to just be you.

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KATIE JAYNE Age: 37 Position/title: Director of Community Life and Compliance, Bishop Gadsden Education: B.A., sociology, NHA, CRCFA, CPCO What made you select your chosen profession?

Was this your choice when you were growing up?

While in high school, I volunteered at a nursing home in Columbia, with my youth group. I was intrigued.

By luck, I took a freshman class in gerontology under Brenda Sanders at the College of Charleston. I felt her passion and knew that every component of senior living spoke to me on a personal level.

Any advice for the next generation?

Get off your phone and look up. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and get to know a stranger. Like you, every person you meet has struggles, and you might be the only light in their day. Recycle.

NATHAN JOHNSON

Age: 30 Position/title: Attorney, Buxton & Collie LLC Education: B.A., political science, Clemson University; J.D., Charleston School of Law; MBA, College of Charleston What made you select your chosen profession?

Was this your choice when you were growing up?

I knew I wanted to be an attorney for quite some time. Even when I was a little kid, I thoroughly enjoyed debating, to the point that my mom always told me that I better do something with the mouth God gave me.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

The most important things in life cannot be bought with money.

Why do you choose to live in Charleston?

Charleston is a vibrant community with something for everyone. Between the history, beaches and growing business opportunities, it’s a hard place to leave once you experience it.

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JENNA JOHNSON Age: 30 Position/title: Assistant Director of Integrated Marketing, Charleston Southern University Education: B.A., political science/journalism, Clemson University What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

When I was a little girl and my friends pretended to be a vet, a teacher or an astronaut — all notable professions, I may add — I dreamed of being the first female president. As I grew older, I decided that public relations was a close second.

What are your professional goals for the next five years?

I am on track to finish my MBA in two years.

After that, I would like to volunteer on a city commission for Goose Creek and pursue a Ph.D. I’m sure in five years, I’ll also be an active helicopter mom in the PTA. Any advice for the next generation?

The world can and will turn without you. Stay humble, be grateful, and give grace as God has given to you. Live with purpose. And live every day trying to make the world a bit better.

CUTHBERT LANGLEY

Age: 29 Position/title: Communications Director, American Red Cross, Palmetto SC Region Education: B.A. in digital and broadcast journalism; B.A. in International Affairs, University of Georgia What are your professional goals for the next five years?

To continue chasing opportunities that leave me feeling challenged, encouraged and fulfilled.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

There isn’t a specific phrase uttered to me, but rather, an influence. My grandparents on both sides of my family were champions for their communities. Bottom line, their advice/influence was to focus on those less fortunate and do all you can do to better their lives. That is the tenet I use to guide my life.

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CADY NELL KEENER Age: 31 Position/title: Assistant Vice President for Development & Special Gifts, Charleston Southern University Education: B.S., business administration/ marketing & management, University of South Carolina; MBA – Leadership, Charleston Southern University What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Live a life of integrity. Integrity is what you do when no one is watching.

How do you feel rewarded by your community service?

I find joy in giving back and sharing my Godgiven talents to make a positive impact on others.

Any advice for the next generation?

Always practice good leadership principles, including integrity, humility and responsibility, and being pleasingly persistent. Realize that nothing is free, be willing to work and take advantage of opportunities afforded to you.

RICH LEE Age: 36 Position/title: Vice Chair for Finance & Administration, Medical University of South Carolina Department of Pediatrics Education: Master of Health Administration, MUSC; Bachelor’s degree in business administration & economics, Presbyterian College What is your proudest accomplishment?

Being a part of the expansion and transformation of health care facilities and services at MUSC. Our physicians and care team members provide world-class care, and it is exciting to develop new facilities and services to provide the best experience to our patients.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

“Choose the hard right over the easy wrong.”

Why do you choose to live in Charleston?

Charleston has the perfect balance of everything. A thriving business community, wonderful restaurants, great entertainment and outdoor activities, and Southern hospitality.

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ALISSA C. LIETZOW Age: 33 Position/title: Executive Director, Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services Education: B.A., political science, College of Charleston; J.D., Charleston School of Law What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be an attorney. The idea that one could get specialized training and spend a lifetime making an impact on the community really drew me to pursue this dream.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Being elected one of the youngest presidents of the Rotary Club of Charleston and leading this nearly 100-year-old civic organization to accomplish several impactful initiatives.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

My most rewarding role has been becoming a mom to two wonderful little boys, Jackson and Alexander. In our fast-paced, digital world, they serve as a daily reminder to slow down, show gratitude and enjoy this crazy journey.

ALEXANDRA MOOR

Age: 30 Position/title: Executive Director, Be A Mentor Education: Corporate communications and business administration from the College of Charleston; Master of Education from the University of South Carolina What is your proudest accomplishment?

I am extremely proud to be a female executive of a nonprofit that impacts the lives of so many children.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

After my first student-teaching experience, a second grader wrote me this advice: “Make things interesting. Be spectacular, go beyond regular. Encourage them they can fix mistakes. Make learning fun. Don’t just say that, DO IT. Work in kind ways with kids until they got it.” That last one is my favorite, and personal mantra.

XAN MCLAUGHLIN Age: 36 Position/title: Partner, Beverage Director and Head of Board for The Park Cafe, All Good Industries and Bread + Butter Education: B.A., James Madison University

What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

I was born in a food and beverage family. My parents worked in the industry and they instilled a love for all things related at a very young age.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Opening my own restaurant.

What are your professional goals for the next five years?

I’d like to have an accredited training facility for Bread + Butter. I’d also like to open two more bars. And, finally, I would like my wife to stop working so I can take her to more places.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Play their game your way.

ANGELA MAGEN NARTOWICZ Age: 32 Position/title: Chief of Community Engagement, Joint Base Charleston Education: M.A., executive leadership, Liberty University; associate in public affairs, Community College of the Air Force; Bachelor of business administration, marketing, University of Central Arkansas What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

Since I can remember, my strengths have played toward taking care of people as a servant leader and being an ambassador; using my voice and gifts to create positive change. When you can combine your passion and strengths with the incredible opportunities before you, it’s more than a job; it becomes your purpose.

Any advice for the next generation?

Stay true to yourself, your pursuit of happiness, and do the things that scare you. Never put limitations on what you can do and where you can go. Nothing is impossible, so do not let those around you dictate your success or your potential.

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SARAH PAUL Age: 30 Position/title: CPA/Tax Manager, Elliott Davis Education: B.S., accounting, College of Charleston; M.Acc., University of South Carolina What made you select your chosen profession?

I chose public accounting because I liked the idea of working with a variety of clients while surrounded by other very intelligent people who do the same thing as you. I chose the tax arena because of the nature of continual learning as the tax laws change — it keeps things interesting.

Was this your choice when you were growing up?

No. When I was growing up, I wanted to be a math teacher. I guess I did at least know I wanted to work with numbers.

Why do you choose to live in Charleston?

Why would you choose to live anywhere other than Charleston? To me, Charleston seems like the ideal city because it has so much to offer.

JEFF PLOTNER Age: 39 Position/title: Co-Founder, Brackish Education: B.A., Wofford College What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

Passion for entrepreneurship, working for myself, and following an unconventional path.

How do you feel rewarded by your community service?

It’s a two-way street. Give back to the community that has enabled one to succeed. Only then is one truly a citizen of the community.

Any advice for the next generation?

Stay in touch with your inner compass. No one knows you better than you know yourself. Establish inner confidence and don’t settle for the easy answer.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

It’s OK to make the decision that flies in the face of convention; that’s how you make a difference.

CAROLINE RAKAR Age: 30 Position/title: Program Officer, Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina Education: B.A. in political science and environmental studies What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

If only I knew philanthropy was something you could get paid to do, I might have set my sights on it from the beginning. I guess philanthropy kind of found me, instead of the other way around.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

I am most proud when I see CCF’s Pinckney Scholars succeed. Many are first-generation college students who have battled and beaten adversity in spite of others’ expectations. They are breaking molds and shattering glass ceilings — and I am proud to be supporting them along the way.

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BRAD RYCZKO Age: 33 Position/title: Mechanical Engineer, Army Corps of Engineers Education: B.S., engineering technology

What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

I went into engineering because I love to solve problems. I am not sure that I chose engineering so much as engineering chose me.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Does it pass the common-sense check? When someone is talking to you ask this question to yourself. Base your arguments from that point. Because if it sounds crazy, it probably really is.

Any advice for the next generation?

Learn how to find the answer yourself.

This is the skill that will allow you to really grow in any field you find interesting.

SHAY TALLMAN Age: 37 Position/title: Senior Network Analyst, Select Health of South Carolina Education: Master of Health Administration, MUSC; Bachelor of business administration, USC Sumter What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

I was undecided until winter of 2005 and vividly remember the exact moment when I realized that the health profession was for me. It seemed all roads until then intersected at that point.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? If you can’t be happy with a little, you won’t be happy with a lot.

How do you feel rewarded by your community service?

I know that I’m helping a population that is horridly underserved — people with cystic fibrosis represent less than 1% of the population — and overlooked by almost everyone but the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and a handful of physicians. Giving them one great day with friends and family that they will always remember is priceless.

MICHELLE STRANGE

Age: 36 Position/title: Dental Hygienist, Podcaster, Speaker, Dental Education Consultant, A Tale of Two Hygienists podcast, TriviaDent Education: Master’s in Dental Hygiene Education What made you select your chosen profession?

Was this your choice when you were growing up?

I have been afflicted with jaw issues since I was young. At 17 years old, I had no idea what I wanted to do for a career. I took a side job at my orthodontist’s office — since I was there so frequently — and became fascinated with the dental industry.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

I am incredibly proud of my podcast. My co-host and I saw a need for better and more frequent education of dental hygienists, but it needed to be easy and affordable. We have educated tens of thousands of dental hygienists since 2015.

KERRY WELCH

Age: 39 Position/title: Account Director/Media Buyer Company/organization: Touchpoint Communications Education: B.A., communications, University of Hawaii What is your proudest accomplishment?

I’m very proud of all the projects I have successfully coordinated while being at Touchpoint, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t say my two boys, ages 6 and 7 years old, are my proudest accomplishments.

How do you feel rewarded by your community service?

By knowing my expertise or knowledge helped an organization make the best decisions for them. That energizes me.

Any advice for the next generation?

Be grateful and listen. Always listen to your peers, mentors and mentees. You will learn so much.

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JASON WARD Age: 39 Position/title: President, Landmark Enterprises Education: Bachelor’s degree in residential sciences, real estate from Florida State University What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

I have wanted to be in real estate investment since I was in high school. I grew up watching my parents and several of my friends’ parents do well in real estate, and I was attracted to the entrepreneurial, dealmaking aspect of the field. It is always fresh. No two projects are the same, and every day is different.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

My father often says: “If you dig yourself into a hole, stop digging.” This is good advice in business, but also in everyday life. He also taught me never to pass by a kid’s lemonade stand without stopping and buying a cup. He constantly promoted entrepreneurism in myself, and he encouraged me to do the same in others.

BLAKE WEST

Age: 37 Position/title: Culinary Arts Instructor, Ashley Ridge High School Education: Associate in Applied Science from the Culinary Institute of Charleston at Trident Technical College What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

No. In fact, as a young teenager, getting out of and away from school was more important to me.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Denzel Washington said, “Don’t aspire to make a living, aspire to make a difference.” Although this was not advice given directly to me, it is the quote that I have really allowed to become a part of how I live my life.

JUSTIN WILLIAMS Age: 36 Position/title: Deputy Director, Defense Health Agency Cyber Operations Center, Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic Education: Doctorate of Science, cybersecurity, Captech U; M.S., systems engineering, Southern Methodist University; B.S., management of information systems, Park University; Associate of Science, electronic systems technology, Community College of the Air Force What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

Not my initial choice growing up, but I was passionate about building and playing on computers. This evolved into a logical career choice.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Receiving my doctorate.

Any advice for the next generation?

Surround yourself with individuals that can challenge yourself professionally and personally. You will grow as a result.

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CATHERINE YAW Age: 35 Position/title: Marketing Manager, Manager of Graphic Design, Choate Construction Co. Education: B.A., journalism and mass communications, University of South Carolina, magna cum laude What made you select your chosen profession?

Was this your choice when you were growing up?

I’ve always loved art, writing and design, but I wasn’t sure how that would translate into the working world.

I certainly never imagined I would work in the construction industry.

What are your professional goals for the next five years?

Goals for the next five years involve prioritizing our digital approach; developing better and more personalized marketing content; and exploring ways to integrate our existing CRM and workflows with those of other departments and divisions.

How do you feel rewarded by your community service?

Volunteering is hands-down the easiest way to build connections, learn valuable skills, gain experience and impact your community while supporting causes near and dear to your heart.

WES WILSON

Age: 38 Position/title: Project Manager, Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District Education: Management, Clemson University What made you select your chosen profession? Was this your choice when you were growing up?

I don’t think I was necessarily driven by the profession more so than the want/desire to live in Charleston.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Choose a job in a location where you would be happiest living and you will never have to work a day in your life.

Why do you choose to live in Charleston?

All my favorite things — beach, barbecue, boats and parks — are within 15 minutes of where we live.

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