Emerging leaders sought for NNY Business recognition
Mar. 7—WATERTOWN — As the talent pool of young professionals throughout the tri-county region continues to grow, it is time once again to honor and recognize these emerging leaders through NNY Business magazine's annual 20 Under 40 awards.
The 20 Under 40 awards honor 20 young professionals under the age of 40 who exemplify leadership, community involvement and professionalism, people who are making an impact on the area either through their jobs or their volunteer activities.
Over the course of the past 13 years, the magazine has honored entrepreneurs, teachers, attorneys, real estate agents, a dairy farmer, a state trooper, an architect, a community planner, a restaurant owner and more. The list continues to grow as we showcase the emerging leaders of Northern New York and the 14th annual awards will again honor these talents that support our communities each day.
"We believe that recognizing these individuals, not only for their professional contributions, but also for their volunteer and after-hours efforts spent on the betterment of the community is important," said Alec E. Johnson, editor & publisher. "These individuals do what they do, not for recognition but to make the north country a better place to live. They aren't going to pat themselves on the back, so we will do that for them."
The 14th annual 20 Under 40 class will be selected by a committee consisting of editors and staff of NNY Business magazine.
The strength of nominations plays an important role in how each nominee is judged and selected, including traits that showcase hard work, selflessness, volunteerism and how they have overcome challenges in their career fields to accomplish their goals.
Nominations will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, April 11 and recipients will be recognized through individual profiles in the June edition of NNY Business, as well as at an awards dinner and networking event to be held on Tuesday, June 3, at the historic Paddock Arcade in downtown Watertown.
To submit your nomination for the 14th annual 20 Under 40 awards, please forward via email or fill out a nomination form on NNY360.com
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Emerging leaders sought for NNY Business recognition
Mar. 7—WATERTOWN — As the talent pool of young professionals throughout the tri-county region continues to grow, it is time once again to honor and recognize these emerging leaders through NNY Business magazine's annual 20 Under 40 awards. The 20 Under 40 awards honor 20 young professionals under the age of 40 who exemplify leadership, community involvement and professionalism, people who are making an impact on the area either through their jobs or their volunteer activities. Over the course of the past 13 years, the magazine has honored entrepreneurs, teachers, attorneys, real estate agents, a dairy farmer, a state trooper, an architect, a community planner, a restaurant owner and more. The list continues to grow as we showcase the emerging leaders of Northern New York and the 14th annual awards will again honor these talents that support our communities each day. "We believe that recognizing these individuals, not only for their professional contributions, but also for their volunteer and after-hours efforts spent on the betterment of the community is important," said Alec E. Johnson, editor & publisher. "These individuals do what they do, not for recognition but to make the north country a better place to live. They aren't going to pat themselves on the back, so we will do that for them." The 14th annual 20 Under 40 class will be selected by a committee consisting of editors and staff of NNY Business magazine. The strength of nominations plays an important role in how each nominee is judged and selected, including traits that showcase hard work, selflessness, volunteerism and how they have overcome challenges in their career fields to accomplish their goals. Nominations will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, April 11 and recipients will be recognized through individual profiles in the June edition of NNY Business, as well as at an awards dinner and networking event to be held on Tuesday, June 3, at the historic Paddock Arcade in downtown Watertown. To submit your nomination for the 14th annual 20 Under 40 awards, please forward via email or fill out a nomination form on
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Kristen Rose, 35, of Newark, a fourth-grade teacher at Licking Valley Schools, also works for Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities as an independent provider for a former student with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. 'Being an educator, the kids are my motivation,' Rose said. 'Investing in growing the knowledge of children is investing in our collective future. Educated kids grow into adults that are functioning members of society. 'In my personal life, my faith is important to me. Helping others and being involved in my community answers the classic 'What would Jesus do?' question.' Rose also serves as a deacon at her church and coordinates getting volunteers to the Licking County warming shelter. She began fostering dogs in 2023 and has since helped place 18 dogs in their forever homes. 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Harris volunteers as a big sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters and a school board member at Blessed Sacrament School in Newark. Kelsey Duke, 35, of Newark, infection preventionist at Licking Memorial Hospital, teaches nursing clinicals at Central Ohio Technical College, helps as a preschool volunteer and provides first aid at the Hartford Fair. She said more education is needed for all facets of life. 'I see so many opportunities to improve the well-being of others simply because people don't know what they don't know,' Duke said. 'People experience hardships whether they are related to health or financial concerns, and this is new territory to them, so they struggle when there are resources available within the community that they are unaware of.' Commitment to community Kayla Jones, 39, of McKean Township, organization director at Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, advises people to volunteer in some way to help their community. She is a member of the McKean Township Comprehensive Plan Review Board, the Utica FFA Advisory Board, a leader at First United Methodist Church and an adviser for Kids and Kritters 4-H Club. 'Get involved.,' Jones said. 'You can't stand back and watch other people do the hard work and expect it to just get done. Jump in and help, even if it's something small. 'It doesn't need to be a large financial contribution, you can make a small difference by delivering meals for the Look Up Center on Thanksgiving or serving a meal at the Salvation Army.' Bailey McCoy, 30, of Newark, executive director at Canal Market District, was elected president of the Downtown Newark Association in 2023, volunteers at Granville Co-op Preschool; plans Final Fridays events on the Square and served a year in AmeriCorps, coordinating a national nutrition program. 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'This person truly cares for each person she encounters and uses her talents and resources to try to find help for people who are just trying to survive another day.' kmallett@ 740-973-4539 Twitter: @kmallett1958 In their own words 'I want to make the community a safe place to raise a family and have the 'all-American' life. Knowing that I can have a direct link to the safety and well-being of others is all of the motivation that I need to lace my boots up in the morning." — Jarad Harper, sergeant with Newark Police Department 'I feel lucky to have found my sense of belonging to a community, and I continue to meet so many people who make a difference in my life here in Licking County.' — Bailey McCoy, executive director at Canal Market District 'I am motivated by the sense of duty and the critical decision-making required during moments of crisis, knowing that our actions can have a direct and meaningful impact on those experiencing an emergency.' — Nathan Bryan, deputy director at Licking County 911 Center 'The greatest key to unlocking opportunity is literacy. Strong literacy rates allow opportunities for everyone.' — Kristen Rose, teacher at Licking Valley Schools 'With my transition into community philanthropy, I am honored to be a part of such a passionate, committed group of professionals that work daily to lift individuals in our community and provide valuable financial resources and education to help organizations and individuals in need.' — Becca Mastroianni, finance and program associate at Licking County Foundation 'Opportunities are limitless if people have the freedom to pursue them. Eliminating barriers is how we can incorporate everyone into our community's future.' — Sam Eppley, civil engineer at Verdantas 'I believe that Licking County leaders should encourage development of historic buildings and think outside of the box to encourage commerce to come to Licking County. If we can renovate historic buildings to fit a modern need, we are accomplishing two important things: Preservation and sustaining for the future.' — Michael Maher, professional services manager at Lowe's 'Providing opportunities for everyone in a growing Licking County means creating a community where all people, regardless of background, age, race or income level can thrive.' — Alisha Tilley, claims learning and development manager at Westfield Insurance 'Licking County leaders must continue to prioritize opportunities for young people within their organizations. Leaders should embrace this change rather than fear it, seeing it as an opportunity to bring their organizations into the future.' — Amelia Hitchens, marketing director at Licking County Chamber of Commerce 'Geese fly together; they share a common goal and direction. People who share a common goal and direction can get where they are going much faster and much more efficiently because they benefit from the momentum of the group.' — Andrew Molnar, application analyst coordinator at Trinity Health 'Trust is the cornerstone of growth. The trust built with corporate leaders is a crucial takeaway for any community to flourish, especially in uncertain times. Trust between local leaders, businesses and residents must be cultivated.' — Andria Coppel, vice president at Huntington Bank
