The University of Georgia has announced its 40 Under 40 Class of 2025, honoring a select group of young alumni for their individual, career, and philanthropic accomplishments. This year’s cohort comprises UGA graduates from diverse sectors, including professional athletics, cancer treatment, space research, and more.

The distinguished individuals will be acknowledged during the annual 40 Under 40 Awards Luncheon on campus in September.

“Each year, the 40 Under 40 honorees represent some of the most skilled and inspiring Bulldogs who are making remarkable contributions to their communities,” stated Adam Roell, executive director of alumni relations. “Engaging with them and hearing their narratives clearly demonstrates how this university equips our alumni to achieve extraordinary feats.”

The 40 Under 40 Class of 2025, showcasing graduation year(s) from UGA, city, title, and employer, includes:

• Caleb Ashmore Adams (BS ’18, MS ’20), San Francisco; project manager, NASA Ames Research Center
• Darren Anglin (ABJ ’16), Atlanta; global human resources director, Johnson Controls
• Mike Barry (AB ’10, AB ’10), Nashville, Tennessee; senior counsel, Nissan North America, Inc.
• Shelby Bice (BSAE ’15), Peachtree City, Georgia; chief of staff to the president and CEO, Georgia Power
• Dave Bliss (AB ’07, BBA ’08), Oklahoma City; assistant coach, Oklahoma City Thunder
• Alex T. Bradford (AB ’10), Macon, Georgia; director of public policy, Georgia Farm Bureau
• Jemelleh Coes (PHD ’18), Athens, Georgia; director of Teacher Leadership Programs, Mount Holyoke College
• Matt Donato (PHARMD ’14), Brunswick, Georgia; CEO, Golden Isles Pharmacy
• Nic Fink (BSAE ’16), Dallas; project manager, Quanta Utilities Engineering Services
• Shane P. Foye (BBA ’15), Peachtree Corners, Georgia; president, DW1
• Kate Haslam (BBA ’10), Savannah, Georgia; principal, Baker Tilly
• Sam Hatcher (JD ’20), Atlanta; executive counsel, Office of the Governor of Georgia
• Nick Hendricks (BBA ’09), Atlanta; senior vice president, IMA Financial Group
• Dorris Hyer (PHARMD ’12), Windermere, Florida; co-owner and pharmacist, King’s Pharmacy
• Curt A. Jackson (BLA ’09), Atlanta; director of landscape architecture, W&A Engineering
• Jordan Layson (AB ’09), Washington, D.C.; senior director of U.S. Government Affairs, Amgen
• Caroline Lewallen (BSA ’11), Clarkesville, Georgia; owner and lead stakeholder, teXga Farms
• Mackenzie Long (DVM ’18), Athens, Georgia; assistant professor of veterinary clinical pathology, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine
• Mike Macdonald (BBA ’10, MS ’13), Redmond, Washington; head coach, Seattle Seahawks
• Alia C. Martinez (BBA ’10, MBA ’17), Smyrna, Georgia; senior platform manager, Chick-fil-A
• Sarah K. Merkel (BS ’15), Tampa, Florida; breast surgical oncologist, Yale School of Medicine
• Shannon Milan (BSCHEM ’10), Lithonia, Georgia; pharmacologist, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Avery Monthero (BSFCS ’17), Atlanta; sales account executive, Delta Air Lines
• Philip C. Mote (AB ’11, BS ’11), Estero, Florida; primary care pediatrics physician, Lee Health
• Roya Naghepour (AB ’19, JD ’22), Atlanta; attorney, Alston & Bird LLP
• Charles Orgbon III (BSES ’18), Oakland, California; climate change and sustainability services manager, EY
• Ines Owens (AB ’10, AB ’10), Woodstock, Georgia; policy and communications director, Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Georgia
• Mike Rafi (JD ’11), Atlanta; attorney, Rafi Law Firm
• Jesslyn Rollins (AB ’15, AB ’15), Marietta, Georgia; CEO, BIOLYTE
• Colby Ruiz (BSA ’15), Hahira, Georgia; vascular surgeon, South Georgia Medical Center
• Harry Sanders III (BSFR ’14), Danville, Georgia; owner, Sanders Logging Inc.
• Ryan Scates (AB ’10, JD ’13), St. Simons Island, Georgia; attorney, Hall Booth Smith, PC
• Macy Sirmans Holmes (ABJ ’13), London; travel and home marketing director, Condé Nast
• Caroline Stelling (BSES ’11), Marietta, Georgia; managing director, Montrose Environmental Group
• Tyson Strickland (BSA ’11, DVM ’16), Comer, Georgia; founder and CEO, Custom Livestock Solutions, LLC
• E. Spencer Tolley (BSED ’11), Athens, Georgia; attorney, Cook & Tolley, LLP
• Kelly Vaughn (BS ’12, MPH ’14, MSW ’14), Smyrna, Georgia; engineering senior manager, Zapier
• Joe Vaughn (BSFR ’16), Jefferson, Georgia; professional services manager, F&W Forestry
• Brian W. Watts (BS ’11), Washington, D.C.; data and research officer, The Pew Charitable Trusts
• D. Harley Yancey IV (BBA ’11, JD ’15), Rome, Georgia; president, State Mutual Insurance Company

Between February and March, numerous nominations were submitted for this year’s 40 Under 40. To qualify, nominees must be UGA alumni who exemplify the three guiding tenets of the Arch: wisdom, justice, and moderation. Complete eligibility criteria and additional information about this year’s class can be accessed on the UGA Alumni website.

“It’s a privilege to commend these recipients and acknowledge the efforts they’ve made,” Roell remarked. “Each one deserves recognition, and we are excited to have them return to campus to celebrate their achievements.”

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