The University of North Georgia (UNG) Alumni Association has announced the 2024 honorees for its third annual "20 Under 40" program, honoring members of the UNG family for their personal and professional accomplishments or their distinguished service to others.  

"As alumni relations officer for young alumni, our office, in conjunction with the UNG Young Alumni Board, has developed this program over the last three years to identify the best young alumni that North Georgia has to offer," Jared Patterson '14 said. "The 2024 cohort for the 20 Under 40 program is no different, and it was special to identify, meet and engage with these folks. There's no better way to engage our wonderful alumni community than reminding them why our institution is so special. I am grateful to have played a part in that and look forward to continuing this program on a yearly basis."

The following individuals made the list:

Kayla Ballenger '16, founder and principal consultant for Agonic GIS Solutions LLC.

Maria Bortolucci-Lao '21, who serves as Love Your City program director for Boy with a Ball. 

Ariana Chedgy '11, owner and founder of Make Me Up, one of the leading on-site hair and makeup companies in the Southwest.

Rebecca J. DeCarlo '15, chief resident of neurological surgery with Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Associates at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Dr. Amanda DeDiego '05, '09, an associate professor of counseling at the University of Wyoming.

Dr. Michelle Antonia Eaton '08, associate vice president for student success at UNG.

Beau Hughes '16, a state-licensed residential-light commercial contractor, EarthCraft builder, and the owner of Appalachian Contracting Services in Dahlonega, Georgia.

Ashley Dodd Jones '11, Centennial Arts Academy teacher in Gainesville, Georgia, who also serves as a mentor teacher for College of Education students and early childhood pathway students from Gainesville High School.

Haley Potter McDaniel '13, who has served as Postal Services supervisor at UNG since 2015.

Taylor Merritt '15, founder and CEO of DT Corporate Wellness, where she specializes in developing fitness, nutrition, and mindset programs to enhance workplace performance.

Dr. Tommy Otley '20, team physical therapist and sports scientist for the University of Miami's men's and women's basketball programs.

Dr. Wilson Pierce '17, '24, emergency department nurse manager at Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville.

Dr. Jo Phillips '08, who serves as the senior Main Library Branch manager for Stark Library in Canton, Ohio.

Bernex "Bernie" Richardson '08, the founder and CEO of Thrive Collaborative, an equity-centered coaching firm dedicated to fostering personal and professional growth.

Leah Ashley Rose '16, case management specialist for Pathway of Hope at the Salvation Army in Camden County, Georgia.

Josh Sprayberry '07, chief operating officer at Anchors Marina in Eaton, Georgia.

Janie Steckenrider '15, forensic nursing program director at Bridging Hope, formerly known as Rape Response Inc. 

Clinton W. Teston '07, a partner at Teston & Burruss, PC, where he has represented clients across north Georgia in personal injury, criminal defense and family law cases since forming the law firm in 2019.

Whitney Daniel White '08, who authored a training for caregivers at children's homes and orphanages in the international context. She was then able to implement this training in person all over the world.

Stacy T. Young '16, who serves as senior electrophysiology manager at Piedmont Healthcare, where he oversees critical operations in a field that directly impacts patient care and outcomes.