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Under-40 Young Professional Awards

Ones to Watch (2)

Awards & Networking Event
May 5, 2025   |   4:00-6:00 PM

Honoring Outstanding Young Professionals

Under-40's are doing amazing things in York County and it's time we recognize their efforts! Each year the chamber accepts nominations for inclusion in our Ones to Watch campaign. Finalists are selected based on their professional accomplishments, personal character, leadership potential, and community engagement. These individuals are celebrated at an annual Ones to Watch event and are featured in various other ways throughout the year.
Nominees for this recognition must:
  • be under the age of 40 as of Dec 31 of the current year
  • be employed by a company located in York County, SC
  • demonstrate positive character and leadership in both their professional and personal lives
  • actively engage (or express a desire to engage) in volunteer/community service benefitting York County

 

     Other notes:

  • If nominating multiple individuals, a separate form must be completed for each nomination.
  • Nominations that are submitted in the form of a press release or that are not personalized per nominee will not be accepted.
  • Nominations from non-member companies require a $50 application fee.
  • Past nominees who were not selected for recognition in past years are eligible for consideration this year.

 

Tips for submitting nominations:

  • Be sure to address the nominee's professional accomplishments and milestones.
  • Include specifics such as progress towards specific goals, measurable results of a particular project, etc.
  • Make a specific connection between the nominee's accomplishments and this particular award.

 

Applications are now closed. Keep a look out for next year's!

The Ones to Watch in 2025

2025 Ones to Watch
  • Allison Terry, Department Chair for Building Construction Trades Program, York Technical College
  • Andrew Carlson, Assistant Project Manager, J.M. Cope
  • Dalton Pierce, City Manager, City of York
  • Jason Ackerman, Vice President, BNA CPAs & Advisors
  • Jonathan Layfield, Vice President of Finance, York Electric Cooperative Inc.
  • Leslie Galvez, Community Engagement Coordinator, City of Rock Hill
  • Madison Ewing, Marketing Manager, Piedmont Medical Center
  • Melissa Carlyle, Executive Director, Catawba Area Coalition for The Homeless
  • Michael Parsons, Area Manager of Ride Operations, Carowinds, Carowinds Six Flags
  • Nathan Scott Mallard, Realtor Co-Owner,  The Home Team Allen Tate
  • Reid Hovis, Owner, Smooth Move
  • Stacey Adams, Financial Education Manager, Founders FCU
  • Travis Shealey, Sergeant, Support Services Division, York County Sheriff's Office
  • Trey Griffy, Branch Manager, Nesbit Agencies Carolinas
  • Will Gilmore, Executive Camp Director, YMCA of Upper Palmetto - YMCA Camp Cherokee

Why Ones to Watch Matters

This annual campaign is more than a recognition—it's a celebration of emerging leadership. Finalists are selected based on professional achievements, leadership potential, character, and community engagement. It’s a chance to lift up those who are quietly (and not-so-quietly) creating positive change.

Keep an Eye on These Leaders

You’ll be seeing more of these rising changemakers in the months ahead—at events, in the news, and out in the community. Be sure to follow along and support their journeys as they continue to lead and inspire.

Want to be part of the 2026 class or nominate someone doing great work? Stay tuned for next year’s nomination period!

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