2026 - 40 Under 40 Awards

The Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of the 8th Annual 40 Under 40 Awards, recognizing outstanding young professionals who are making a meaningful impact in their workplaces, industries, and communities across southeastern North Carolina.
 
Each year, the 40 Under 40 Awards celebrate emerging leaders who demonstrate exceptional professional achievement, leadership, and commitment to service. These individuals are helping shape the future of our region through innovation, dedication, and a passion for making our community stronger.
 
Please join us in congratulating the 2026 40 Under 40 Honorees:
 
Kevin Blackburn – Kids Making It
Nicole Caldwell – nCino, Inc.
Zachary Cockerham – Novant Health
Nathaniel H. Cook – Block, Crouch, Keeter, Behm & Sayed, LLP
Rachel Crouse – Coastal Horizons / Junior League of Wilmington
Dr. Alston Enz – Wilmington Health Family Medicine
Ashlee Fritz – Wilmington Wall Printing
Julio Fuentes – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
John Gavin – Cameron Management
Keaton Gilleece – King Neptune Restaurant, Jimmy's Bar, Jimmy's Inland, Double Header, Kruiser's Mobile Bar
Bobby Guntoro – UNCW
Sara Harts – Paws4People Foundation
Drew Haygood – Wilmington Health
Will Hayes – Corning Credit Union
Chief Shelton James – Town of Leland Fire Department
David Joyner – Wilmington City Council, Assistant District Attorney 
Kanon Kennedy – City of Wilmington Martin Luther King Center
Tanner Konrady – Konrady and Son Construction
Kyle Metzger-Gee – nCino
David Miller – WB Brawley Company
Bailey Minish, MD – Novant Health Family Medicine
LeRon Montgomery – NAACP New Hanover County
Hilary Ozenbaugh – Communities In Schools of Cape Fear
Emily Patterson – LS3P Associates
Kyndall Peele – UNCW College of Health and Human Services
Jesse Pridgen – Liberty Health
Caleb Rash – Murchison, Taylor & Gibson PLLC
Roberto Ramirez, RN, BSN – Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center
Jeremy Roberts – PBMares
Lori Schweikert – University of North Carolina Wilmington
Sarah Scully – Global Laser Enrichment
Alexis Siebert – Patriot Roofing & Exteriors
Sarah Stone – Excite Credit Union
Makenzie VanderWerff – MegaCorp Logistics
Alondra Vazquez Jurado – Community Adaptation Program, American Red Cross
Rock Vomer – Avance Care
Brooke Wallace – Eastern Therapy PT, OT and Speech
Madelyn Wampler – New Hanover County Government
Marae West – Sandbar Oyster Company
Jessica Wilson – Carolinas Ready Mixed Concrete Association
 
We invite the community to join us as we recognize these exceptional leaders on Wednesday, October 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Pointe 14 Theater. The evening will feature the presentation of awards, networking, and an opportunity to celebrate the talent, energy, and leadership driving our region forward.
 
Tickets and Sponsorship
Tickets are available to purchase for $50 for members and $60 for non-members. 
Sponsorship offers a unique opportunity to align your organization with one of the Chamber's most anticipated recognition programs while supporting the next generation of business and community leaders. Please reach out to Chris Hardy at hardy@wilmingtonchamber.org if you are interested in sponsoring. 
 
To be eligible for a 40 Under 40 Award, nominees must be under the age of 40 and live or work in Brunswick, New Hanover, or Pender counties. Following a competitive nomination and selection process, this year's honorees were chosen for their professional accomplishments, community involvement, and leadership potential.
 
We hope you will join us in celebrating the remarkable young professionals who are helping shape the future of southeastern North Carolina!