2025 40 Under 40 Awardees

Chris graduated from UNCW with a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Accounting in 2011 and 2012, respectively.  From 2012 - 2015, Chris worked for Deloitte & Touche LLP in the Audit and Enterprise Risk Services team performing internal control and financial statement audits in accordance with US GAAP for SEC clients.  

In 2015, Chris married his Wife, Natalie, and moved to Zurich, Switzerland the following day. Chris and Natalie spent 3 years living and working in Europe working in international finance and supply chain.

In 2018, Chris moved back to Wilmington to work for Off the Hook Yacht Sales and led the business to several years of record breaking growth.  Chris founded Capone & Associates in 2022.

Drew Smith currently serves as Director of Communications for Copiers Plus, Inc. Drew joined the company professionally in February 2014 after graduating from UNC Wilmington with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies. In his time at Copiers Plus, Drew has focused primarily on marketing and ensuring the brand is communicated effectively across their five locations in North Carolina. In 2016, Drew married his wife, and fellow Seahawk, Jessica Di Biaggio and they welcomed their first child, Addison Smith, in February of 2023. Drew loves spending time with his family, going to the beach, golfing, grabbing a drink with friends downtown, and watching his Atlanta Braves play.

As the Strategy and Performance Manager at CFPUA, I facilitate our strategic plan and performance management program to drive continual improvement.  I have been with CFPUA for 15 years and have served in many roles across the organization. I have an AAS with a focus in Marine Technology from CFCC, BA in Leadership in the Public Sector from NC State University and am currently working on my master's in public administration at UNCW. I am a Lifetime Girl Scout Member with 30 years of membership as a girl and adult volunteer. As a North Carolina native I enjoy spending time with my family experiencing the many things the state has to offer.