40 Under 40: Meet the Class of 2025


From an incredible 124 nominations, we are thrilled to introduce the 40 Under 40 Class of 2025!

These changemakers represent the very best of our region—leaders, innovators and visionaries who are shaping the future of the Roanoke Valley and beyond. Their dedication, passion and hard work make a meaningful impact in their communities, careers and causes, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate them.

Meet this exceptional group and discover more about their journeys, as well as the heartfelt nominations that brought their stories to light, by visiting their pages linked below.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate these outstanding individuals and to all the nominees whose efforts make our region stronger. Congratulations to the 40 Under 40 Class of 2025—your achievements inspire us all and set the bar high for future generations!

Want to be notified when nominations are open for the Class of 2026? SIGN UP HERE.

The Class of 2025 is listed in alphabetical order by last name.


Jocelyn Ashwell, 37 / Product Development Manager, Firefli


Viridiana Beltran, 34 / Advocate for Roanoke Catholic School, Roanoke Catholic School / Owner of Spotless Cleaning LLC


CJ Boothe, 39 / Transportation Division Manager, Richardson-Wayland-Ferreira


Jamie Brackenrich, 39 / Nurse Practitioner, Align Neurology


Tyler Carter, 35 / Community Reinvestment Administrator, Carter Bank


Alexandria Pilot Chambers, 38 / Assistant Director of Operations, Center for Neurobiology Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion


Michael Davis, 27 / Nursing Home Administrator, Adjunct Professor, Our Lady of the Valley, Roanoke College, South College (& Los Angeles Pacific University)


Jeremy Eubank, 38 / Director of Athletics, North Cross High School


Halee Simmons Evans, 32 / Nursing Home Administrator, Rocky Mount Health and Rehab


Jessica Fintel, 36 / Business Manager, Fintel Family Dentistry


La’Shay Foreman, 31 / School Social Worker, Hurt Park Elementary School – Roanoke City Public Schools


Karli Foster, 24 / Economic Development, Franklin County


Jared Frye, 39 / Farmer, C & F Farms, LLC


Caitlin Gills, 34 / Marketing Manager, Roanoke County Public Library


Gregory Hanlon, 35 / Assistant Vice President for Advancement, Roanoke College


Amanda Holcomb, 37 / Director of Community Engagement, Council of Community Services


Justin Hubbard, 36 / School Resource Officer, Roanoke County Police Department


Danielle Johnson, 37 / School Social Worker, Roanoke City Public Schools


Devin Journiette, 28 / Fellow, International Economic Development Council


Nick Kaknes, 38 / Internal Medicine Physician, GluTox Health, LewisGale Medical Center


Genya Kalinina, 32 / Social Media Entrepreneur, Hello Roanoke


Brooke Keen, 31 / Quality Assurance Coordinator, Wall Residences (Supported Living/In-Home Support Services, Western Region – NRV, ROA, Central VA, and Danville)


Montana Kimrey, 27 / Donor and Community Relations Coordinator, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Virginia


Lacey Leonard, 30 / Assistant Gallery Director, Roanoke College


William Long, 39 / Director of Transit Planning & Special Projects, Valley Metro


Stephanie Mathena, 33 / Principal Planner, Franklin County


Patrick McCrady, 39 / Director of Mining Services, Titan America, Roanoke Cement


Sara Millehan, 30 / Owner, Early Childhood Education, Ivybrook Academy


Claire Mitzel, 27 / Director of Communications and Public Relations, Roanoke City Public Schools


Laven Newsom, 34 / Vice President, Damon Company


Daniel Pinard, 30 / Cultural and Economic Development Director, Town of Rocky Mount


Arah Robbins, DO, 35 / Physician, Carilion Clinic


Caitlyn Scaggs, 38 / Founder, Connect 936 & Author of “Worth It & Wonderful”


Lottie Schottmiller, 38 / Director of Human Resources & Facilities, Delta Dental of Virginia


Allison Shok, 37 / Chief Strategy Officer, Code One Training Solutions; Partner, AED Team


Eric Sichau, 33 / President & CEO, Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce


Meg Smith, 35 / Chief Operating Officer, MKB, REALTORS


Lindsay Thorn, 34 / Owner/Dentist, LAT Dentistry


Justin Wilson, 38 / Commercial Banker, First Citizens Bank


Cedric Wilson, 37 / Licensed Professional Counselor, Seeking Wellness



Want to be notified when nominations are open for the Class of 2026? SIGN UP HERE.

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