Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40!

Celebrating young professionals building a brighter future across southeastern NC.

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Recognizing the Region’s Rising Leaders

Honoring impact-makers from Bladen, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Moore, Robeson, and Sampson counties.

Continuing the Legacy

Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40 was established by The Fayetteville Observer’s Sharon Moyer as a way to recognize and celebrate the rising leaders shaping the region.

In 2024, the Observer entrusted the future of the program to Ayana Washington, a 2024 honoree and community leader with a strong track record of arts, culture, and civic engagement initiatives. This transition was part of a broader effort to grow the program into a more collaborative, community-led effort that continues to elevate excellence across southeastern North Carolina.

With Ayana’s leadership and the support of a rotating planning committee, the Observer remains a proud partner and publisher of the annual 40 Under 40 class.

“I'm excited to see this initiative continue under Ayana's leadership,” -Beth Hutson, Editor, The Fayetteville Observer.

Partners

Become A Sponsor!

Support the Celebration of Local Excellence

Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40 is made possible through the generous support of community partners who believe in uplifting the next generation of leaders. By becoming a sponsor, you help amplify the stories of changemakers across our region and ensure this recognition remains a powerful, community-driven tradition. Sponsorship opportunities include visibility at our annual ceremony, placement in digital and print features, and year-round engagement with a network of rising professionals. Join us in celebrating excellence, inspiring leadership, and building a stronger future for southeastern North Carolina.

Meet The 2025 Class

Each year, Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40 recognizes a dynamic group of young professionals who are making a meaningful impact across southeastern North Carolina. Honorees come from a wide range of industries, including education, business, healthcare, the arts, public service, and nonprofit leadership. All nominees must be under the age of 40 and live or work in one of the eight counties served by the program: Bladen, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Moore, Robeson, and Sampson. The 2025 class was carefully selected from a pool of public nominations by a panel of respected community leaders, based on career achievement, leadership, innovation, and community service.

  • Dr. Amruta Bahekar

  • Germann Bostic

  • Maria Covington

  • LaVerra Cruz

  • Nathan Cuffee

  • Malik Davis

  • Travin Deese

  • Lisa Dix

  • Blair Eastman-Priester

  • Ricky Evans

  • Lauren Falls

  • Thomas Ferguson

  • Sylvia Glanton

  • Anthony Harris, Jr.

  • Trent Holmes

  • Estella Johnson

  • Amber Little

  • Hilary Lohr

  • Lonyae McCune

  • Candace McMillan

  • Jesse Mitchell

  • Whitney Maxwell

  • Takieyah Mathis

  • Ashley Nicholl Owen

  • Dinesha Owutamunopiri

  • Ashley Patterson

  • Amir Pierre

  • Latisha Perkins

  • Tiffany Quick

  • Dr. Jeremy Richardson

  • Andre Sansbury

  • Sabrina Santucci

  • Demetrius Stocks

  • Grace Strong

  • Kaylynn Suarez

  • Richard Yandle

  • Iaisa Wells

  • Jakia Wynn

  • Yvanne Vaughn

  • Candace Way

This Year’s Photographer

Chef’s Kiss Photography

The Fayetteville 40 Under 40 Planning Committee is a dedicated team of past honorees, community leaders, and regional advocates committed to preserving and evolving this important recognition program. Formed in 2024, the committee works behind the scenes to coordinate nominations, oversee event planning, support honorees, and expand the initiative’s reach across southeastern North Carolina. The committee rotates annually, and individuals interested in serving are invited to sign up during the open interest period each fall. This community-driven approach ensures that the program stays connected, inclusive, and reflective of the region it serves.

About the Planning Committee

This Year’s Committee

  • Ayana Washington: Project Manager, Creative Director, & Marketing

    Founder, Book Black Women, Inc (40/40 Alumni 2024)

  • Nathan Cuffee: Event Coordinator

    Chair, Fayetteville NEXT Advisory Commission (Current 40/40 Honoree)

  • Jennifer Hammond: Panel Facilitator

    Manager of Business Services, FCEDC (40/40 Alumni 2018)

  • Carrie Jackson: Marketing Assist & Communications

    Marketing & Communications, Greater Fayetteville Chamber

This Year’s Selection Panel

The 2025 class was selected through a community-nominated process reviewed by a vetted panel of regional leaders, facilitated by Jennifer Hammond of FCEDC.

  • Panelist List:

    • Brittany Milligan – Business Instructor, FTCC Business Department (40/40 Alumni 2020)

    • Terry Peterkin – Broker Associate, Coldwell Banker Advantage

    • Kimmi Nettles – Scholarship Program Manager, Cumberland Community Foundation (40/40 Alumni 2016)

    • Lamarco Morrison – Director, Hope Mills Parks & Recreation

    • Dr. Meredith Gronski – Dean, College of Health Sciences & Human Services, Methodist University (40/40 Alumni 2019)

    • Facilitated by Jennifer Hammond – Manager of Business Services, FCEDC

This Year’s Ceremony

Saturday, August 2, 2025 | 7:30PM

226 The Warehouse, Fayetteville, NC

Save The Date

Contact us.

Want to get involved?