DC Chamber Announces Top Ten Young Professionals of 2014

The Young Professionals Connection (YPC), a program of the Douglas County Chamber, is pleased to announce its Top Ten Young Professionals of 2014.  The Top Ten Young Professionals of 2014 is a recognition of young professionals in Douglasville and Douglas County who embody   YPC’s mission and vision.  These awards were presented by the Douglas County Chamber and Douglas County Sentinel at the Georgia Power Coffee Card Exchange today.

The Young Professionals Connection was founded in 2008 and its mission is to provide opportunities for young professionals to connect with their peers, connect with their community, and connect with their future. YPC combines personal and professional development through social, community service and professional activities. YPC’s vision is to create an inclusive and collaborative network of resources that empowers talented individuals to achieve their goals for professional growth and success; provide employers with an engaged and competitive workforce; and propels Douglasville and Douglas County forward. More information about YPC can be found on their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/young-professionals-connection or by contacting Sara Ray at the DC Chamber, 770.942.5022.

Top Ten Young Professionals of 2014

Andrew Agan, Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, age 25

Andrew is the youngest ever recipient of the Top Ten Young Professionals Award!  Since graduating college in 2010, Andrew has left his mark at his alma mater, Georgia Southern, and in Douglas County as the Director of Community Relations for the D.A.’s Office.  He jumped in with both feet increasing the visibility of the D.A.’s office which went from having 15 stories per year to over 180 articles in just one year. He also continues to develop a stronger awareness for their victims rights program through continuous coverage in local media, an art contest, and through involvement in countless committees, organizations, and outreach programs.

Jeff Camp, Georgia Farm Bureau, age 37

In his 14th year with Georgia Farm Bureau, Jeff serves the members of Georgia Farm Bureau by servicing their insurance needs. In June 2012, he took over as Agency Manager and in 2013, his office finished in the top 5 counties statewide in overall production. Jeff was ranked 6^th out of approximately 4,000 agents and is currently enrolled in the Catalyst Leadership Training Program. Jeff also serves the community he was rasied in through his church, Beulah Baptist, Feed the Hungry Program, Leadership Douglas and S.H.A.R.E House to name a few.

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Nathan Hand, Douglas County Schools, age 39

As the principal at Alexander High School, Nathan led his school to being ranked among the Top Ten Percent for Public High Schools across the nation by Newsweek magazine in 2013 as well as being awarded the AP Capstone Program (only 120 worldwide are selected). In his 15 years with the DCSS, Nathan has consistently set the bar for performance in schools across the county.  A graduate of Leadership Douglas, advocate for United Way (in which 100% of his staff contribute), American Red Cross, American Cancer Society and American Heart Association, Nathan is adamant in providing his students with the resources that will take them further in life than simply general education; he provides them with the tools to be well-rounded citizens.

Katy Klein, Children’s Voice: CASA, Inc., age 29

As the second youngest Executive Director for CASA in Georgia, Katy has embraced her role in promoting the well-being and safety of foster children in Douglas County. She has been involved with CASA since she was in college and has moved her way across the state, helping advocate for children in three communities.  Since moving to Douglas County, Katy has immersed herself in organizations such as CORE, Prevent Child Abuse Douglas, DC Family Treatment Program, and Leadership Douglas as well as participating in regional organizations such as the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta and the Georgia Center for Non-Profits.

Steven Lambert, WellStar Douglas Hospital, age 35

In the 10 years he has been at WellStar, Steven has taken the system to a new level when it comes to psychiatric care for patients.  A licensed professional counselor, Steven has a passion to bring awareness and education to the community regarding the state of Mental Health.  His passion for work and drive to better the community earned him WellStar’s “Best of the Best” Award in 2008 for outstanding leadership, and he has completed the 21^st Century Leadership Program as well as Leadership Douglas. Steven serves on multiple service boards such as S.H.A.R.E. House, United Way, Rotary Club, and is on the Keep Kennesaw Beautiful Board for Kennesaw.

Jim McMichen, Puckett EMS ,age 39

As the 2013 Chamber Spirit Award recipient, it is no surprise that Jim is actively involved in over 15 community boards and programs as well as having a presence as a stand-out business development guru in Cobb, Douglas and Paulding Counties.  He puts his whole heart into each organization he is involved with including Leadership Douglas, Truth in Nature (geared towards developing young men without fathers), Hope House (housing care for families undergoing cancer treatment), Cub Scouts, and many, many more.  He is the recipient of the George W. Bush “Points of Light” Community Service Award as well as being nominated for the Georgia Council on Aging Award.  Above all, Jim finds time to be at home with his three children as much as possible and is highly involved in their activities and schools.

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Jennifer Moore, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, age 33

Since assuming her role as the Staff Paralegal for the County in 2010, Jennifer has made vast improvements to the legal department that has transitioned from an unapproachable and isolated office, to a welcoming and accessible department with a drastically improved turn-around time.  Jennifer’s hands-on leadership approach has been noticed in the community through her Leadership Douglas class role as the Fundraising Coordinator. Under her guidance, the LD service project by raised $3,600 for Meals on Wheels through a Festival of Trees fundraiser.  She is actively involved with Brighten Academy and is first and foremost a mommy to her two daughters.

Karmen Thornton, American Red Cross, age 34

Karmen’s previous role as an executive with the Boy Scouts of America set her up to succeed in her new position at the American Red Cross.  With a passion for service, Karmen led the local BSA organization of approximately 500-1,000 Boy Scouts each year and oversaw all programs and fundraising.  She is currently active in Douglas and Paulding Counties through multiple service organizations such as the Community Character Coalition, Boys & Girls Club, and is a recent Leadership Douglas graduate.  Through her expertise in volunteer management, Karmen has already raised the bar within her role at the Red Cross.

Chan Weeks, City of Douglasville, age 38

Chan’s accolades stand alone in her role as the Executive Director of Keep Douglasville Beautiful with awards on the state and national level.  Her passion for her career is plentiful with involvement in Leadership Douglas, Keep Georgia Beautiful, Keep America Beautiful, and Safe Kids of Douglas County.  This is only outweighed by the passion for the community in which she serves including being a Certified Georgia Master Gardener, her endless involvement at Brighten Academy and Central Baptist Church.

Candy Yu, Avolon Accounting and Business Services, age 36

A small business owner, Candy’s company is celebrating 10 years in business this spring; growing from a single bookkeeper in a garage to an innovative virtual accounting firm with locations in Georgia and California.  As if running a business doesn’t keep her busy enough, Candy’s servant leadership spirit has guided her to found Da Ke American Chinese Culture Center, hold every office in the American Business Women’s Association, provide financial consultations to numerous organizations in-kind, and share her knowledge with others in free seminars around Metro Atlanta.