Introducing the Top Ten Young Professionals of 2016

The Young Professionals Connection (YPC), a program of the Douglas County Chamber, is pleased to announce its Top Ten Young Professionals of 2016.  The Top Ten Young Professionals of 2016 is recognizes 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 on April 14th.

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.

Top Ten Young Professionals of 2016

Casey Bethel, Douglas County Schools, Age 36

Casey is a passionate educator, an accomplished scientist and a mentor to students.  He conducts biochemistry research at GA Tech, studying Alzheimer’s Disease and Inherited Glaucoma.  At New Manchester High School, his teaching inspires the next generation of scientists. Mr. Bethel is the 2015 Douglas County Teacher of the Year.

Adam Carter, Bank of the Ozarks, Age 31
Adam graduated from the University of West Georgia in 2006. After graduating, Adam began his career in the banking industry and has been there for the last ten years. Adam currently works as a Commercial Lender for Bank of the Ozarks, where he has been for the last six years. Adam is active in the Douglas County Chamber where he participates in the Young Professionals Connection and is a Chamber Diplomat. Adam married his wife, Christine, in 2012 after dating for eight years and they welcomed their first son, Jackson, in 2015.

Myesha Good, City of Atlanta, Age 38

Myesha is a civic leader that volunteers her time, skills and knowledge with enthusiasm in her community to positively impact individuals, organizations and issues. She is also a Campaign Consultant who is often sought after for her expertise and a CRM Business Analyst, Office of the Mayor, in Atlanta. Myesha volunteers in the community with Junior League, and is a 2016 Georgia Forward Young Gamechanger.

Katy Klein, Children’s Voice: CASA Inc., Age 31

Katy grew up in Woodstock, GA and currently resides in Marietta. She graduated from the University of Georgia in 2008. Katy has been the Executive Director of Children’s Voice: CASA, Inc. since 2012. She is active in many Douglas County organizations including Kiwanis, Young Professionals Connection and the Executive Mentorship Program. She is also a 2014 Leadership Douglas graduate. In her free time, she enjoys music, traveling, roller-skating and spending time with friends and family. Katy was previously recognized as a Top Ten YoungProfessional in 2014.

Daniel Manny, Water and Sewer Authority, Age 33

Daniel graduated from Georgia Tech in 2005 and began working for the Water and Sewer Authority. During his tenure in the Engineering Department, Daniel earned his certification as a licensed Professional Engineer.  In July 2015, Daniel was promoted to Assistant Maintenance Manager with the Authority.  He is an active member of the Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA). He continues to be involved with the Chamber through Youth Leadership Douglas as a mentor, is also a graduate of the Leadership Douglas Class of 2012, and is currently serving as a Co-Chair for the Leadership Douglas Class of 2016.  Outside of his professional career, Daniel is also an active leader in his church where he leads men’s small group devotional and Sunday School class.

April McKown, City of Douglasville, Age 25

April is a highly motivated individual who loves to set goals and exceed expectations! Through her experience with various local governments, she has established a passion for energetic downtowns and the Main Street Program. She is currently fulfilling that passion as the Main Street Manager for the Main Street Douglasville Program. April was involved in the 2015 Executive Mentorship Program and she is currently a member of the DC Chamber Small Business Committee. She is also a 2016 Georgia Forward Young Gamechanger. Outside of her work with Main Street Douglasville, she is an active member at Midway Church in Villa Rica.

Jennifer Moore, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Age 36

Jennifer started working for Douglas County in 2010 as the Staff Paralegal for the Board of Commissioners.  Since then, she has taken on additional roles as Legislative Coordinator and Deputy Clerk.  She’s a proud graduate of the Leadership Douglas Class of 2014, has continued her class community project as a community fundraiser every year, and is currently the Leadership Douglas Co-Chair for the Class of 2016.  Jennifer is actively involved with Brighten Academy and loves to volunteer with the Chamber.  Her most important role is being the proud mom to her two daughters. Jennifer was previously recognized as a Top Ten Young Professional in 2014.

Melissa Stallings, Stallings Insurance Agency, Inc. Age 38

Melissa is an Atlanta native from Marietta. While a competitive gymnast at Auburn, Melissa obtained majors in Biomedical Science and Spanish. In addition to growing her business, she has raised three children with their 4th due in early November! In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family at the lake. Alongside her career, Melissa is very active in her church with weekly and monthly activities.  Since becoming a member of the DC Chamber a few years ago, she is an active participant in events such as the annual Golf Tournament, Young Professionals Connection and monthly networking events.

Tiffany Stewart-Stanley, Stewart Law Group, LLC , Age 36

Tiffany is the Managing Partner of the Stewart Law Group, LLC and she also serves as the Communications Director for Georgia State House Representative Roger Bruce of District 61. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville/Douglas County and is a member of the City of Douglasville’s Housing Committee. Tiffany is also member of the Leadership Douglas Class of 2016, Junior League of Douglas County, and the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers.

Breezy Straton, Douglas County Economic Authority, Age 34

Breezy received her Bachelor of Liberal Studies from Mercer University and Master of

Public Administration at the University of Georgia. She is currently the Project Manager for the Douglas County Economic Development Authority. Outside for her daily career, Breezy teaches several courses as an Adjunct Instructor at Mercer University. Breezy is active in the DC Chamber with the Young Professionals Connection Committee and Executive Mentorship Program, and serves as chair of the Exisiting Industry and Workforce Committee. She is a 2012 Leadership Douglas Graduate and Co-Chaired the 2015 Leadership Douglas class. Breezy is a participant of the 2016 Young Gamechangers Program in Douglas County. She also serves on the Business Retention and Expansion Committee and Young Professionals Committee for the Georgia Economic Development Association. Breezy was previously recognized as a Top Ten Young Professional in 2012.

For more information about YPC, contact Sara Ray at the DC Chamber, 770.942.5022.