10th Annual 4 Under 40 Awards Finalists Announced
Sixteen members of the High Country business community have been selected as category finalists for the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 10th Annual 4 Under 40 Awards. This showcase of emerging leaders is presented by Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.
Winners will be announced at the event on Wednesday, March 18 2026, from 5:30-7:30pm, at the Appalachian Theatre in Boone.
4 Under 40 Event Details & Registration
Business Owner
Laura Edmonds, Owner, Helpwell Co.
Trevor Moody, Owner, Lily's Snack Bar
Garrett Norris, Owner, Norris Plumbing Co.
Tiffany Weitzen, Co-Owner, Wonder Pelvic Therapy & Wellness
Education Professional
Jackie Garner, Associate Director, Employer Relations and Student Programming Department, Walker College of Business, Appalachian State University
Bethany Gonzalez, Associate Director, Student Veterans Center, Appalachian State University
Megan Laws, Kindergarten Teacher, Parkway School
Ashley Roberts, Instructional Technology Specialist for Curriculum, Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute
Non-Profit Professional
Sponsored by Carolina West Wireless
John Caveny, Vice President, Conservation & Education, Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation
Shane Hillman, Program Director, F.A.R.M. Cafe
Myles Stacey, Family Caregiver Support Specialist, High Country Council of Governments
Willard C. Watson, III, Program & Outreach Director, The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum
Rising Star
Sponsored by Beech Mountain Resort
Shirley Alexander, General Manager, Booneshine Brewing Company
Will Burrow, Head Winemaker, Grandfather Vineyard & Winery
Kate Prisco, Assistant Director for Parks and Recreation, Town of Beech Mountain
Dr. Kelly Whiteley, Associate Dentist, Mountaineer Dental & Sleep Center
"For 10 years, the 4 Under 40 Awards program has elevated the High Country's next group of emerging leaders. This year's class is one of the most well rounded and professionally accomplished classes we've recognized to date, which shows the consistency of leadership development and the spirit of entrepreneurship in our community," said David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.
"When you look back over our past honorees and finalists, you can't help but notice how their professional profiles have continued to advance, and their roots in the community have deepened. It will be exciting to see this class continue that same growth, while also getting to benefit from the relationships and opportunities that are forged as more people get to know them. We are excited to celebrate this year's class and look forward to what comes next for them as they step into to the local leadership spotlight."
Read Full "Celebrating a Decade of the 4 Under 40 Awards: Where are they now?" Article
Mark in the Morning with 4 Under 40 2025 Non-Profit Professional Winner, Jessica Yates.
For more information about our finalists in the coming weeks, follow us on social media and tune into Mark in the Morning on High Country Radio for one-one-one interviews!
INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK LINKEDIN MARK IN THE MORNING
Nominations for the 4 Under 40 Awards were open to the entire community. The finalists are acknowledged for their business achievements, community and civic involvement, and other related activities.
All sixteen finalists will be recognized as part of the 10th Annual 4 Under 40 Awards on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, where one finalist from each category will be declared the winner.
At the event, the Chamber will also present the annual Respect Your Elder Award recipient, which goes to a community member who serves as a strong mentor for the next generation of leaders.