10th Annual 4 Under 40 Awards Winners Announced

Sixteen emerging leaders and a longtime community mentor were among the honorees at the 10th Annual 40 Under 40 Awards, held Wednesday, March 18, at the Appalachian Theatre in Downtown Boone. The milestone evening drew an event-record crowd of more than 200, with past honorees and program alumni on hand to celebrate a decade of recognizing the High Country's rising talent. The event was presented by Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

More than thirty young professionals were considered in this year's nominee pool. The finalists who rose to the top stood out not just for their accomplishments, but for their unwavering commitment to the people around them, whether students, customers, clients, or neighbors. The evening's program was designed to offer inspiration and a clear reminder that the future of this community is in capable hands.

Four category winners were named on the night, and the annual Respect Your Elder award was presented to community mentor Faye Cooper, a recognition that grounded the celebration in the values the program has championed since its founding.

Award sponsors include Beech Mountain Resort, Carolina West Wireless, Kid Cove, and the Walker College of Business, with additional support from High Country Radio and the High Country Young Professionals.

READ THE FULL LIST OF FINALISTS

Rising Star Winner

Dr. Kelly Whiteley, Associate Dentist, Mountaineer Dental & Sleep Center, 36

Passionate

Kelly has spent the last eight years helping grow Mountaineer Dental and Sleep Center from a two doctor practice to a four doctor practice with a team of 20, bringing the latest in dental technology and a genuine commitment to exceptional patient care to the High Country. She earned her Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in 2022 and is on track for her Mastership, recently selected to serve on the Academy's Group Benefits Advisory Council at the national level. Kelly is the lead coordinator of Soldier Smiles NC, an annual Veterans Day event that has provided over $90,000 in free dental care to veterans in just three years, and has volunteered with the NC Missions of Mercy free dental clinic since 2008. 

Rising Star Finalists:

• 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

Award sponsored by Beech Mountain Resort

Business Owner Winner

Tiffany Weitzen, Co-Owner, Wonder Pelvic Therapy & Wellness, 39

Inspirational

Tiffany Weitzen co-founded Wonder Pelvic Therapy & Wellness to bring specialized pelvic health care to people of all walks of life, breaking down stigma and making expert care feel accessible. In just two years, the practice earned Watauga County Start Up Business of the Year. She consistently reinvests in the community through free health fairs, non-profit sponsorships, and collaborative programming with organizations like Girls on the Run, NAMI, and High Country Doulas. 

Business Owner Finalists:

• Laura Edmonds, Helpwell Co.
• Trevor Moody, Lily's Snack Bar
• Garrett Norris, Norris Plumbing Co.

Award sponsored by Kid Cove

Non-Profit Professional Winner

Myles Stacey, Family Caregiver Support Specialist, High Country Council of Governments, 28

Compassionate

Myles Stacey of the High Country Council of Governments reminds us of the treasure of aging, caring and advocating for older generations while building systems of support that help them age with dignity across a seven-county region. He annually supports 50 plus caregivers through individualized assistance, has expanded his Dementia Caregivers and Friends program, and played a vital role in disaster recovery. Holding a Master of Social Work and former caregiver himself, Myles brings both the training and the lived experience to meet families exactly where they are. From rural support groups to policy briefings in Washington DC, he shows up for the people who spend their lives showing up for others.

Non-Profit Professional Finalists:

• John Caveny, Vice President, Conservation & Education, Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation
• Shane Hillman, Program Director, F.A.R.M. Cafe
• Willard C. Watson, III, Program & Outreach Director, The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum

Award sponsored by Carolina West Wireless

Education Professional Winner

Jackie Garner, Associate Director, Employer Relations and Student Programming Department, Walker College of Business, Appalachian State University, 37

Vivacious

Jackie Garner is a powerful presence at App State's Walker College of Business, serving as Associate Director of Employer Relations and Student Programming and an integral role in the Women of Walker program. A Boone native with a honed skillset for programming and mentorship, Jackie brings the kind of energy that puts students and community partners immediately at ease. She serves on the Girls on the Run Advisory Board, participates in WYN Festival of Trees, and has completed both Watauga Leadership Institute cohorts. Whether she is building a program, advocating for students, or being a good friend, Jackie does it with her whole heart.

Education Professional Finalists:

• 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

Respect Your Elder

Faye Cooper

Faye Cooper has spent more than 46 years shaping the High Country through her role building Mast General Store into a multi-location regional institution, pioneering employee benefits and workplace flexibility in the small business community, and investing deeply in land conservation, community infrastructure, and the restoration of the Appalachian Theatre.

Few have done more to connect people to purpose and leave this region better than they found it.