4 Under 40 Awards Finalists Announced

Sixteen members of the High Country community have been selected as category finalists for the 9th-annual Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 4 Under 40 Awards. This showcase of emerging leaders is presented by Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Winners will be announced at the annual awards ceremony, set for Wednesday, March 26 2025, from 5:30-7:30pm, at the Appalachian Theatre in Boone. Read about the finalists below, and tune into High Country Radio for exclusive interviews!

4 Under 40 Event Details & Registration

This award is sponsored by Kid Cove.

Erica Brinker

The Speckled Trout

After graduating from North Carolina State University with a degree in Horticulture and Minor in Biology, Erica began her professional career as a salesperson at a wholesale plant nursery in Marshville, NC.  There she continued to expand her plant knowledge, sharpened her communication and sales skills and worked closely with the management team on marketing efforts. She also did freelance landscape design work and participated in a number of horticultural related projects and seminars.

Her and her husband William and their two children, William and Henley, moved to the High Country in 2015.  In 2017, a year after the birth of their third child, Abel, she embarked on her hospitality and restaurateur journey by purchasing, renovating, and reopening The Speckled Trout Restaurant and Bottle Shop.  She is the other half of the dynamic sister ownership team, alongside Emily Brinker.  Erica and Emily own and operate three businesses, including The Speckled Trout Outfitters (established 2023) and The Speckled Trout Outpost (joined ownership team in 2023), with support from their husbands.  These three businesses form the foundation of their umbrella brand, "The Speckled Trout: Eat, Play, Stay." Erica’s role in these businesses include community outreach, leadership development and training, a seat on their Marketing Leadership Team, a constant brand ambassador, and manager of all things “aesthetic.”  She is also an active participant in The Speckled Trout Outfitter’s Destination Travel Program, having embarked on regional float and wade trips, as well as international adventures, including a recent journey to Patagonia, Argentina.

She was instrumental in helping to define The Speckled Trout’s culture, creating their Values, Vision and Mission in collaboration with their leadership team.  She believes that good culture is the foundation of any business and references their “VVM” on a regular basis: Values – Authenticity, Integrity, Stewardship, Community, Excellence, Fun; Vision – To create exceptional experiences where individuals can belong to something greater than themselves; Mission – To be a place for community and adventure.

Aside from her constant smile, Erica is the official food and craft cocktail critic and is always dreaming up the next meal (or two). If she’s not in meetings, greeting guests or bussing tables, you can find her gardening somewhere in our town, attending and participating in local events or enjoying the outdoors with her husband and three children. She loves being a part of the High Country community and believes that it is the relationships forged with guests, neighbors and our team members that make her job so rewarding.  She believes that when local businesses support one another, the entire community thrives.

Elisha Brown

Boone Bagelry

Along with her husband Clark, Elisha has been the owner of Boone Bagelry since November 2023. Prior to ownership, Elisha and Clark ran all daily operations of the restaurant since 2018 but Elisha has been an employee of Boone Bagelry since 2009. Elisha has over twenty years of experience in restaurants and hospitality. In that time, she focused her efforts in front of house management while honing her skills in leadership, efficiency, productivity, organization, and time management. With a degree in Psychology from Appalachian State University, Elisha has combined her education with her learned skills to successfully run an established business in downtown Boone.

Since January of 2021, Elisha has also served as Secretary for Boone’s Tourism Development Authority. Along with her fellow board members Elisha helps make decisions for the town that will bring in visitors and needed revenue for Boone’s businesses. She hopes to continue working in the community to help make decisions to maintain Boone’s small town charm while also supporting visitors, students, and locals. 

Outside of work, Elisha enjoys seeing live music with her husband and friends, playing with her dog, gardening, and reading. She loves visiting with family down the mountain whenever possible. Elisha is passionate about sustainability, affordable housing, and community connections. She hopes to pursue these passions with her downtown business and future endeavors.

Cody Critcher

Bigfoot Builders

Declan Nishiyama 

Mountain Dev

Declan Nishiyama is the Founder of the software development studio, Mountain Dev, where his local core team (Samantha Wright, Will White, Jill Nicklaw, and Jose Salazar) orchestrates a global tech workforce spanning Brazil, Italy, Canada, the Philippines, and Charlotte. While his company proudly serves higher education partners like App State, UNC, and UCLA, international organizations out of Malaysia and Kenya, and national brands like GORUCK, Declan finds the greatest satisfaction in developing innovative digital solutions for local businesses including HiveTracks, Ray's Weather, SteakAger, and Pneuma Respiratory—partnerships that strengthen the High Country's tech ecosystem.

Before founding Mountain Dev in 2021, Declan's path to tech entrepreneurship took an unconventional route—from coding his first video game at age 8 to a career as a Chemical Engineer at the world's largest energy company where he discovered his true passion lay in creating digital solutions rather than industrial ones. This realization led him to Amazon Web Services as a Senior Technical Product Manager, where he honed his expertise in cloud computing and software development. With his Georgia Tech MBA (earning "Student of the Year" and Poets & Quants "Best & Brightest" honors), Declan combines his engineering background, business acumen, and tech passion to transform client ideas into market-ready applications, specializing in mobile & web development, product roadmapping, and AI solutions. His vision is to nurture Boone's tech ecosystem to help it produce its first "Boonicorn"—a billion-dollar company in Boone—by building the connections, expertise and resources that ambitious local entrepreneurs need to achieve that level of transformative success.

Brittany Bolick 

Blowing Rock School

 
My name is Brittany Bolick, and I am a dedicated Physical Education teacher at Blowing Rock School with a deep passion for promoting lifelong physical activity and health. My professional goals are to simply inspire my students to understand how these principles can positively impact their lives and the lives of those around them. I strive to create an environment where students not only learn about fitness but also develop a love for being active and healthy throughout their lives.

I believe that teaching is a calling, one that the Lord has built me for, and I am committed to helping each of my students discover the benefits of an active lifestyle. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work at various schools, coaching students of all ages and skill levels. These experiences have shaped me into the teacher I am today, giving me invaluable insights into how to connect with students and foster their growth both academically and personally. I believe that in order to truly impact my students, I must live out the values I teach.

By demonstrating commitment, passion, and resilience, I aim to inspire my students to do the same, both in and out of my classroom. This approach has not only made me a better educator but has also deepened my connection with the students I serve.

Justin Carver

Banner Elk Elementary School

 
Born and raised in the High Country of North Carolina, Justin Kyle Carver has dedicated his career to shaping the future of education in his community. A distinguished NC Teaching Fellow Scholar, he graduated from Appalachian State University in 2007 with a degree in Elementary Education. His teaching career began at Newland Elementary School, where he spent four years making a meaningful impact in the classroom.

Eager to expand his influence in education, Justin pursued a Master’s Degree in School Administration from Appalachian State University, graduating in 2012. His leadership journey began as Assistant Principal at Avery Middle School (2011-2014), followed by serving as Principal at Cranberry Middle School (2014-2017). Since 2017, Justin has proudly led Banner Elk School, where his passion for innovation and student success continues to thrive.

Beyond his professional achievements, Justin is deeply rooted in family and community. He met his wife, Whitney Carver, at Newland Elementary, where she is a dedicated Kindergarten teacher. Together, they are raising their three children—Thatcher (11), Maggie (9), and Deacon (6)—with the same commitment to education and excellence that defines their careers.

A visionary leader, Justin is relentless in his pursuit of ensuring that every student is challenged, valued, and experiences a meaningful education. His enthusiasm for learning, leadership, and school spirit is unmatched. When he’s not shaping the future at BES, you’ll find him passionately supporting Appalachian State football and meticulously planning life around Duke Basketball games.

For Justin, education is more than a job—it’s a calling, a passion, and a lifelong commitment to making Banner Elk School the best it can be.

Dr. Brandy Hadley

Appalachian State University -
Walker College of Business

Dr. Brandy Hadley is a dedicated educator and finance professional with a passion for mentoring students and preparing them for successful careers in the financial industry. She is an Associate Professor of Finance and the David A. Thompson Distinguished Scholar of Applied Investments at Appalachian State University’s Walker College of Business. As a two-time alumna and a non-traditional, first-generation student, she was profoundly influenced by faculty mentorship and the transformational education she received at App State. That experience ignited her commitment to empower the next generation of engaged, career-ready business leaders.

Dr. Hadley earned her Ph.D. in Finance with a collateral in Economics from the University of Tennessee before teaching at California State University, San Bernardino. In 2017, she returned to App State, where she now teaches courses in Financial Modeling & Valuation, Investment Management, and FinTech & InsureTech. A champion of experiential learning, Dr. Hadley creates hands-on opportunities for students to apply financial theories in real-world settings. As the faculty advisor for the Bowden Investment Group—a student-run investment fund—she actively mentors students through every phase of the investment process, from rigorous equity research and portfolio management to data-driven financial analysis.

Each year, Dr. Hadley organizes and leads several student group trips to major financial hubs such as Charlotte and New York, offering direct exposure to industry professionals and current financial practices. Additionally, she coaches multiple teams in international financial analysis competitions, where students compete and win against peers from top institutions worldwide. Moreover, she co-leads the Women in Financial Services Initiative, where she mentors and supports female students pursuing careers in finance.

An active researcher, Dr. Hadley has published 16 scholarly articles in leading academic and trade journals, earning four Best Paper Awards. She has presented her research at over 45 national and international conferences and is a regular contributor on finance and the economy in the popular press. Her recent economic outlook, “What Does 2025 Hold for Interest Rates, Inflation, and the American Consumer?” was read over 165,000 times and reprinted in more than 23 publications, including PBS, Yahoo! Finance, and the Raleigh News & Observer.

Dr. Hadley has received multiple awards for her contributions, including the 2023 Walker College of Business Sywassink Award for Excellence in Teaching, the 2020 Walker College of Business Sywassink Award for Excellence in Research, and the 2025 Appalachian State University School/College Excellence in Teaching Award.

Savannah Stanbery

Appalachian State University -
Office of Alumni Engagement

 
My love for the Blue Ridge Mountains brought me back to Boone in 2021 after being away for ten years following my graduation from Appalachian State University. Prior to returning to Boone, I received my MA in Arts Administration from Florida State University. I then worked in Development at UNC School of the Arts for six years.

I currently serve as Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement at App State. In my career, I’ve worked with several arts nonprofits, including Penland School of Crafts and the Gadsden Arts Center. Now, I am grateful to be able to invest in the Boone community and give back through my work as a board member for Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture (BRWIA). In my spare time, I love good food, being outdoors, art and having adventures with friends as well as my dog, Duke.

Kayla Lasure

Hunger and Health Coalition

Originally from the bluegrass state of Kentucky, Kayla made her home in the High Country in 2017. With a degree in journalism, she worked as a reporter for the Watauga Democrat newspaper for three years and served as editor for one year. She credits her time at the newspaper for being able to get to know so many community members in Watauga County and falling in love with the people here.

In 2021 she made the switch to the world of nonprofit and joined the staff of the Hunger and Health Coalition as the Volunteer and Intern Coordinator. For two years she oversaw the volunteer, intern, and ongoing food drive programs for the agency. Sticking to her communications roots, she now serves the agency as the Outreach and Communication Specialist where she enjoys telling the story of the agency and those they serve. She is a lifelong 4-H Camp volunteer, has completed both Watauga Leadership courses through the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, served the last two years in the Appalachian State Women of Walker Mentor Program, served one summer as a Washington Mandela Fellow peer collaborator, served two years as a Western Youth Network lunch buddy, and recently joined the Watauga Women in Leadership planning team. 

Seth Moore

W.A.M.Y. Community Action

Based in Boone, NC but serve four counties in the High Country. I have almost 2 years of experience at WAMY, and serve as the Intake Specialist. In this role, I guide clients through the application process for our various programs and assist in referring them to additional resources that may be beneficial. My passion lies in offering a "hand up" to individuals facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, helping them access the support and resources needed to improve their situations

Karina Romero

AppHealthCare

Karina Romero graduated from Appalachian State University in 2012 with a degree in Public Relations and Marketing. After spending the next eight years in the local restaurant and bar industry, Karina transitioned into public health at AppHealthCare during the COVID-19 pandemic as a COVID-19 Call Center Specialist. In this role, they provided critical guidance to the community – assisting with documentation, quarantine protocols, and easing concerns during a time of uncertainty. This experience led to a role as a Child and Maternal Health Coordinator, where they focused on tobacco prevention and cessation, built relationships with schools to address anti-vaping initiatives, and promoted QuitlineNC as a support resource.

Currently, Karina serves as the Health Promotion Program Manager, where they lead initiatives to enhance overall community well-being. Their work spans hosting no-cost opportunities for mental health education, breastfeeding support through the Mobile Baby Base Camp (a portable, private space that allows people to comfortably breastfeed, chestfeed, or pump at outdoor events) and partnerships to improve children's access to healthy food and physical activity opportunities. Dedicated to advancing public health in rural communities, they are furthering their education as part of the first cohort of Appalachian State University’s newly established Master of Public Health program at the Beaver College of Health Sciences. Through their continued work, Karina aims to strengthen community partnerships and empower community members, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.

Jessica Yates

The Children's Council of Watauga County

Jessica is a native to the High Country, graduating from Appalachian State University with a Bachelors in History, Secondary Education. After teaching High School and Middle school for a few years, she developed an interest in supporting our youngest learnings. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Birth to Kindergarten Education from UNC Greensboro and transitioned to a career in early childhood education. With over ten years of experience as an early childhood educator in the High Country and surrounding areas, Jessica eventually joined the Children’s Council of Watauga County as a home visitor in the Parents as Teachers program. She now serves as the Family Services Program Director at the agency, where she leads a team of ten staff members overseeing eight distinct programs. Additionally, Jessica is the secretary of the Watauga Education Foundation and co-chairs the Policy and Prevention Committee for the Watauga Compassionate Communities Initiative. Jessica's career has been profoundly shaped by her greatest achievement, her daughter Makayla. The experience of motherhood has taught her invaluable lessons about the importance of supporting children and families in the community.

This award is sponsored by Beech Mountain Resort.

Anneliese Thomae Elias

Watauga County Immigrant Justice Coalition

La Coalición de Justicia para Inmigrantes del condado de Watauga, o IJC por sus siglas en inglés, fue creada oficialmente como una organización sin fines de lucro en diciembre de 2021. Nuestra visión es que todos los inmigrantes en High Country sientan que se respeta su dignidad y que se valoran sus voces como parte de una comunidad comprometida, solidaria e inclusiva. Yo he estado al servicio de la organización cómo directore de la junta directiva desde 2022, aunque por supuesto la historia de la organización ha sido mucho más extensa. Empezó como una organización de base hace más de una década, y también tenía un nombre diferente. En sus principios, era un comité de la organización NAACP (La asociación nacional para el avance de la gente de color), hasta convertirse en una organizacón por sí misma. Han habido muchos directores en el pasado que han dejado sus huellas y han continuado estando involucrados de diferentes maneras y capacidades incluso hasta el día de hoy, como Jeff Boyer, Ingrid Kraus,
Lynn Coulhard, Jennifer Sirois, Jorge Escobar, Sarah Donovan, entre otras personas.

IJC no trabaja en el condado de Watauga, sino en el High Country y condados aledaños.
IJC tiene tres programas principales: el programa de identificaciones comunitarias FaithAction,
el fondo de becas para estudiantes de último año de las escuelas secundarias, y el fondo de
emergencias para familias e individuos. A través de los años, ha sido el trabajo de muchas
personas el que ha creado que la organización se convierta en lo que hoy es, y en mi rol actual
siento mucha gratitud por el trabajo que realiza nuestros voluntarios/as/es, trabajadores a tiempo
parcial, y junta directiva, la cual está actualmente compuesta por 11 personas asombrosas. Es un
equipo fantástico, y estoy agredecide de haber conocido personas tan increíbles a través del
trabajo de IJC. IJC es un espacio abierto a todas las personas, guiado por los valores del respeto,
la dignidad y el poder.

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The Watauga County Immigrant Justice Coalition, or IJC for short, was officially approved as a non-profit in December of 2021. Its vision is for all immigrants in the High Country to feel that their dignity is respected, and their voices valued as part of an engaged, supportive, and inclusive community. I have been serving as the chair since 2022, though the history of the organization is much longer than that. It started as a grassroots organization over a decade ago, and it had a different name too. In its beginning, it was a committee of the NAACP (The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) until it became its own grassroots organization. There have been so many past chairs of the organization that left their printmark and have continued engaging in different volunteer formats and capacities even until today, like Jeff Boyer, Ingrid Kraus, Lynn Coulthard, Jennifer Sirois, Jorge Escobar, Sarah Donovan, among others.

IJC does not only serve Watauga, we serve the High Country and surrounding counties.
IJC has mainly three programs: the community ID program named FaithAction, the scholarship
program for highschool seniors in the High Country, and our emergency fund for
immigration-affected local families and individuals. Over the years, there have been so many
people involved in order to create what IJC has become, and as the current chair I am especially
grateful with the work of our volunteers, part-time employees, and board, which is currently
composed of 11 hardworking, passionate, and amazing human beings. It is an amazing team to
be a part of, and I am thankful I got to know so many great people, hopefully lifelong friends,
through the work of IJC. IJC is a welcoming environment for everyone, guided by the values of
respect, dignity, and empowerment

Be sure to follow us on social media as we share the stories of these emerging leaders in the coming weeks!

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This year, 58 nominations were received across four categories: Business Owner, Education Professional, Non-Profit Professional, and Rising Star. Nominees were acknowledged for their business achievements, community and civic involvement, and other related activities.

All finalists will be recognized as part of the 9th Annual 4 Under 40 Awards ceremony. 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.

“The range of talent and experience stands out among the honorees in this year’s class," said David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. “These emerging leaders are already hard at work in some key industries within our community and are setting the tone for the next important wave of ideas and action. It was encouraging to see the depth of this year’s entire collection of nominees, making the committee's decisions extremely difficult in arriving at this group of 16 honorees. With the challenges we have ahead of us in the High Country, it’s clear that we have some highly skilled and dedicated young professionals that are doing impactful work that makes a difference in our daily lives."

The pre-awards reception begins at 5:30pm and the awards ceremony will begin at approximately 6:15pm. Tickets are $39 and include heavy hors d'oeuvres and two drink tickets for each attendee.