Celebrating a Decade of the 4 Under 40 Awards: Where are they now?

Over the past decade, the annual 4 Under 40 Awards, presented by Appalachian Commercial Real Estate, have recognized emerging leaders whose work is shaping the future of the High Country. Across four categories, Business Owner, Non-Profit, Education, and Rising Star, these honorees reflect the talent, commitment, and momentum within our community.

Since the inaugural event ten years ago, each class of 4 Under 40 recipients has captured a moment in time, highlighting individuals early in their leadership journeys. In the years that followed, many have gone on to grow their businesses, take on new responsibilities, and deepen their involvement across the region.

As we celebrate the 10th Annual 4 Under 40 Awards on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, we take a moment to look back at where previous winners are today and recognize a decade of investing in the next generation of High Country leadership. View the full list here.

EVENT REGISTRATION     |     2026 NOMINATION FORM

Jennifer Warren, 2017 Non-Profit Professional

At the time of her 4 Under 40 Award, Jennifer Warren was already leading Western Youth Network as Executive Director. Since then, she has guided a multi-million dollar fundraising campaign to establish Watauga County’s only youth center, creating a lasting impact for local young people.

Reflecting on her recognition, Warren shares the credibility that comes along with such an award. "Any community-wide recognition increases your credibility in the community. Credibility and trust are key components that people look for when they are deciding whether or not to volunteer with or donate to your agency," she shared.

Advice for Emerging Leaders: If something feels off, trust that intuition even if you don't have a logical reason why. If something feels right, pursue it even when you have no idea how you will get it done.

Tyler Moffatt, 2018 Business Owner

Tyler R. Moffatt serves as an Attorney and Member at Moffatt & Moffatt, PLLC, where his practice focuses on business transactions as well as business, real estate, and construction litigation.

Since receiving the award, a defining professional milestone for Moffatt has been reaching a point in his career where he can be selective about the transactions and litigation matters he takes on, allowing him to focus on the work he finds most meaningful and engaging. He shared that recognition as a 4 Under 40 honoree broadened his exposure to other industries, strengthening his perspective as an attorney and community member.

Advice for Emerging Leaders: Your time is your most important asset. 

Tierra Stark, 2019 Education Professional

Tierra Stark was serving as an Assistant Principal at Watauga High School at the time of her recognition. She now works at the central office for Watauga County Schools as Director of Accountability, Student Services, Career and Technical Education, Federal Programs, and School Safety, supporting schools across the district.

Since receiving the award, Stark has reached several defining milestones, including earning her Doctorate in Education and transitioning into a system-level leadership role. 

Advice for Emerging Leaders: You don’t have to do it all, but whatever you do, give it your all.

Danielle Wade, 2019 Rising Star

Danielle Wade is President and CEO of Jackson Sumner & Associates, a firm specializing in high-risk insurance. Since receiving the award, Wade has reached two significant professional milestones: Completion of the transition of ownership and an invitation to serve on the Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association (WSIA) Board, a national leadership role within her industry.

Reflecting on her recognition as a 4 Under 40 honoree, Wade shared that the award was a meaningful acknowledgment from her local community and helped open new professional connections.

Advice for Emerging Leaders: Never stop learning. Continue to learn new things in your field and become that expert that people go to for answers.

Lane Moody, 2020 Non-Profit Professional

Lane Moody continues to serve the community as Downtown Development Coordinator with the Town of Boone. Since receiving the award, a defining key milestone for Moody has been guiding one of Boone’s most anticipated initiatives, the Howard Street Revitalization Project, from long-standing plans into visible, on-the-ground progress.

Being recognized as a 4 Under 40 honoree also had a lasting personal impact. Moody shared that the award helped quiet imposter syndrome and provided renewed confidence to lead with intention, especially on challenging days. “It’s been a reminder that the work matters and that others see value in it,” she said, motivating her to continue showing up and serving the community with care.

Advice for Emerging Leaders: Leadership is a journey. Growth comes from showing up consistently, investing in relationships, and giving yourself grace along the way.

Matt Vincent, 2021 Business Owner

Matt Vincent is the Manager at VPC Builders, LLC. Since receiving the award, a defining professional milestone for Vincent has been the opportunity to serve the High Country through board leadership, including roles with the Tourism Development Authority and UNC Health - Appalachian, among others. He shared that recognition as a 4 Under 40 honoree helped elevate VPC Builders’ visibility in the community while reinforcing his commitment to civic involvement.

Advice for Emerging Leaders: Do anything and everything you can to give back to your community.

Caroline Poteat, 2022 Non-Profit Professional

At the time of her award, Caroline Poteat was working with Blue Ridge Conservancy, contributing to the protection of land and natural resources across the High Country. Since receiving the recognition, she decided to pursue a law degree and is currently in her final year at the UNC School of Law. Following graduation, Poteat will join the litigation team at Roberts & Stevens, a private firm in Asheville.

Reflecting on her recognition, Poteat credits the 4 Under 40 Award with inspiring a major career shift toward service-driven work. “The 4 Under 40 recognition helped inspire me to pursue a career change focused on making a greater impact in Western North Carolina,” she shared.

Advice for Emerging Leaders: Don’t shy away from big challenges or major changes in your career. You won’t discover what you’re capable of until you test yourself.

Danielle Neibaur, 2022 Rising Star

Danielle Neibaur has advanced into a broader leadership role in hospitality as Director of Operations for Aileron Management, now overseeing an independent portfolio that has expanded beyond The Horton Hotel in Boone to also include properties in Savannah and Florida, with three additional properties joining her portfolio this year.

Since receiving the award, Neibaur celebrates one of her most defining milestones: purchasing The Inn at Crestwood. Reflecting on her recognition as a 4 Under 40 winner, she shared, “This award was truly a launching pad for my career… It encouraged me to go after the impact I want to see in our community and in my career.”

Advice for Emerging Leaders: Work hard, speak up, and make connections!

Brittany Luxton, 2023 Non-Profit Professional

At the time of her 4 Under 40 Award, Brittany Luxton was already serving WAMY Community Action, Inc., where she was building a strong foundation in community-based leadership. Since receiving the recognition, she has reached a significant career milestone by becoming Executive Director.

Reflecting on her recognition, Luxton shares how the award offered an important moment of reflection and affirmation. “As someone who goes through life doing what needs to be done, taking a pause to recognize all of my accomplishments has solidified me and my role as a community leader,” she shared.

Advice for Emerging Leaders: Authenticity shapes how you show up, builds trust, and fosters progress.

Jenn Bass, 2024 Non-Profit Professional

Jenn Bass was working with Hunger and Health Coalition at the time of her recognition. She has since relocated to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she serves as Marketing and Communications Manager at ABC of NC, a nonprofit school and clinic supporting children with autism.

Since receiving the award, a defining professional milestone for Bass has been making a values-driven career shift back to her marketing and communications roots. Bass shared that the decision, while difficult, ultimately affirmed the importance of listening to her instincts and following her heart.

Advice for Emerging Leaders: Be yourself!

Justin Carver, 2025 Education Professional

Justin Carver still serves at Banner Elk Elementary School, where he is finishing his ninth year as principal.

In reflecting on the recognition, Carver shared that being named a 4 Under 40 winner was an affirming moment. “Thank you for seeing me,” he said. “Sometimes education can be a thankless, lonely space.”

Advice for Emerging Leaders: Just be you and know your worth. You are making an impact, no matter how hard the work is or how small the rewards may seem.

Elisha Brown, 2025 Business Owner

Elisha Brown co-owns the Boone Bagelry with her husband, now entering their third year running the beloved downtown business.

Since receiving the award, Brown has celebrated the milestone of growing and sustaining a community staple while continuing to serve the High Country as Secretary of the Tourism Development Authority, promoting downtown Boone and the region as a whole. Reflecting on her 4 Under 40 recognition, she shared that it was an honor that reinforced the confidence and support the community has shown her and her business.

Advice for Emerging Leaders: Enjoy every minute! You are here because people believe in you—win or lose!

Chelsea Helms, 2025 Rising Star

Chelsea Helms is the Associate and Commercial Architecture Project Manager at STITCH Design Shop, where she recently began the firm’s Associate track, marking an important milestone in her professional growth after her award in March of 2025.

Helms shared that the experience was both humbling and motivating. Inspired by her fellow nominees and honorees, she noted that the recognition reinforced the value of leading with intention, supporting others, and staying engaged in the community that has shaped her career.

Advice for Emerging Leaders: Enjoy your moment to shine and keep making a difference in this community that we all adore.