Last Updated on March 22, 2026 5:38 pm
BOONE, NC — 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 is a signature program of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and 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.
Four category winners were awarded:
Associate Dentist, Mountaineer Dental & Sleep Center — 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. She earned her Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in 2022 and is on track for her Mastership. 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.
Rising Star Finalists: Shirley Alexander (Booneshine Brewing Company), Will Burrow (Grandfather Vineyard & Winery), Kate Prisco (Town of Beech Mountain). Award sponsored by Beech Mountain Resort.
Co-Owner, Wonder Pelvic Therapy & Wellness — Tiffany co-founded Wonder Pelvic Therapy & Wellness to bring specialized pelvic health care to the community. 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.
Family Caregiver Support Specialist, High Country Council of Governments — Myles 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 a former caregiver himself, Myles brings both the training and the lived experience to meet families exactly where they are.
Non-Profit Professional Finalists: John Caveny (Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation), Shane Hillman (F.A.R.M. Cafe), Willard C. Watson III (The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum). Award sponsored by Carolina West Wireless.
Associate Director, Employer Relations and Student Programming, Walker College of Business, Appalachian State University — A Boone native, Jackie brings 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.
Education Professional Finalists: Bethany Gonzalez (App State Student Veterans Center), Megan Laws (Parkway School), Ashley Roberts (Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute).
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, and investing deeply in land conservation, community infrastructure, and the restoration of the Appalachian Theatre.
“This year's class of honorees is comprised of some of the most engaged, community-focused leaders we've been fortunate enough to recognize in 10 years of presenting these awards,” said David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.
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.
