Cherokee Chamber Recognizes Rising Leaders

Patch Staff Report

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce during its June Good Morning Cherokee breakfast recognized the 2014 group of Cherokee County's Top 10 In 10 Young Professionals to Watch.

"The Top 10 In 10 initiative is designed to cultivate and showcase exceptional Cherokee County young professionals," said Pam Carnes, Chamber president and CEO. 

Coordinated by the chamber in partnership with Enjoy! Cherokee Magazine, this recognition program focuses on Cherokee County residents under age 40 who are considered to be Cherokee County's up and coming leaders over the next 10 years.

"Far more than 10 nominees were submitted. Each application was carefully reviewed by a judging panel that found this to be no simple task," added Chamber Board Chairman Lewis Cline with Bank of North Georgia. 

Judging criteria included past professional achievements and awards, five to ten year professional goals as well as volunteer and community activities. Besides being recognized during the Chamber's monthly breakfast, the recipients will be featured in the August Issue of Enjoy! Cherokee Magazine and have been nominated for the prestigious Georgia Trend Magazine's 40 Under 40 recognition.

Those rising stars recognized as Cherokee County's next generation of community leaders include: Brian Stockton, director of economic development, city of Woodstock; Karen Norred, city clerk, city of Holly Springs; Shannon Wallace, district attorney, Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit; Blake Kononen, commercial airline pilot, Express Jet Airlines; Michelle Homier, Cherokee County State Court judge; Rev. Jordan Thrasher, university chaplain, Reinhardt University; Doug Fountain, VP/government guaranteed lending, Community and Southern Bank; Zach Blend, residential life director, Goshen Valley Boys Ranch; Lee Lusk, owner, The Wheeler House/Nickel Creek Development and Katie E. Wise, branch manager, LGE Community Credit Union.