Edits made by Augusta magazine staff
Photography by Amy J. Owen
Young professionals between the ages of 25 and 35 are changing the landscape — surpassing previous generations in numbers and diversity, these young professionals have taken on a new role of influence, especially in shaping the future of economic growth and labor markets. Studies demonstrate that this ambitious and technologically-connected generation is placing a high value on entrepreneurship, leadership and social responsibility, and they are setting the pace for transforming work environments and social networks.
The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Augusta magazine, is pleased to announce 10 of Augusta’s most outstanding young professionals. The young professionals featured entered into a competitive nomination process in March and have emerged as this year’s most promising and rising stars. These outstanding individuals exemplify what can be achieved with passion and vision, and while we congratulate their current achievements, we look forward to watching them reach their dreams.
As part of being recognized for their talents locally, each of this year’s recipients has been nominated by the Chamber to Georgia Trend’s annual recognition of Georgia’s 40 Under 40. We look forward to these individuals achieving statewide recognition and making us proud!
—Sue Parr, president
Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce
James Whitehead
Age: 35
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration (Southern Wesleyan University); projected to graduate from Georgia Bankers School (2026)
Employer: SouthState Bank, Premier Private Banker
Whitehead works with high-net-worth clients in creating, growing and preserving their wealth portfolios. His client base includes medical and legal professionals, local business owners and some strategic relationships with local governments and nonprofits.
Professional five and 10-year goals: Whitehead plans to increase his efficacy and understanding of commercial lending and private wealth advisory practices to meet the commercial lending and wealth portfolio needs of the expanding community. To meet his goals, he is currently attending Georgia Bankers School in Athens, Ga., and expects to graduate in 2026.
Current and Future Impact on Augusta: Whitehead hopes to have a personal and professional impact on the region’s economic development, politics, art and cultural preservation, leadership cultivation and nonprofit development. Because of his lifelong ties and interests in Augusta, he chose to invest in the city by building his career here. He volunteers in local political campaigns and was selected as a delegate to both county and state political conventions; he is a volunteer for The Vets to Washington Project since 2012 and serves on boards that contribute to the city’s economic development, leadership, arts and culture. By gaining greater involvement with these organizations, he plans to contribute to the business-friendly environment and the cultural and entertainment outlets that help attract and retain the best and brightest. One day, he hopes to better serve his community by holding a political office.
Volunteer work: The Augusta Symphony, board member (2022 to present), nominating and executive director search committees; Sacred Heart Cultural Center, board member (2024 to present); North Augusta Forward, board member (2022 to present); Leadership Cultivation Committee, co-chair; The Young Professionals of Augusta, board member (2020-2024); Community Outreach Chair (2020-2022); board member-at-large (2022-2024); The Vets To Washington Project, volunteer, (2012 to present); Treasurer, North Augusta Republican Party.
Raysean Ricks
Age: 28
Education: Master of Arts, Journalism & Mass Communications, Emerging Media (University of Georgia); Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Spanish Minor (Augusta University)
EMPLOYER: Augusta University, Senior Digital Communications Coordinator
Ricks drives Augusta University’s digital landscape to new heights by hosting and producing acclaimed podcast, In The Wild, boasting more than 120,000 views. He also brings campus stories to life on other audio platforms, manages the university’s YouTube channels, and guides interns in the Communications and Marketing academic departments. As a leader of the social and digital media team, he strategizes and executes content plans that resonate across platforms.
Professional five and 10-year goals: A proud first-generation college and Master’s degree graduate, Ricks has personally experienced the transformative potential of higher education. He hopes to leverage his position on the Communications and Marketing team to expand opportunities for the school’s diverse student body. Through dynamic content creation and dedicated mentorship, he aims to mentor and empower Communication and Marketing students to be resilient world leaders. By fostering an inclusive environment and advocating for underrepresented communities, he believes the trajectory of minority and first-generation students can be enhanced academically and beyond. His dedication to Augusta University and Augusta mobilizes him to foster a brighter future for all.
Current and Future Impact on Augusta: A longtime resident of Augusta, Ricks’ passion for the city has allowed him to bolster community engagement and city economic development with Destination Augusta, specifically through their Authentic Augusta initiative. He’s been instrumental in promoting local tourism and city growth. He plans to further these efforts, particularly through content creation and advocacy, encouraging locals to support businesses, participate in the revitalization of downtown Augusta and consider joining the vibrant community at Augusta University. He believes this wholistic approach will drive community growth and economic prosperity for the future.
Volunteer work: The CSRA Heart Walk; Augusta University’s Days of Service; Authentic Augusta, engaging in advocacy opportunities and proudly representing Augusta as an advocate for local tourism.
Nicholas Wood
Age: 31
Education: Master of Healthcare Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with Emphasis in Exercise Science (Georgia Southern University)
Employer: Piedmont Hospital, Executive Director, Hospital Administrator
Wood is responsible for the Piedmont McDuffie Hospital campus, the Allied Health Programs for Piedmont Augusta hub and the (recent) reopening of the Piedmont Summerville Hospital. He manages overall operations, financial health and strategic planning. In the past two years, Wood led the hospital through the transition from University Healthcare to Piedmont Healthcare, which involved constant utilization of leadership and change management skills. Even during the transition, his team helped to grow revenue by 8%, lowered employee turnover by 6% all while maintaining quality care to patients. Recently, he spearheaded a project that decreased the length of stay in the emergency department by 14% to 151 minutes. The Allied Health Program plays a major role in workforce development for the organization. This program is the home to three in-house clinical schools which includes the Stephen W. Brown, M.D. School of Radiography, Harry T. Harper Jr., M.D. School of Cardiac and Vascular Technology and School of Clinical Lab Science, combining to graduate over 20 clinicians each year. This program is also responsible for managing the partnerships with local colleges, especially the nursing scholarship partnership with Augusta Technical College. And just this year, new positions were created for work-based learning high school students on the nursing floors, a Certified Nursing Assistant program for A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School, and there are plans to employ 10 students for the Augusta Metro Chamber Students2Work program. His responsibilities at the Piedmont Augusta Summerville Campus will be to re-open the hospital, ensure efficient operations and welcome the community back to the area’s healthcare campus.
Professional five and 10-year goals: At Piedmont McDuffie, Wood plans to continue to add new services, which will allow patients in the community to receive care close to home and create more jobs. In the Allied Health Program, he plans to continue to streamline and develop programs that efficiently and adequately train professionals for healthcare careers. At Piedmont Summerville, he plans to grow the services provided at the campus with a focus on current needs that the medical community has not been able to address. His motto is to always have open hands to serve God when he brings new opportunities.
Current and Future Impact on Augusta: In his role with the Allied Health Program, he will ensure that clinical students get the training they need to be prepared to start careers in the region. Programs are currently being developed to expose high school students to areas that do not require additional education, such as transport and nutrition service. As Summerville Hospital opens, Wood has the ability to add 150-300 positions over the first three years, creating jobs for local people and attracting outsiders to the region. He is the current vice-chair on the Augusta Technical College Board of Directors and will transition into the chair role in July. In this position, he will work on local, state and national levels to ensure the college has the resources to accomplish its goals.
Volunteer work: Augusta Technical College Board of Directors (vice chair 2023-2024, incoming chair 2024-2026); Thomson-McDuffie Archway Executive Committee; Thomson Rotary; Leadership McDuffie Class of 2022; McDuffie County High Potential, Leaders Class of 2023; Stevens Creek Church, elder board.
Jeannine Steinkuhl
Age: 33
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management with an Event Management concentration (Kendall College)
Employer: NorthPointe Hospitality Management, LLC, Crowne Plaza North Augusta, Director of Sales
Steinkuhl is the driving force for the establishment’s revenue generation and strategic market positioning. Her responsibilities span from cultivating relationships with corporate clients and travel agencies to overseeing the implementation of dynamic pricing strategies. Analyzing performance metrics and industry benchmarks, she continuously refines the sales approach to stay ahead in a competitive market. Additionally, Steinkuhl is the primary liaison with external partners, participating in industry events and negotiations to secure beneficial partnerships and sponsorships. Steinkuhl is responsible for revenue growth and strategic partnerships, as she upholds the highest standards of customer service to ensure a memorable and rewarding experience for guests in synergy with the hotel staff.
Professional five and 10-year goals: Steinkuhl embraces risk-taking as a catalyst for growth. From launching a photography venture armed with a humble digital SLR camera to embarking on an entry-level role propelled by a steadfast belief in the potential and vision for the hotel, she consistently ventures outside her comfort zone. Ascending from the role of sales coordinator to the director of sales within a span of five years stands as a testament to her commitment to personal authenticity and professional excellence. Looking ahead, Steinkuhl is fueled by a relentless pursuit of the unfamiliar. Embracing discomfort will remain a cornerstone of her approach for the next five to 10 years.
Current and Future Impact on Augusta: As president of the Young Professionals of Augusta (YPA), Steinkuhl is invigorated by the organization’s pivotal role in shaping the professional landscape of the community. Her inaugural year was marked by a concerted effort to catalyze a cultural shift within the organization. By prioritizing initiatives geared towards supporting the retention of young incoming professionals in partnership with local companies and organizations, she helped create a foundation that fosters inclusivity and champions the value of networking, professional development and social engagement. Looking ahead, Steinkuhl will leverage the potential of YPA to enhance employee retention across corporations in the region. As she continues to navigate her professional journey and advocate for the interests of young professionals, she is unwavering in her resolve to create positive change, bridge divides and foster unity.
Volunteer work: The Young Professionals of Augusta, president; Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committee, member; Rotary Club of Augusta, member; North Augusta Forward, board member; Helms College Hospitality Advisory Council, member; City of North Augusta Mural Design Review Board, member; Augusta Metro, North Augusta and Aiken chambers of commerce, member.
Taylor Lamb
Age: 34
Education: Master of Science in Sport Management (Georgia Southern University); Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication (Georgia College & State University)
Employer: Augusta University, Director of Marketing and Creative Services
Lamb is responsible for the successful development, implementation and evaluation of comprehensive communications and marketing plans as well as promotional efforts for the university. He manages and oversees all advertising contracts, national and regional campaigns, trademark and licensing processes while leading the teams and personnel for brand strategy, videography, photography, graphic design and marketing. He works closely with university teams in external relations, government relations, community engagement, philanthropy and alumni engagement to push the presence of higher education and life-changing research and healthcare.
Professional five and 10-year goals: Lamb aims to grow the school’s footprint in the city, region and nation, and lend his support to increase enrollment, research and community presence. He plans to further his leadership role on campus and in the community and will continue to serve the overall goals and missions.
Current and Future Impact on Augusta: Lamb is concentrated on growing enrollment through advertising and community engagement, community partnerships and promoting the brand through expanded trademark, licensing and merchandise efforts. With the announcement of a rival academic medical center in Athens, Ga., he is heavily focused on promoting Augusta as Georgia’s flagship location for a public medical school and healthcare practicing. He is marketing the combined Medical College of Georgia, the Georgia Cancer Center, Dental College of Georgia, College of Allied Health Sciences and the College of Nursing as comprehensive parts of Augusta University. Managing several robust national advertising campaigns with multi-million-dollar budgets, he believes it is crucial to promote the university and the city to larger national audiences. He plans to further optimize these advertising initiatives by telling the story of the university and the city. Lamb has completed several community-related projects like JagPerks, a public art wall mural in downtown that promotes the synergy of the city and the university, the AU installation at the Junior Achievement Discovery Center, and has expanded AU’s brand options in dozens of regional retail outlets.
Volunteer work: Class of 2024 Leadership Augusta; Visit Columbia County marketing committee member; The Birdie Club, digital content specialist promoting stewardship and donorship for AU Division-1 golf programs; Augusta University volunteer at the university’s home tournaments, Augusta Haskins Award Invitational and the Valspar Augusta Invitational; Augusta University Days of Service; 2024 Junior Achievement Discovery Center; Martinez-Evans Little League (MELL), volunteer coach and coordinator; CSRA Ultimate Players Association, member.
Abby Bryant
Age: 28
Education: Mini-MBA (University of Miami) and Bachelor of Science in Horticulture: Greenhouse & Nursery Management (Auburn University)
Employer: Costa Farms, Business Process Manager for Field Operations
Bryant creates, maintains and improves Costa Farms’ systematic processes to ensure the effective growth and sale of products at their locations.
Professional five and 10-year goals: Over the next five years, Bryant will continue her professional education in their ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system, applications, software development and business processes for larger leadership roles. In the next 10 years, she will continue to standardize processes over eight locations to save time and money, eliminate waste and increase sustainability. One of her additional long-term objectives is to expand her personal venture — Root Deep. Grow High. RDGH is an organization that hosts floral design workshops, preservation lectures and horticultural tours for local schools, nonprofits and businesses. Bryant’s five-year goal with RDGH is to increase her partnerships from the current 18 to 40 local organizations. RDGH aims to connect people in the community through the knowledge of nature and preservation by interactive experiences.
Current and Future Impact on Augusta: Bryant will use her passion for event and fundraising coordination to serve local philanthropic organizations and initiatives that benefit Augusta. She serves as social chair on the board of Young Professionals of Augusta, raising more than $11,000 for numerous local charities and campaigns last year, and is director of community relations with the Reading Readiness Program that distributes 4,000 books annually to students at local daycares and schools.
Volunteer work: The Young Professionals Board for Child Enrichment; ambassador council chair for the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce; Visionaries of the Year Fundraising Team for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; director of community relations for the North Augusta Junior Women’s League; Women in Agriculture AG Mentorship Program at Auburn College of Agriculture, the Alumni Association for Auburn University; and a volunteer with the Stevens Creek Church Dream Center.
Shiamanté Grimes
Age: 30
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (Augusta University) and a Diversity, Equality & Inclusion in the Workplace Certification (University of South Florida)
Employer: Textron Specialized Vehicles (TSV), E-Z-GO, University Relations Lead
Recruiting top talent from universities for internships or entry level positons.
Professional five and 10-year goals: Grimes’ professional goal is to ascend to the role of Human Resources Director. She is deeply committed to enhancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace, recognizing that a diverse workforce is a key driver of innovation and growth. Grimes’ aims to bring innovative recruitment strategies to the Augusta area, attracting top talent. She is equally committed to talent development, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity and resources to reach their full potential. She plans to implement robust training and development programs, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Grimes’ strives to create an environment where everyone feels valued and included and where diversity is not just accepted but celebrated.
Current and Future Impact on Augusta: Grimes’ is dedicated to not only identifying top-tier developing professionals, but also providing them with the necessary resources to relocate to the area. She is passionate about showcasing Augusta as the city of choice for those seeking growth and opportunity. In the future, she aims to create a strong talent pipeline that will drive innovation and growth in the region, working closely with businesses and organizations to understand their needs and connect recruitment strategies accordingly.
Volunteer work: Golden Harvest Food Bank; The Master’s Table; toy donation for CSRA Economic Opportunity Authority, Inc., Head Start; Jacket Drive with SWAT; TSV Clean Up Day; TSV Family Fun Day; back to school drives; resume and interview assistance sessions; book drive for low income schools.
Taggert Vinzant
Age: 29
Employer: House of Tag, Founder/CEO
VinZant’s mission is to help organizations grow profits and make positive impacts by reaching their marketing goals. He uses a smart mix of technology and insights for plans to boost their connection with the people they serve.
Professional five and 10-year goals: VinZant was raised on a farm in deep Alabama in a time when the county and country was beginning to grasp this new thing called “autism.” It wasn’t until much later in life that he learned to use the ways his autism made him different as a secret weapon rather than a secret kept. VinZant seeks to empower other creatives and entrepreneurs who are on the same journey. He saw firsthand how Augusta’s film industry took the wildest creative minds and gave them some incredible opportunities. His vision is for House of Tag to become a reservoir for local creativity, developing jobs that serve the businesses and nonprofit organizations that propel Augusta forward.
Current and Future Impact on Augusta: VinZant’s work will forge a future path where creativity and inclusivity are at the heart of community and economic growth. The success of the Serene18 Paddle Trail ad campaign for Columbia County Tourism is a prime example of this, showcasing local talent and underscoring the economic value of creative marketing. VinZant’s roles as treasurer for the American Advertising Federation of Augusta and a board member of Augusta Locally Grown directly support the growth of local entrepreneurs. He’s championed Augusta’s film industry and underscored his broader mission to empower individuals through creative avenues and professional advancement. His team at Cineloco was privileged to document the origin story for The Hub for Community Innovation. VinZant’s vision includes supporting ventures like Augusta Locally Grown and the AAF of Augusta. Perhaps most importantly, VinZant is dedicated to creating spaces where neurodivergent individuals can succeed, emphasizing the importance of designing inclusive environments from the ground up.
Volunteer work: AAF Augusta, board member and treasurer; Augusta Locally Grown, board member; Paceline volunteer.
Kirsten Conrad
Age: 27
Education: Pursuing a Master of Business Administration (University of South Carolina, Aiken); Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Auburn University)
Employer: Club Car, Project Execution Manager
Conrad plays a pivotal role in the intersection of manufacturing and new product development (NPD), ensuring that projects meet the highest standards for safety and manufacturability for operators and assemblers. She collaborates closely with various stakeholders to optimize processes, streamline material flow and maximize assembly line efficiency. With a keen eye for detail, Conrad oversees 28 operational tasks associated with NPD projects, ensuring they seamlessly align with the company’s ongoing production needs. She tackles complex challenges with a systematic approach, always prioritizing safety and efficiency. From developing comprehensive timelines to meticulously managing budgets, Conrad is committed to driving the successful implementation of new projects at Club Car. She also works to reduce waste and cost by leading a team of packaging engineers for NPD design projects.
Professional five and 10-year goals: Conrad pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering but recognized an additional inclination for project management, so she decided to get a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on project management and supply chain optimization. Over the next five years, she aims to: introduce packaging initiatives for enhancing Club Car’s sustainability efforts; drive NPD projects that not only propel Club Car’s business growth but also embody the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence; successfully attain her MBA, enriching her professional repertoire and augmenting her strategic capabilities; continue to explore different facets of the business landscape, including material planning, sourcing, and customer experience, to foster holistic growth and development; and grow the Women’s Employee Network and continue fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce.
Current and Future Impact on Augusta: As a Child Enrichment Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in the foster system, Conrad will continue advocating for placement permanency as soon as possible. Upon the completion of her Master’s degree, Conrad plans to apply for Child Enrichment’s Young Professional Board. She also plans to become more involved in Young Professionals of Augusta and participate with the Augusta Metro Chamber’s Women in Business program attending luncheons and working with Club Car to sponsor events like the signature event last year.
Volunteer work: Child Enrichment as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), passionately advocating for children within the foster care system; Miracle Mile Walk organized by the Piedmont Augusta Foundation; United Way, annual Project Serve.
Aherial Polite
Age: 34
Education: Pursuing a Doctor of Education in Leadership; Higher Education (Valdosta State University); Master of Arts in Teaching and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (University of South Carolina)
Employer: Augusta Technical College, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences
Polite leads, supports and inspires 29 full-time and 23 part-time educators in her role at Augusta Technical College. Managing multiple budgets, analyzing assessment and evaluation data, and making curriculum adjustments are a major component of her profession. Student recruitment and engagement is another large factor. Scheduling and registration are crucial for students and Polite spends a great deal of time planning classes and assisting with enrollment to make the process smoother.
Professional five and 10-year goals: Polite is currently writing her dissertation on the use of apprenticeship in the nuclear workforce and will receive her Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership in 2025. Another goal is to complete Leadership Augusta within the next three to four years. She wants to enroll in the Lakin Institute for Mentored Leadership in approximately five years. Organized by the National Council on Black American Affairs (NCBAA), a council of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), this program was created for community college leaders who want to hold chief executive leadership positions. Within the next decade, she envisions herself as a vice president of Academic Affairs at a community or technical college. By the 10-year mark, she wants to become an Aspen Fellow and begin the search for a role as president of a community college.
Current and Future Impact on Augusta: As a community college administrator, Polite’s primary function is to connect people to their desired careers quickly. She is also involved in workforce development programs that provide students with a livable wage, free tuition and a credential from an academic institution and the U.S. Department of Labor upon completion of the program. In the future, she wants to continue making industry partnerships so students and businesses can interact with one another in a symbiotic manner. Polite plans to help Augusta and its surrounding areas be even greater hubs for leaders, and unleash the talent of its citizens to the next level.
Volunteer work: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., financial member, participating in service events like the Generation Next and the Enhance our Environment as well as other events for students and domestic violence victims; Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA); chair of the Education Committee helping with their most notable event, Teller Lecture; American Nuclear Society, with Tap into Nuclear; Augusta Technical College; Relay for Life, Parent Teacher Organizations, Faculty Assembly, South Carolina Governor’s in Science Excellence Award selection committee and more.
As seen in the June/July 2024 issue of Augusta magazine.
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