Edits made by Augusta magazine staff | Photos by Amy J. Owen
Thanks to the Augusta Museum of History for providing our Top 10 in 10 photographic venue.
For 17 years, the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce has proudly partnered with Augusta magazine to recognize and celebrate 10 outstanding young professionals who are shaping the future of our region. The Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch honors individuals between the ages of 25 and 35 who are not only making significant strides in their careers, but also giving back through community service, volunteerism, and a commitment to making Augusta a better place to live and work.
As in every year, this year’s selection process was highly competitive, with many worthy applicants. The 10 individuals featured in this issue emerged from a remarkable pool of talent, each demonstrating exceptional promise and a passion for both professional excellence and community impact.
These honorees are visionaries, collaborators and problem-solvers — driven not only by ambition, but by a desire to create lasting change in the communities they call home. Their stories reflect the dynamic energy and innovation that is driving Augusta and the Savannah River Region forward.
As part of this recognition, each of the selected professionals is also nominated by the Chamber for Georgia Trend’s prestigious 40 Under 40 list, helping to elevate the talent of our region across the state. We celebrate their current achievements and eagerly look ahead to the contributions they will make in the years to come.
— Angie Cox, president & CEO
Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce
Isaac Brinberg
Age: 32
Education: Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Band Conducting, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Master of Music in Wind Band Conducting, University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory; Bachelor of Music Education with a Minor in Wind Band Conducting, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.
Employer: Augusta University, Director of Wind Ensemble
Brinberg leads the wind ensemble, directs the pep band, teaches applied tuba and euphonium lessons, teaches coursework in music education, conducts research and serves on several committees. Additionally, he is the administrator for the Augusta University Concert Band Festival. He is a Provost Learning Scholar and helped bring the region’s District Honor Band event to campus in 2025, which coalesced nearly 300 middle and high school students for a significant music enrichment opportunity.
Brinberg’s professional five and 10-year goals include making the Augusta University music program a leading artistic and educational force in the Southeast; expanding to two curricular bands, bolstering the pep band program, strengthening student enrollment and continuing to deliver quality performances. He plans to develop engagement and professional development opportunities with band programs by continuing to host District Honor Band and the AU Concert Band Festival. Brinberg will also seek major gift donations to build, among other things, a new performing arts center with a state-of-the-art concert venue, additional practice rooms and faculty studio space.
As for his current and future economic impact on Augusta, he plans to raise $10,000 annually for student scholarships with the music conservatory programs. Planned professional development workshops for teachers would also provide key learning opportunities and potentially be part of a revamped master’s program.
His volunteer work includes being a membership committee and member, Columbia County Rotary Club; junior steward and member, Webb Lodge No. 166 F. & A.M.; co-membership chair and member, Young Professionals of Augusta; wish granter, Make-A-Wish Georgia.
Cassidy Veach
Age: 30
Education: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition Food & Exercise Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Employer: Destination Augusta, Marketing Manager
Veach leads strategic marketing initiatives to promote Augusta as a premier travel destination. Her role involves managing the content and backend of the Visit Augusta website; overseeing social media strategies across seven platforms, and crafting compelling narratives that amplify Augusta’s brand and community presence. Veach optimizes marketing campaigns to drive local and visitor engagement, increase destination visibility and support economic growth in the region. Additionally, she authors blog content highlighting Augusta’s touristic attractions.
Veach’s most immediate professional five and 10-year goals consist of attending and completing marketing college through the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) and earning the Professional in Destination Management (PDM) certificate through Destinations International. Veach will pursue a Master of Science in Marketing, expanding her strategic and analytical skill set. Her future ambition is to become a chief marketing officer for a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), driving innovative tourism strategies that foster economic development, enhance visitor experiences and strengthen local and community engagement.
Veach’s current and future economic impact on Augusta is seen through her Destination Augusta content strategy, digital marketing and social media initiatives. Veach shapes how the world sees and experiences Augusta. She is actively involved in launching the Feel Good City Campaign, an initiative designed to celebrate Augusta’s unique culture and community pride. She is also assisting in the marketing efforts for two major tourism assets: the Outdoor Adventure Center and the new James Brown Arena.
Her volunteer work includes partnering with Savannah River Brewing Company and Dogs Networking Agent, Inc.; volunteering for Lifting for Love, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit; volunteering with the Augusta Sports Council for major sporting events; assisting at the PGA TOUR Championship in Atlanta; volunteer member of the Community Food Bank of Grand Junction in Colorado and the Golden Harvest Food Bank in Augusta.
Ashley Rice
Age: 30
Education: Master of Public Administration, Augusta University; Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Public Relations, Augusta University.
Employer: AWR Agency, LLC, Founder & President
Rice is the founder and president of AWR Agency LLC, a full-service marketing and consulting firm. She manages every aspect of the business — from strategic marketing and event planning to client relations and brand consulting — while being a full-time mom. Rice’s brand tagline, “Guiding Brands, Growing Communities, Glorifying God,” reflects the heart of her work. She is committed to guiding brands toward success while fostering community growth and doing so with integrity and purpose.
Among Rice’s professional five and 10-year goals are the growth, reach and impact of AWR Agency, LLC, by expanding her client base and influence in the region. Through tailored marketing strategies and community-driven initiatives, she aims to ensure that each client’s success directly benefits the local economy and fosters long-term growth. A key focus is helping these brands become cornerstones in the community reflecting integrity, service and purposeful impact.
Rice’s current and future economic impact on Augusta consists of the creation and management of the Columbia County School District Foundation, which provides scholarships, grants and partnership opportunities to local students and educators. At the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, she led workforce development initiatives, including the Youth Leadership Columbia County program and the Summer Internship program. Looking ahead, Rice seeks to become a leader within the Augusta Metro and Columbia County chambers of commerce and to support associations and philanthropic organizations such as local Rotary clubs.
Her volunteer work includes heart disease awareness and support. Following her husband’s diagnosis of congestive heart failure in 2024, Rice has dedicated herself to being a source of information and encouragement for families navigating heart disease. She has created videos chronicling their journey, providing a messages of hope and faith in God. Rice plans to further her involvement with the American Heart Association in the future.
Anitra Bosley
Age: 31
Education: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Savannah State University; Master of Higher Education Administration, Georgia Southern University.
Employer: Augusta Technical College, Predominantly Black Institutions Project Coordinator
As the Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI) Coordinator and project director for a multimillion-dollar grant, Bosley leads strategic initiatives that enhance educational opportunities and student success. Her role involves securing and managing funding to support institutional growth, particularly in areas that promote student retention, academic achievement and mental well-being. She has secured more than $150,000 in supplemental funding to expand mental health resources for students. Bosely is committed to fostering equitable learning environments through policy development and program implementation.
Bosley’s professional five and 10-year goals center on advancing educational policy, expanding student support initiatives and strengthening leadership in higher education. Bosley aspires to transition into higher education executive leadership roles where she can influence institutional policies, drive systemic change and advocate for equitable access to education. Additionally, she is committed to policy development at the local, state and federal levels. Long-term, Bosley envisions serving in higher education administration or government roles that shape policies impacting student access, mental health and institutional funding.
For her current and future economic impact on Augusta, Bosley actively teaches and tutors youth. She facilitates wellness activities and crafts wellness tips designed to promote better living; every Monday, she shares insights on wellness and self-care through radio broadcasts. As a certified mental health first aid instructor, Bosley equips individuals with the skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges. Her ultimate goal is to help create a healthier, more informed and thriving Augusta region, where individuals feel supported, empowered and equipped to succeed.
Her volunteer work includes academic support and mentorship to students; free and low-cost training to individuals and organizations; organizing and participating in wellness activities that promote better living; volunteering with the Golden Harvest Food Bank; collaborating with local businesses to organize drives and initiatives that support the displaced or unhoused.
Shanee White
Age: 34
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, Fort Valley State University.
Employer: Junior Achievement of Georgia, Director of Volunteer Partnerships & Experience
White nurtures relationships with corporate, community and educational leaders, which are vital connections for recruiting a diverse group of volunteers. By coordinating and managing these volunteers, she helps ensure local students receive valuable mentorship and real-world insights. In her role, White sees firsthand how Junior Achievement of Georgia has helped students develop essential skills in financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship.
White’s professional five and 10-year goals are to expand professional networks by building and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders. As a summer 2024 graduate of the PathBuilders’ Percepta® Program, which prepares women for leadership roles, White looks forward to mentoring women in the same program. Enhancing the impact of community programs is a top priority for White as she plans to launch new initiatives and collaborate with other organizations to address local needs. Some of her causes include the beautification of Augusta, animal care and population control, and support for local victims of domestic violence.
Her current and future economic impact on Augusta boasts the successful recruitment of 2,400 volunteers in Augusta, with no preexisting volunteer base, positively affecting 17,000 students. Remarkably, 90% of 6th graders in their programs feel confident in expressing their opinions, and 92% believe they can make a difference in their community. During the school year, she also focused on ensuring that the 15,000 students visiting her facility were fully supported by volunteers, having recruited approximately 2,100 volunteers to date. White’s career aspirations remain firmly rooted in non-profit leadership, where she can continue to drive meaningful change.
Her volunteer work includes volunteering at the Golden Harvest Food Bank’s Masters Table; fundraising for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Greater Augusta Alumni Alliance and the Girl Scouts’ S’morevivor Team Challenge. Additionally, White hosted a team for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network PurpleStride 5K, where $1,000 was raised last year.
Jeffrey Harden
Age: 35
Education: Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management, Walden University; Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Walden University; Associate Science degree in Nursing, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.
Employer: Doctors Hospital of Augusta-HCA Healthcare, Chief Nursing Officer
Harden has led a team of over 850 dedicated nurses and healthcare professionals in his role at Doctors Hospital. He drives clinical excellence, operational efficiency and strategic growth for the nursing division. Through mentorship, leadership programs and workforce development initiatives, Harden is shaping the future of nursing and enhancing the pipeline of skilled professionals.
Harden’s professional five and 10-year goals start with the first five years, where his primary goal will be to lead the hospital to achieve the gold standard of excellence for the American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Recognition, making Doctors Hospital a premier place for nurses and physicians to practice and for patients to receive the highest quality care. In addition to this distinction, Harden aspires to take on a regional nursing executive role, overseeing all HCA (Hospital Coorporation of America) Healthcare hospitals in Georgia. Harden’s mission is to create a sustainable and dynamic healthcare environment where nurses thrive, leaders emerge, and patient outcomes continue to improve statewide.
Regarding Harden’s current and future economic impact on Augusta, he has successfully onboarded over 200 nursing professionals across full-time, part-time and PRN roles since joining Doctors Hospital. He has actively engaged with the region’s healthcare community by joining the CSRA Workforce Development Group for Nursing, serving on advisory boards and facilitating clinical placements for more than 65 senior practicum students. He has been part of developing a two-year nursing strategic plan with key pillars focused on recruitment, retention, engagement, professional development and a “Care First” culture. He has helped launch a robust shared governance model, developed a Clinical Nurse Coordinator Development Program to shape future nurse leaders, and revitalized the Nursing Professional Practice Council. One of his proudest achievements is a nearly 4-point increase in nursing engagement, with a strong trajectory toward greater improvement in the upcoming cycle. Another one of his key initiatives is the successful launch of the Evans Emergency Freestanding Emergency Room.
His volunteer work includes being a board member for Southeastern Technical College in Vidalia, Ga., and a certified board member of the Technical College System of Georgia; an executive development mentor through the HCA Healthcare Executive Development Program; the South Atlantic division executive chair for the LGBTQ+ Colleague Network; board member of the American Burn Foundation in Augusta.
Taylor Hanks
Age: 35
Education: Master of Arts in Intelligence & Security Studies, Augusta University; Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a concentration in TV & Cinema, Augusta University.
Employer: Augusta Entertainment Complex | Oak View Group, Marketing Manager
Hanks is responsible for boosting the venue’s presence and engagement in the community. She manages the promotion of shows by creating strategic campaigns, targeting the right audiences and collaborating with event organizers to drive ticket sales. Hanks manages social media, creates content, runs campaigns, builds relationships with local influencers, and engages with followers to build excitement around the events coming to the complex. A big focus of her work is highlighting both the Bell Auditorium and the New Augusta Arena, showcasing the newest renovations and construction to attract a diverse range of events and audiences.
Among Hanks’ professional five and 10-year goals are to be actively fostering relationships, supporting local events and helping to create a stronger presence for key leaders in the community. She is committed to continually learning new skills and staying ahead of marketing trends, whether through digital marketing, data analysis or creative strategies, to enhance her ability to drive impactful campaigns.
Hanks’ current and future economic impact on Augusta consists of boosting the visibility of the quality entertainment coming to the Bell Auditorium. The New Augusta Arena will greatly impact the local economy and is estimated to bring in $1.6 billion through in-direct, direct and induced spending.
Her volunteer work includes volunteering at Golden Harvest Food Bank’s Masters Table and Junior Achievement Discovery Center of the CSRA; fundraising for the Ronald McDonald House with the Aiken-Augusta Alumnae Association’s Sips & Sass event; volunteering with the Augusta Boxing Club, Destination Augusta Leadership and participation with the Homeless Task Force; volunteering at the American Heart Association’s Heart Ball and working with Augusta Locally Grown.
Rickey Jones Jr.
Age: 29
Education: Bachelor of Science, Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design, Georgia Southern University.
Employer: WJBF News Channel 6, photojournalist; The Rickey Jones Company, founder.
Jones is the only WJBF News Channel 6 photojournalist who shoots, writes and edits his own stories. He is also the founder of The Rickey Jones Company, a boutique photography and public relations firm that has been servicing Augusta and surrounding areas for 15 years. He is a freelance content creator and partners with local non-profits and businesses to provide social media management and content creation, along with graphic and web design. In March, Jones launched the Augusta Beat Podcast.
His professional five and 10-year goals will combine his passion and background in fashion design to establish an upscale consignment/thrift boutique. He also seeks to develop a non-profit youth organization and execute large-scale events in Augusta. He hopes to build Augusta’s social calendar to be aware, consistent and publicized — promoting the best Augusta has to offer consistently.
His current and future economic impact on Augusta includes Jones’ work with The Ryan Clark Scholarship, which helps local students continue their education through monetary scholarships. With his knowledge as a former teacher, he impacts the local community through work in the Richmond County schools supporting teachers and students. He is currently developing programs for recent high school graduates to aspire to meaningful careers that aren’t always accessible. Through entrepreneurship, Jones hopes to merge his business interests with the community needs to serve those who need help the most.
His volunteer work includes being an assistant director and board member of The Ryan Clark Scholarship; social media coordinator, Augusta Pride; creative team member and multimedia ministry volunteer, Tabernacle Baptist Church; adult volunteer liaison, The Youth Board.
Robert Mize
Age: 31
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, Columbus State University; Master of Business from the Graduate School of Banking, Louisiana State University.
Employer: Queensborough National Bank and Trust, Commercial Lender/Vice President
Mize is vice president and commercial loan officer at Queensborough National Bank and Trust. He works with small to large-scale businesses, developing relationships and helping to fulfill his client’s banking needs from account openings to loan closings.
Mize’s professional five and 10-year goals are to make the lending process easier and more efficient — especially for small business owners. Time is valuable and by simplifying the lending process, he can empower clients to focus more on growing their businesses and less on doing paperwork. Mize hopes to be part of building smarter systems and better services that make borrowing less of a chore and more like a partnership. Longer term, he hopes to grow into a leadership role where he can support and mentor others, helping shape a culture that truly puts the customer first.
As for Mize’s current and future economic impact on Augusta, he is passionate about expanding access to financial education to the community. Mize feels that too many people lack access to the foundational knowledge that can help them make confident financial decisions — whether that’s managing money, building credit or planning for the future. By working with local schools, nonprofits and community organizations, he seeks to make financial education more approachable and accessible. When people feel more confident with their money, they’re better equipped to build stronger futures for themselves and their families — and, in return, that benefits the entire city.
His volunteer work includes volunteering at Queensborough’s Golden Harvest Mobile Pantry events; Stuff the Bus and Empty Stocking Fund events for United Way; participating in the Red Kettle campaign for Salvation Army; guest speaker at Heritage Academy for career week.
Harshita Aildasani
Age: 34
Education: Bachelor of Commerce, University of Mumbai, India.
Employer: Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC, Tax Manager
Aildasani provides strategic tax services while fostering strong client relationships and driving firm growth. She actively contributes to employee development, diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives and firm-wide training programs. As the Chair of the IMPACT Committee in the Augusta office, she leads efforts to cultivate an inclusive and engaging workplace. Aildasani is a social media brand ambassador, representing Cherry Bekaert’s values and culture externally. She is also an active member of the Georgia Society of CPAs (GSCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
Aildasani’s professional five and 10-year goals are to advance into higher leadership within Cherry Bekaert, leveraging her expertise in tax management and mentoring the next generation of professionals. She hopes to deepen her involvement in professional organizations, enhancing her engagement with the Georgia Society of CPAs (GSCPA), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce.
For her current and future economic impact on Augusta, she will continue in leadership roles as chair of the IMPACT Committee, secretary of the Augusta Chapter of GSCPA, and board member of the Augusta Metro Chamber’s Women in Business Committee, where she promotes engagement, mentorship and career development. In the future, she has plans to expand her involvement in economic development initiatives, supporting small business growth, financial literacy programs, and professional mentorship to strengthen Augusta’s workforce.
Her volunteer work includes roles as secretary, Augusta Chapter of GSCPA; active participant in Augusta’s professional accounting community, committee member, Augusta Metro Chamber’s Women in Business Committee; finance committee Member, iCaravan Corp; volunteer, Junior Achievement; Salvation Army; Augusta’s Locally Grown; Compass for Hope – promoting youth education and local sustainability; engaging with aspiring professionals through mentorship programs and college events at Augusta State University.
As seen in the June/July 2025 issue of Augusta magazine.
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