F2 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012 WWW.THESTATE.

COM THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

Building a community takes leaders who are dedicated not only to build-
ing up their businesses but also to building up those around them.
Each year, The State honors 20 rising business stars under the age of 40 in
the Midlands who are committed to bringing a brighter future to South
Carolinas capital city.
This year, we have an outstanding class of young leaders who are making
an impact.
They fight for justice for those around them in the courtroom, in the
labor and delivery room, and even in the gymnasium. They work in their
neighborhood associations to bring harmony to the community, their
church groups to feed the homeless or mentor the young, and on commit-
tees to bring big-scale events, such at the Famously Hot New Years Eve
celebration, to the city.
Meet the next wave of leaders in the Midlands, the ninth annual class of
20 under 40 honorees.
Kristy Eppley Rupon
Young leaders making an
impact on the Midlands
INDEX
Bios compiled by Kristy Eppley Rupon
Photographs by Kim Kim Foster Tobin
Not All Heroes Wear Capes
2012 Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company
Colonial Life is the marketing brand of Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company.
Steven Johnson
By Day: Assistant Vice President, Account
Management
By Night: Crusader for Ronald McDonald
House and children with serious illnesses,
running enthusiast, Blue Hose fan, husband
and father of two
Mary Lynch Wagnon
By Day: Director, Actuary
By Night: Champion for United Way of
the Midlands and Palmetto Health
Childrens Hospital, amateur photographer,
concert-goer, wife and mother of three
At Colonial Life, what our employees do when theyre not working is just as impactful
as when they are. Congratulations to two of our plain-clothes heroes, Steven Johnson
and Mary Lynch Wagnon, for earning recognition as two of The States 20 Under 40.
WWW.THESTATE.COM THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012 F3
when she was only six
months old. Ellis lost her
courageous fight after a
two-week-long hospital
battle that ended at Duke
Medical Center. It was at
Duke that we were
exposed to the great work
that the Ronald
McDonald House
Charities does with their
hospital family rooms (a
respite from the rest of
the hospital, a place to
eat, rest, check email,
regain normalcy if for
only a few moments) and
the house (a home away
from home for sick and
injured children). While
at Duke, we spent time
with other families
enduring similar crises
with their children and
saw the important role
that organizations like
RMHC fill during very
challenging times. The
experience with losing
my daughter, Ellis,
enhanced an already
Age: 37
Occupation: Assistant
vice president of account
management at Colonial
Life
Family: Wife, Sazy Ligon
Johnson; sons, Adger, 5,
Wilkins, 3
Education: B.S. in
business administration
from Presbyterian
College; M.B.A. in
business administration
from University of South
Carolina
Community/professional
highlights: Board
member and finance
chair, Ronald McDonald
House Charities of
Columbia; board member,
Main Street Crit; race
director, Race for the
Place 5K; member,
Presbyterian College
Alumni Association board
of directors; active
member, Eastminster
Presbyterian Church
In my own words: I feel
very blessed to have a
happy, healthy family,
work for one of the best
companies in the state
and live in a community
that I love. But many
others around us are not
as fortunate, and I have
seen first-hand how life
can be fragile,
unpredictable and create
challenges that seem
impossible to overcome
without a little support
from others.
My life changed when:
The event that sparked
my motivation to give
more was the sudden
illness and unexpected
death of my daughter,
Ellis, our first child. My
wife, Sazy, and I had a
very happy, healthy little
girl until she was
diagnosed with an
extremely rare immune
deficiency called SCID
growing sense of duty
and obligation to find
ways to lend a hand to
those dealing with similar
circumstances.
Youre an avid runner.
How do you incorporate
that into giving back?
Over the past couple of
years, I have leveraged
my running experience to
support several races that
raise money for local
nonprofits. As a board
member for RMHC of
Columbia, I assist our
annual Red Nose Run
through fundraising and
by promoting the event as
well as participating in
either the 5k or 10k. I also
serve as the race director
for St. Lawrence Places
Race for the Place 5k. St.
Lawrence Place is
another great
organization that
supports families in need
of transitional housing.
And to satisfy an urge to
bring a unique running
experience to Columbia, I
am working with a small
group of like-minded
running philanthropists
to launch a new event
called the Main Street
Crit, a running criterium
race at night, that will
help revitalize our
downtown area.
How do you balance
your commitment to
work, family and the
community with your
personal commitment to
running? It is not easy
and I dont sleep much!
Seriously, my family
always comes first. To
minimize the time crunch
at work and home, I run
while most people are still
sleeping at 5:30am
during the week with the
621 Ninjas. This group of
husbands and wives and
fathers and daughters
love to run but are
dealing with the same
time constraints and life
balance challenges. We
are a very dedicated
group that is well
organized and supportive
of each other. It takes
some serious motivation
to run in the cold, dark
mornings, occasionally in
rain, but its easier when
10 to 15 of your closest
friends are there doing it
beside you.
Steven Johnson
F4 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012 WWW.THESTATE.COM THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
Age: 37
Occupation: Actuary with
Colonial Life
Family: Husband, Mark;
children, Walt, 4, Thomas, 2,
Helen, 8 weeks
Education: B.S., University of
South Carolina Honors College,
Fellow in the Society of Actuaries
Community/professional
highlights: Palmetto Health
Childrens Hospital board, United
Way Young Leaders Society
Steering Committee (professional
development chair)
In my own words: I love being an
actuary. I come from a long
lineage of mathematicians my
father is a PhD, I have two
actuary uncles, two professor
uncles, etc. ... I have always
enjoyed math, and applying it in a
financial setting is definitely an
extra benefit.
Who is your inspiration? My
fathers accomplishments are the
standard I live by. He always
amazes me his work ethic, his
generosity, his commitment to his
family. I am one of eight children,
so it was not always easy for him,
I am sure, but no matter how
tired he was, he always had time
to help with chemistry
homework, coach a soccer team
or take us to the movies. He
achieved significant professional
and personal success. He is a role
model for all of us.
What drives your involvement in
the Childrens Hospital? I have
grown up with Childrens
Hospital. My mother worked
there for almost 30 years before
she passed away. As a family, we
were always involved and
regularly participated in CH
activities sometimes willingly
and sometimes not so willingly
but looking back, those are some
of my happiest memories.
Childrens Hospital has
accomplished so much for the
community, and the people that
work there are so passionate and
dedicated; it is rewarding to be a
part of something so important.
Mary Lynch Wagnon
Age: 29
Occupation: Apprenticeship
Carolina consultant with the
S.C. Technical College
System Office
Family: Husband, David;
sons, Alex, 7, and Aiden, 3
Education: Bachelor of Arts,
Columbia College; masters
in public administration,
University of South
Carolina; pursuing
leadership in educational
administration doctorate,
University of Florida
Community/professional
highlights: Board member,
Reach Out and Read, S.C.
Education Policy Fellowship
and Central Midlands
Council of Governments;
Midlands Education and
Business Alliance, Richland
1 Policy Advisory Council,
Logan Elementary School
Improvement Council
co-chairwoman, East Point
Academy School
Improvement Council
business representative;
College Summit volunteer;
Columbia Opportunity
Resource; S.C. Women in
Higher Education, S.C.
Technical Education
Association; completed S.C.
Technical College
Leadership Academy in
2010; S.C. Education Policy
Fellow in 2011; S.C.
Economic Development
Institute and Leadership
Energy Carolina in 2012.
In my own words: I
personally understand the
connection between
education, work force
development, economic
vitality and quality of life.
My parents lived
paycheck-to-paycheck, not
because they were not
hard-working, but because
without post-secondary
education they were unable
to earn a livable wage. My
career allows me to make a
positive impact in the lives of
South Carolinians every day
by focusing on what matters
most high quality jobs.
What saying do you live by?
Columbia Colleges 4Cs of
Leadership courage,
commitment, confidence
and competence. I live by the
4Cs because they define
leadership as the choice to
exercise the power of
education in a way that
fulfills social responsibilities
and embraces opportunities
to create positive change in
ourselves and in the world
around us.
My life changed when:
Professor Sheila Elliott
taught me the importance of
taking risks by encouraging
me to study abroad in
Prague, Czech Republic. I
did not own a passport, I had
not traveled outside the East
Coast, and I did not speak a
foreign language! Studying
in Prague broadened my
perspective of the world and
my place in it. It also
prepared me to serve at the
United States Embassy in
Maseru, Lesotho as a
graduate fellow.
What do you aspire to? To
continuously grow as an
education leader who fosters
innovation and links
research to practice.
Innovation is a key to
solving 21st century global
problems, reviving the
economy and creating new
American jobs.
You were the first in your
family to go to college.
What drove you to do that
and then go on and get a
masters degree and study
abroad? I realized that what
I made of my life was up to
me and rather than focus on
my history, I would prepare
for my future. To do that, I
knew I always had to arrive
early, be prepared and stay
late. Every step of the way,
caring educators helped me
discover gifts within myself.
Education opened up doors
of opportunity I only
dreamed about. My lifes
journey has never been easy,
but the rewards have been
well worth the struggle.
Moryah Jackson
WWW.THESTATE.COM THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012 F5
Age: 31
Occupation: Attorney with Ogletree
Deakins
Family: Wife, Silvia
Education: B.A., Duke University,
political science; J.D., Georgetown
University Law Center
Community/professional highlights:
Previous member of United Ways
Financial Stability Council, organizer for
Voter Protection Program, vice president
of Duke University Alumni Club,
chairman of Blythewood Board of
Zoning Appeals, graduate of Blueprint
for Leadership program
In my own words: Every day at my firm
we deal, almost exclusively, with civil
rights and anti-discrimination statutes.
As attorneys, we are there to advise our
clients on how to navigate the law in a
way that promotes fairness and justice.
Now, outside of work, during the last
three election cycles Ive been fortunate
to work with some outstanding attorneys
on Voter Protection in South Carolina. In
the weeks leading up to each election,
weve organized and trained hundreds of
volunteer lawyers from all over the state
to make sure that on each election day
every citizen in every precinct has the
opportunity to cast their vote for the
candidate of their choice. Its awesome
work that Im really proud of.
What saying do you live by? The world
is before you and you need not take it or
leave it as it was when you came in.
James Baldwin. Also, Romans 8:37 and
Deuteronomy 28:13.
My life changed when: My early
education changed my life. All children
have potential and whether it was my
parents reading to me early on or
sending me to V.V. Reid, my life changed
when I was given a chance to reach that
potential. I hope to be able to help other
young people tap into their talents and
abilities because, tragically, they are our
most wasted resource.
What did you want to be when you
grew up? One of the first things in my
life I committed to memory is the
meaning of my name. It is Swahili for
Of noble promise. By giving me that
name my parents set a certain standard,
so Ive aspired to meet and exceed that
mark.
Why did you choose to return to
Columbia after law school? Because
this is home. Im a product of Columbias
schools, Columbias churches and
Columbias citizens. This city is
responsible for everything I am and
everything Im going to be. So I feel a
need to be here and to help make it
everything weve dreamed of. You cant
just abandon the place that has invested
in you, nurtured you and raised you. And
thats not a knock against anyone who
leaves, because I know many South
Carolinians who live elsewhere but
remain engaged in whats happening
here. But you do need to be engaged. I
felt I could do that best by living here.
Tell me about building a house with
your father? He and my mother
purchased the land and built the house
with essentially no money. So I learned
everything I needed to know about
self-reliance, but also faith, about being a
good husband and father and about
persevering when people might think
youre crazy. Hed never built a house
before. Now when I was 10 or 11 years
old, I wasnt such a fan of losing entire
weekends to manual labor, but looking
back, those Saturdays working with my
father are among the perfect days in my
life.
Listervelt Bakari Middleton
F6 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012 WWW.THESTATE.COM THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
Age: 36
Occupation: Owner of The
Tumble Tree, a mobile cheer,
dance, tumble and sports
program for elementary-aged
children, and of The Factory
Columbia, a 12,000-square-foot
youth fitness facility in
Northeast Richland
Family: Husband, Joe; children,
Joey, 10, Abby, 6, Jake, 4
Education: B.S. in geographical
information systems from the
University of South Florida
Who is your inspiration? My
family. They taught me to
always treat people and
situations as I would want to be
treated and do everything with
passion. I feel that this has been
my reason for success in this
business. You need to really
listen to your clients and hear
their complaints and needs.
Then react to them, let them
know you truly care about what
their opinion is.
My life changed when: I was
told I could not possibly run a
successful volunteer program
for a nonprofit agency and at the
same time be a mother of three.
When that door closed, I
decided to begin a business on
my own terms and I did just
that. I took that negative
experience and opened up my
own door and made things
happen for myself.
What did you want to be when
you grew up? I always wanted
to own a gym and be a coach! I
grew up in the sports of
gymnastics and cheer and loved
what it meant to me. I never
dreamed that sharing what I
loved as a child with so many
little girls could be as rewarding
as it is.
Your business grew very
quickly in a down economy.
How did you manage that? We
began our business with no
overhead. We went into schools
and paid the schools for renting
their space and payroll
expenses, but thats it. We were
able to increase our student base
to over 500 students before we
even opened our gym. Once our
gym was opened, it gave
children everywhere in the area
a chance to participate in our
classes. And we kept our rates
low so families could afford it.
Also, I reaped the benefits of
budget cuts within the school
system. I was able to hire two
very important full-time
employees whose educator
positions were compromised
with the budget cuts. They really
helped my business turn into
what it is today. They are
young, energetic, professional
and caring coaches with the
same passion I had. This in turn
enabled me to triple my student
enrollment without sacrificing
the quality of the program.
Explain why your cheer
program is different and what
it felt like for the girls to win
their first contest? As a mom, I
know what parents want for
their kids. I also know what
kids want for themselves. They
just want to find their place;
they want to learn in an
environment that is caring and
nurturing. They want to be
challenged but not pushed over
that line. We want our girls to be
kids and have a life outside of
the gym. The No. 1 word in
cheerleading is LEAD and we
take pride in that word as
coaches to our girls. We are
mentoring young girls who will
be champions in their own lives
one day. We ended our first
season last year with two
first-place wins in each age
division we have. The best thing
was that we have been able to
stick to the coaching philosophy
we began our program with,
which was winning is not
everything but trying your
best at everything is, and still
win first place. We have so many
students that we are able to
develop levels within our All
Star program. We are finding a
fit for every child at every skill
level. We have learned a lot
about coaching young girls and
how important it is to build them
up during their younger years.
This esteem and confidence is
essential to their overall
personal growth.
Michaela K. Gonzales
Congratulations to Karen Luchka
Fisher & Phillips LLP
attorneys at law
Solutions at Work

Karen is a labor and employment attorney dedicated to providing

excellent legal counsel and service to her clients. The attorneys and staff
at Fisher & Phillips LLP are proud of our colleague for this well-deserved honor.
For Being Included in the Midlands 20 Under 40
Karen L. Luchka
kluchka@laborlawyers.com
1320 Main Street
Suite 750
Columbia, SC 29201
phone: (803) 255-0000
fax: (803) 255-0202
Atlanta Boston Charlotte Chicago Cleveland Columbia Dallas Denver Fort Lauderdale Houston Irvine Kansas City Las Vegas Los Angeles
Louisville Memphis New England New Jersey New Orleans Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix Portland San Diego San Francisco Tampa Washington, DC
www.laborlawyers.com
WWW.THESTATE.COM THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012 F7
Age: 29
Occupation: Labor and
employment defense attorney at
Fisher & Phillips
Family: Single with two dog
children, Ranger and Tilly
Education: University of North
Carolina School of Law, Chapel
Hill, J.D.; Order of the Coif,
Eckerd College, St. Petersburg,
Fla., B.A.
Community/professional
highlights: Member, board of
directors, Girl Scouts of South
Carolina, Mountains to Midlands
Council. Chair of the councils
annual Women of Distinction
event. Member of the ACTS Metro
board of directors, an organization
dedicated to ending generational
poverty. Serves at Eastlake
Community Church. Legislative
co-chairwoman and member of the
board of directors for the Columbia
Society for Human Resource
Management. Frequent lecturer.
Volunteer judge at mock trial
competitions hosted by the South
Carolina Bar.
In my own words: My practice
involves not only representing
corporations and management in
labor and employment litigation,
but also providing proactive and
practical advice, through
counseling and training, aimed at
helping employers create a positive
working environment and avoid
litigation. I believe it is important
for attorneys to not only be
effective advocates for their clients
in litigation, but also to contribute
to improving the overall quality of
our workplaces and community.
Who was your inspiration? My
grandfather was the most
influential person in my life. He
was one of the toughest men I
have ever met; he was a war
off his back and made the
happiness of those around him
his top priority. I have always
aspired to share the same
selfless devotion to my family,
friends and community that my
grandfather modeled every day.
My life changed when: I
discovered my love of the
outdoors and hiking. Hiking
opened up opportunities for me
to not only challenge myself
physically, but also to carve out
time dedicated solely to
reflection, contemplation and
just enjoying the beauty of the
world around me. My love of
hiking has not only deepened my
appreciation for the simple
pleasures in life, but has led me
on great adventures, including
spending a day hiking on the
Great Wall of China.
What did you want to be when
you grew up? In kindergarten, I
announced that when I grew up I
wanted to pick oranges. After
gentle encouragement from my
parents to aim a little higher with
my career aspirations, I decided
I wanted to be a zoologist or a
marine biologist. After figuring
out that those careers involved
more than just playing with
animals and required me to take
math/science courses, I resolved
to put my smart mouth to use
and become an attorney.
How did you get involved with
Girl Scouts? What motivates
you to stay involved? I was
asked to become involved with
the Girl Scouts by a friend and
client and was thrilled to be
invited to join the organization
dedicated to leadership
development. I was once told
that if you cannot be a good
example, then youll just have to
be a horrible warning.
Therefore, I am motivated to
give back to the next generation
of leaders and, hopefully,
contribute in a small way to
building girls of courage,
confidence and character not
only through my service, but by
modeling those same traits in my
professional and personal life.
Karen L. Luchka
veteran, a champion boxer and a
bricklayer. My grandfather didnt
boast about his
accomplishments, his service or
his ability to knock people out
cold with one punch. Rather, he
was humble, genuine, devoted,
compassionate and selfless.
Until his last day, he would have
given anyone in need the shirt
F8 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012 WWW.THESTATE.COM THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
Age: 31
Occupation: Assistant chief counsel for
the S.C. House of Representatives
Judiciary Committee
Family: Husband, Gavin; son, Miles
Education: Washington and Lee
University, B.A. in politics and economics;
University of South Carolina School of
Law, J.D.
Community/professional highlights: Has
coached basketball, fed the homeless and
taught Sunday school at Trinity Cathedral;
treasurer for the Junior Leagues Clean
Sweep; spent five years as a Pawmetto
Lifeline foster parent for abandoned dogs;
served as a law clerk for Justice John W.
Kittredge
In my own words: I volunteer and work
hard to strengthen Columbia because of
the wonderful people here. I was
fortunate enough to find many mentors
who helped me discover ways to make a
difference.
Who is your inspiration? My parents
because of their commitment to service
and education. My folks moved to the
United States from England 40 years ago.
They lost everything they had in a fire
shortly after they arrived, but through
very hard work and determination, they
made an incredible life here. My father is
a chemistry professor, and he has made a
mindboggling subject come alive to
thousands of students. My mom taught
special education for years and then
counseled college students. Their former
students often contact them to say thank
you. My parents volunteer at their church,
my childhood school and with local
charities. From a very young age, they
instilled in me the importance of service to
others. My parents do what is right, not
because anyone is watching, but because
it is the right thing to do. The most
impressive thing about my parents,
however, is that they never take
themselves too seriously and are always
quick with a joke. Simply put, anything
and everything I accomplish is due to their
work, sacrifice and love.
My life changed when: I was in preschool
and was standing in line when a teacher
told me I needed to go to the time-out spot
because she heard me shouting. I was
devastated because I had not misbehaved.
I certainly had gotten in trouble before,
but this time was different because I was
in trouble for something I had not done.
This is such a silly story, but it is the first
time I understood the concept of fairness
and justice. Throughout my life, I have
fought for others to be treated fairly. My
belief in justice is what led me to law
school and it is what motivates me to help
others today.
Your work in the community involves
working with children, fostering animals
and serving the less fortunate. What
motivates you? Like many people, service
to others was part of my childhood. When
I attended Washington and Lee University,
I further developed my sense of honor,
fairness and duty because those are key
principles of the school. There, I met my
husband, Gavin. Gavin inspires me to
serve our community because he is
constantly aware of the needs of others
and tirelessly seeks solutions. Most
impressive to me, Gavin quietly helps
others without seeking praise or
acknowledgement because he believes it
is the right thing to do. Gavin motivates
me, our son motivates me and this
incredible community of Columbia
motivates me. Gavin and I focus on
helping those that lack a voice, those that
lack power. We have been blessed beyond
words, and we believe it is our
responsibility to help others. The arrival of
our son energized our efforts to make this
world better for him and to help those that
do not have the same advantages he has.
Emma Thomas Dean
Age: 31
Occupation: President,
Cyberwoven
Family: Engaged to Sidney
Heyward
Education: B.S. in economics from
University of South Carolina
Honors College
Community/professional
highlights: University of South
Carolina Honors College,
partnership board member since
2007; The Salvation Army of the
South Carolina Midlands, board
member, treasurer since 2008;
South Carolina Philharmonic,
board member since 2009; Central
Carolina Community Foundation,
board member since 2011; SC
Economics, board member since
2012
In my own words: There is much to
be excited about, both in my career
as a web jockey and in performing
community service in Columbia.
There is nearly limitless
opportunity for the growth of the
Internet and this growth will span
commerce, communication, human
resources and innumerable other
fields. Similarly, Columbia is at a
junction where it can take a giant
leap forward. If our community
embraces core goals around
economic development, education,
public health and social services, I
think well surprise ourselves with
what we can achieve.
What saying do you live by? Life
is like riding a bicycle in order to
keep your balance, you must keep
moving. Albert Einstein
What do you aspire to? Im looking
forward to the next few years.
Between starting a family,
continuing to grow Cyberwoven
and pushing forward to help our
community become stronger, its
bound to be an exciting ride.
Why did you decide to keep your
company here in Columbia?
Columbia has a mountain of
potential. Im excited to be a part of
our city realizing its potential, and
Im excited to work with a great
group of folks at Cyberwoven who
are excited about helping South
Carolina continually become a
better place to live and work.
What drives your work with the
S.C. Philharmonic? I strongly
believe that a healthy community
offers a great range of professional,
family, spiritual, philanthropic,
educational and cultural
opportunities. The Philharmonic
contributes a great deal to our
community, and Im proud to work
with the S.C. Phil to ensure that it
has a strong future ahead.
Ben Rex
WWW.THESTATE.COM THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012 F9
Age: 34
Occupation: Graphic
designer; owner and
founder of website
development firm
Mindlash
Family: Daughter, Skyler, 7
Education: B.A. in
administrative information
management from the
University of South
Carolina
Community/professional
highlights: Developing
Wine Dine & Design, an
event to help raise money
and awareness for the
South Carolina School for
the Deaf and the Blind;
founding member of the
Lexington Young
Professional Society since
its inception; member of
the Hospitality Retail &
Tourism Management
Association Alumni at
USC, often giving
presentations to students
on real world business
topics. Co-founded
Palmetto Computer Labs, a
technology company that
specializes in emerging
technology and open
source software. Creative
director for CarterTodd &
Associates
In my own words: Many
moons ago, while working
at a tech support company
doing dialup support, I
found that people were
willing to pay me for doing
something I thought was
fun. Woah, what? You
mean, I can play AND get
paid? The planets have
aligned! Over a decade
into it and Im still waiting
to be ousted as mayor of
Phonyville, waiting for that
other proverbial shoe to
drop. When will they
figure out this scheme!?!
Im just a guy with a
computer.
Who is your inspiration?
Skyler, my 7-year-old
daughter, has managed to
change my life for the
better, forever. Before she
came into my life, I found
myself making sure I sat
furthest away from
children in restaurants,
giving somewhat scolding
looks to parents as they
allowed their children to
be seen and heard.
Looking back, I feel
horrible. My mom was
right: You wont
understand till you have a
child of your own one day.
Boy-howdie. Ive been
lucky enough to have a
child who, no matter what
gets thrown at her, always
has a smile, always laughs
and always gives selflessly.
Ive learned so much from
her and about myself.
Skyler loves life. She really
loves it. Shes so smart and
inquisitive. She has
manners, and when she
says thank you, she truly
means it. Shes been met
with fear, pain, pressure
and negativity and has
pushed through them as if
they dont exist.
How did you come to be
involved with the South
Carolina School for the
Deaf & Blind? My friend
Rick Patel had asked me to
come over to his hotel to
take some pictures of some
kids and their artwork for
a monthly newsletter.
While there, I had the
pleasure of witnessing one
of the most beautiful
displays of unbiased,
unfiltered, carefree and
joyful outpouring from
children I had ever seen.
These children were
performing in front of a
small gathering to unveil a
painting to be hung inside
The Vault at the Sheraton.
The painting much like
the children was full of
life, warmth, uniqueness
and beauty. I made it a
point to seek out as many
of the children as I could
handle, to individually tell
them how wonderful they
did. I had to have some
assistance with the deaf
children. At times I felt a
little silly giving them the
thumbs-up with a cheesy
grin, but thats all I had. It
didnt matter, they all were
so appreciative and
upbeat, it really got to me.
I had never felt like that
so emotionally tied to
something I had just
found. I had been
struggling internally for
some time, knowing I
wanted to get involved
with a nonprofit but had
not had found the right fit.
At that moment, that
nonprofit found me. Ann
Akerman, the CEO of the
Walker Foundation, which
is the fundraising arm of
the school, approached me
and assisted me with
introductions to the
children. I looked at her
and simply said, I want in.
Whatever I can do, I want
to be a part of this.
Matt Hudson
F10 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012 WWW.THESTATE.COM THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
Age: 32
Occupation: Executive director,
Juvenile Diabetes Research
Foundation
Family: Engaged to Scott
Fulmer
Education: BA in Spanish from
Wofford College; MA in Political
Science from USC
Community/professional
highlights: Member,
Community Health Charities of
SC, Breakaway Bettys (womens
cycling club), Conservation
Voters of South Carolina,
Columbia Museum of Arts
Contemporaries, 701 CCA;
adjunct professor at Midlands
Technical College
What saying do you live by? At
Wofford College I received a
Bonner Scholarship that
required community service in
exchange for my education.
Through that program I
volunteered at various places
from a domestic violence shelter
in Spartanburg to a home for
Haitian street children in the
Dominican Republic and all of it
rested on my shoulders to seek
out, coordinate and maintain.
The motto for the program is
Mahatma Gandhis quotation:
Be the change that you wish to
see in the world. The program
taught us that at age 18 or 20 or
22 we could make a huge
impact in the lives of other
human beings. It absolutely
became how I lead my life.
My life changed when: I moved
out of the country for the first
time in 2000 to Latin America.
Growing up in a small town and
attending a small private
university not far from my
hometown, my experiences
were limited. During that time
in Latin America, I not only
became aware of a culture
outside of my own but of life
outside of democracy and
capitalism. That being said, one
day I was sitting outside a
restaurant in the Dominican
Republic and a street child came
up to me to sell me candy. He
was wearing an Irmo High
School T-shirt. I realized that
despite all of our differences
and distances the world was
truly small.
What did you want to be when
you grew up? I always aspired
to help, at first as a veterinarian
and then as a pediatrician. I
learned there were many other
ways I could heal people and
improve quality of life for
others, besides practicing
medicine. And to this day, I
constantly aspire to find new,
innovative ways to heal.
You have raised $1 million
each year for the past two
years for the foundation. How
do you get folks to give you
money in a severe economic
downturn? JDRF is an amazing
organization: efficient, focused
on the mission of curing type
one diabetes and has thousands
of dedicated and devoted
volunteers. When you have that
kind of organization behind
you, it makes the job of
fundraising much more
manageable. The first step
though is to ask and not assume
that the economy is preventing
you from success.
How do the folks you help
through your organization
inspire you? Type 1 diabetes is
relentless. There are no breaks,
no vacations, no do-overs but
there is hope and the ability to
lead full lives. The people I work
to help every day are so devoted
to JDRF and its mission that it is
a constant source of inspiration.
The diagnosis rocks their world
and changes everything about
their lives, absolutely
everything, and then these
individuals have to become
advocates for awareness,
caretakers for the family
members, fundraisers and still
be mom and dad and husband
or wife. They do this day in and
day out. Their energy seems
unending. How can I not feed
off of that? Their passion has
literally changed the course of
medicine and will continue to
do so until there is a cure. I am
only a vehicle for that passion.
Dana Anne Bruce
WWW.THESTATE.COM THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012 F11
Age: 38
Occupation: Attorney,
Sowell Gray Stepp &
Laffitte
Family: Husband, Cory
Manning
Education: College of
Charleston, B.A.;
University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill,
J.D.
Community/professional
highlights: Chairman,
board of directors of Big
Brothers Big Sisters of
Greater Columbia;
president, Shandon
Neighborhood Council;
member, advisory board
for the Nelson Mullins
Riley & Scarborough
Center for Professionalism
and the John Belton
ONeall Inn of Court
In my own words: I am
fortunate to have the
education I have and to be
in the profession I am in,
so the least I can do is give
back. I also think it is
important to stay engaged
with other people and with
whats happening in the
world around us. How we
live our lives and what we
do each day matters, and if
everyone stopped giving,
stopped serving, stopped
paying attention, we would
be in a whole lot of trouble.
So Im just trying to do my
part to keep the good
going.
Who your inspiration in
life? My mom. She reared
and supported my brothers
and me on her own (with
help from a wonderful
neighbor) and at the same
time founded and built a
successful business that
continues to this day. I
cannot think of a single
time growing up when I
heard my mom complain
about going to work or
having to do it all. No
matter the challenges
and there were a lot she
kept moving forward. I
regularly draw upon her
tireless energy and
unwavering enthusiasm
for life.
My life changed when: I
was selected to become a
law clerk to the Honorable
Jean Hoefer Toal. I never
dreamed that I would work
with such a giant in the
legal community. The
experience gave me
confidence and a
perspective on the law and
the judicial system that
will inform my practice for
the rest of my career. As if
that was not enough, once
I began working in her
chambers, I gained one of
the most encouraging and
supportive mentors I have
ever had. The clerkship
also changed my life by
bringing me to Columbia. I
never thought Id live in
Columbia or stay after the
clerkship ended, but
Columbia surprised me.
There is such a strong
sense of community here
and the people are
awesome.
What did you want to be
when you grew up? I
wanted to be a doctor. I
was a good science and
math student in high
school and thought I
would attend medical
school some day. Then I
took organic chemistry in
college and decided that I
was better off studying
literature.
You work with a lot of
community organizations.
What is your favorite and
why? Serving on the
Shandon Neighborhood
Council has been a great
way to get involved on a
very local level and has
given me the opportunity
to meet and work with
neighbors, city and state
leaders and local
merchants. It has also
made me pay more
attention to what is
happening in Shandon and
to appreciate how the
neighborhood and the city
work together. Big
Brothers Big Sisters of
Greater Columbia is where
my heart is. Having
benefited from so many
wonderful mentors along
the way, I know the power
of mentoring and what it
can do for a young
persons life.
After a tedious day at the
office, how do you let
loose? By taking my dog
Jo Jo to the Columbia Dog
Park. It is pure joy to see
how excited she gets for
this simple, routine outing.
I love walking around the
park with her, talking to
the other dog owners and
catching the occasional
sunset. I also love
practicing yoga. It does
wonders for my attitude.
Tina Cundari
F12 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012 WWW.THESTATE.COM THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
Age: 37
Occupation:
Pastor/educator
Family: Wife, Jennifer;
son, Peyton
Education: B.A. in history/
education, masters in bib-
lical studies from Grace Bi-
ble College of Divinity
Studies and completing a
masters in management
from University of Phoenix
Community/professional
highlights: Member, Ome-
ga Psi Phi Fraternity,
Prince Hall Masonic Order,
Greater Columbia Com-
munity Relations Council,
and the Drug Alcohol and
Other Drug Services Faith
Advisory Council; chair-
man, City of Columbia
Faith Based Coalition; and
vice chairman, Richland 1
school board
In your own words: I am a
return on the investment of
the many people who have
helped me become who I
am today and strive to be
tomorrow. Years ago, I and
my partners established
The Talented Tenth group
which is designed to make
sure students who have a
desire to be successful
have an opportunity to do
so. It is what I call lifting as
I climb. The reason why
this was important to me is
because someone gave me
an opportunity. I am just a
usual individual appointed
to do unusual things. I
have exemplified the Latin
phrase Ad astra per aspe-
ra. It means through the
rough road I found my as-
piration. All of my suc-
cesses and successful fail-
ures happened here in Co-
lumbia; anything is possi-
ble here and it can be
contagious. My challenge
is for everyone to get in-
fected with a purpose-driv-
en life and watch what hap-
pens.
What saying do you live
by? If you stay ready, you
dont have to get ready!
My life changed when: My
father passed away. My fa-
ther was my best friend
and the most authentic ex-
ample of a man. A heavy
mantle had dropped into
my hands. It was time for
me to possess what was en-
trusted in me my fa-
thers impeccable legacy.
What did you want to be
when you grew up? Dur-
ing fourth grade, an FBI
agent came to speak to us
about his profession and I
was immediately inspired.
I could envision myself on
high-speed pursuits trying
to catch the bad guys. Later
on, (we were told) that if we
had ever been written up
for any reason in school we
could not be FBI agents.
My dream in its infancy
was immediately crushed.
Later on in life, I took a
group of kids to the FBI
headquarters on a field trip
and asked the same ques-
tion only to find out that my
fourth-grade teacher fabri-
cated the answer!
You are a pastor, an educa-
tor, a motivational speak-
er and the list goes on.
How do you juggle all of
those responsibilities? By
the grace of God and a
great support system. I
have a wonderful wife who
completes me. As my col-
lege sweetheart, she has
seen my complete develop-
ment my positives and
negatives, success and fail-
ures and she keeps me
motivated to forge ahead. I
have a huge family
throughout the Columbia
area with the nucleus being
my mother and siblings. I
have a wonderful congre-
gation at Grace Christian
Church that have been very
supportive and a staff that
helps with the administra-
tion. I call them the A-
Team. University of Phoe-
nix and Richland 1 provide
me with the resources to be
an effective leader and
voice in education. Lastly
the three Rs: rest, reading
and relaxation.
Aaron R.E. Bishop
Age: 29
Occupation: Attorney, Collins & Lacy
Family: Single
Education: University of Florida, B.S.,
finance; University of South Carolina,
J.D.
Community/professional highlights:
Initiated the inaugural School of Law
Career Week in 2007 at USC, almost
doubled attendance as chairman of the
Museum of Arts Black and White Ball
in 2010. Serves on the editorial board
for the South Carolina Lawyer
Magazine and is an active member of
the Shandon Neighborhood Council.
In my own words: I feel truly blessed
to be a part of this great community
and take part in the many
opportunities it provides. Whether
providing strong representation and
trusted legal advice to my clients so
they can focus on running their
business, or working with community
groups to help individuals and our city
prosper, I work as hard as I can every
day because I believe in this
community, the people who live here,
and the amazing potential that exists
with all of us working together.
What saying do you live by?
Anything in life worth having is worth
working for. Andrew Carnegie
My life changed: Through my
relationship with Zach Schlitt and
Aaron Arnie Arnett two close
college friends whose lives were cut
short by tragic accidents. Zach was the
big brother I looked up to and
admired. He taught me to be persistent
in the pursuit of my goals, never
accepting no as an answer. Arnie was
the example of true Southern
hospitality. His profound care and
concern for others instilled in me a
passion to help those in need in any
way I could. I would not be who I am
today if it was not for Zach and Arnie.
What do you aspire to? To be the true
friend, the person people know they
can rely on or look to when they need
help on a new project or idea and the
person businesses can look to when
they need legal advice or strong
representation. When I have a family
of my own one day, I aspire to be the
family man who provides the same
unconditional love and support my
family has provided me.
You were a key player in bringing
about Columbias first New Years
Eve celebration. What does it take to
plan something of that magnitude?
Year round, never-ending, planning,
persistence and prayer. An event of
this magnitude was only possible with
our committee who was willing to
shed blood, sweat and tears putting
the interest of the event ahead of their
own, our mayor who had the vision
and faith that we could accomplish big
things, our employers who allowed us
the time to work on this project,
friends who were willing to support us
through all the ups and downs of the
planning process, corporate partners
who were willing to invest in the idea,
and most importantly a community
that truly believed they deserved the
biggest New Years Eve Celebration in
the Southeast and came out in the tens
of thousands to make it happen. It will
take all this and more to continue to
grow an event of this magnitude, but
this is a truly amazing city and we are
just beginning to show the rest of the
country what we are capable of. Its
going to be an incredible year.
Charles L. Appleby IV
WWW.THESTATE.COM THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012 F13
Age: 36
Occupation: Social
worker; executive direc-
tor of the PASOs
programs
Family: Son, Elias, 7;
daughter, Bella, 5
Education: B.A. in in-
ternational studies and
Spanish from University
of Georgia; masters in
social work from USC
Community/professional
highlights: Founder of
PASOs programs; board
of directors Good Samar-
itan Free Clinic, Advisory
Council of S.C. Migrant
Health Program, Pro-
gram Services Commit-
tee of S.C. March of
Dimes, National Associa-
tion of Social Workers,
American Public Health
Association, Returned
Peace Corps Volunteers
of S.C.
Who is your inspiration?
My mother, Gail Smith-
wick, who gives of her-
self to others freely, and
doesnt stop first to think
of herself. My sister, Cara
Senterfeit, who fought
breast cancer at age 32
while adopting a child
from Russia and never
gave in to negativity. The
teachings of leaders such
as Jesus, Martin Luther
King Jr., Mahatma Gan-
dhi, Nelson Mandela and
Mother Teresa. And
the many leaders that
surround me.
My life changed when: I
was 16 and went on a trip
to Brazil with the United
Methodist Church. I re-
member boarding the
plane thinking I was
going to spend two
weeks amongst people
who lived in trees and
had no TVs, and getting
off the plane in Rio de
Janeiro, which was more
developed than any place
Id ever been! The one
experience I remember
more than anything was
meeting with a team of
(professionals) working
together to stop powerful
forces from cleaning up
the street children of Rio.
They showed us pic-
tures and told us the cold
hard truth about what
was happening. Our
group of mostly middle-
class American teenagers
were still struggling to
understand this reality
when the leader abruptly
stated that they needed
to leave. The local
businessmen had hired a
death squad to kill them
so they would cease with
their attempts to defend
the street children, and
they were constantly on
the run. As I contemplat-
ed and cried over the
compassion of people
who were willing to die
to give their lives to jus-
tice, I let go of a lot of my
preconceived notions
about the world, my
thoughts of what was
really important in life
and my selfish dreams. I
joined the Peace Corps
after college and was
sent to live in an impov-
erished area of Ecuador.
All the projects I started
my first year failed, and I
almost gave up. During
my second year, my Ec-
uadorian colleagues and
I began working with the
community to try and
build a center where the
children could study and
be safe from the gang
fights on the streets.
After a year hitting the
pavement every day try-
ing to get the city to give
us land, we had nothing
and it was almost time to
go home. I extended
my service for a third
year, and almost immedi-
ately things started hap-
pening. The city donated
a piece of old riverbed,
the mayor donated the
dirt to fill it in, and dona-
tions started coming in
for the construction. I
learned to listen, to stay
the course, and to learn
from those around me-
Why did you start PA.
SOs? A forward-thinking
social worker who direct-
ed a maternal and child
health program in the
Midlands commissioned
me to determine if there
were gaps in services and
health disparities
amongst our growing
Latino population.
Based on the results, I
proposed culturally ap-
propriate prenatal educa-
tion, taking health re-
sources to the Latino
population in a way that
respected their beliefs.
Palmetto Health and the
SC March of Dimes be-
lieved in my ideas and
supported me to start
PASOs (steps in Span-
ish), which began as a
way to start filling in the
gaps and connecting
families to education and
resources. PASOs is now
in 13 counties and reach-
es over 8,000 people a
year.
Julie Smithwick-Leone
F14 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012 WWW.THESTATE.COM THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
Age: 38
Occupation: Manager,
Corporate Training and
Diversity for BlueCross
and BlueShield of South
Carolina
Family: Parents, Georgia
and Willie; brothers, Steve
and Barry
Education: M.A. in
human resources
development, Webster
University; B.S. in
business administration
with a minor in sociology,
Wake Forest University
Community/professional
highlights: First Nazareth
Baptist Church Greeters
Ministry, Habitat for
Humanity ReStore, AIDS
Benefit Foundation of
South Carolina,
Leadership Columbia
Class of 2012,
Toastmasters
International, National
Industry Liaison Group,
Society for Human
Resources Management,
American Society for
Training and
Development
In my own words:
Professionally, I do what I
do because it is FUN,
challenging and my
position stretches me.
Currently, I oversee our
corporate training
curriculum, education
assistance, regulatory
compliance, affirmative
action and diversity
programs. My days are a
mix of dealing with
internal customers,
external stakeholders and
development and
compliance concerns.
When my telephone rings,
it is like opening a box of
chocolates: You never
know what you are going
to get.
Who was your
inspiration? Geraldyne
Pierce Zimmerman, my
former Girl Scout leader
and Federated Girls Club
advisor, instilled in me the
desire to change situations
for the betterment of
mankind. Fondly called
Mrs. Z, she was an
example in motion
helping with Girl Scouts,
Helen Sheffield, the
American Red Cross, The
Sunlight Community Club
and a host of other
worthwhile organizations.
Last year, at the age of
100, she transitioned from
this earth but leaves
behind a legacy of
volunteerism. I also live by
Wake Forests motto, Pro
Humanitate (or for
humanity).
My life changed when: In
May 2004, I received a
telephone call that my dad
had been in a serious
automobile accident and I
needed to come
immediately to the
regional medical center.
On this day, my role in my
family changed forever.
Even though I am the
baby girl, I became the
responsible one. The one
who listened to the
doctors, gave input to care
and regulated visitor
access. More than nine
months passed before my
dad recovered, and today,
seven years later, I remain
the responsible one.
What do you aspire to? I
love working in human
resources. This is my
career of choice. Ever
since I took my first HR
class at Wake with J. Kline
Harrison, Ph.D., my mind
has been sold on the
profession. I hope my
career will continue to
progress. In the future, I
look forward to assuming
more responsibilities and
transitioning into a senior
level position.
How has your
involvement with the Girl
Scouts helped shape your
life? As a lifetime Girl
Scout member and a Gold
Award recipient, I have
been fortunate to have
many growth experiences
in scouting. I am also a
former professional Girl
Scout and previous
member of the
Association of Girl Scout
executive staff.
Throughout the years,
scouting has presented me
many wonderful
opportunities from the
world of outdoors to
visiting the White House.
Through scouting, I
enjoyed my first
white-water rafting trip, a
hobby I still enjoy today.
The program provides
valuable life skills such as
budgeting, project
management and leading
others the very same
skills I use today.
Vida A. Jennings
8u3-777-4155 www.law.sc.cdu
Danielle Holley-Walker
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
USC School of Law
The University of South Carolina
School of Law congratulates
our members of the 2012 Class of 20 under 40.
Charles L. Appleby IV
School of Law Class of 2007, Collins & Lacy
Tina Cundari, Adjunct Professor, School of Law 2004-2005
Sowell Gray Stepp & Laffitte
Emma Dean, School of Law Class of 2006
SC House Judiciary Committee
Travis Wheeler, Adjunct Professor, School of Law Nexsen Pruet
WWW.THESTATE.COM THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012 F15
Age: 37
Occupation: Associate
dean for academic affairs
and professor at the
University of South
Carolina School of Law
Family: Husband, John;
parents, Joyce and
Dannye; mother-in-law,
Gladys; brothers, Kenan
and Quentin; nephews,
Quan, Zayd and Micah;
niece, Elle; and English
Bulldog, Billie
Education: Yale, B.A. in
history; Harvard, J.D.
Community/professional
highlights: On the board
of directors of the South
Carolina HIV/AIDS
Council; member of the
executive committee of the
Education Section for the
American Association of
Law Schools; active
member in the Midlands
chapter of the Yale Alumni
Association.
In my own words: I am
passionate about learning
and teaching. Both of my
parents are academics and
so being in the classroom,
teaching students and
doing my research all
seem very natural to me.
Im equally passionate
about the law and the
important role that
lawyers play in society. I
have the privilege of
helping to educate the
next generation of
lawyers, and I am grateful
every day for that
opportunity.
Who is your inspiration?
My parents have always
been my inspiration. They
both believe deeply in
family, faith, community
and education. They
taught us to be kind and
loving toward other people
and to strive to be the best
at anything you set out to
do. One of my favorite
sayings is a Martin Luther
King Jr. quote:
Intelligence plus
character that is the
goal of true education.
My life changed when: I
left home for college. I met
people from every
different background and
all of them had
extraordinary aspirations
and they were working on
gaining the skills and
knowledge to make their
big dreams come true. At
Yale, I discovered a whole
world of possibilities that I
had never imagined. I
never looked back.
What did you want to be
when you grew up? I
always wanted to be a
lawyer. Very early in my
life I heard about the work
of Thurgood Marshall,
Constance Baker Motley,
Charles Hamilton Houston
and other civil rights
lawyers. That is always the
work I aspired to do.
What is your most
rewarding work in the
community? I enjoy doing
any community work
where I spend time with
kids talking about the
importance of education.
Education unlocks the
door to infinite
opportunities, and any
time I get to share that
message, its a great day.
Danielle Holley-Walker
F16 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012 WWW.THESTATE.COM THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
Age: 34
Occupation: Teacher
Family: Daughters, Cielo and
Nicole
Education: B.A. in Spanish;
M.Ed. in Educational
Technology; Ph.D. in
Educational Psychology &
Research from the University of
South Carolina
Community/professional
highlights: Serves at
NewSpring Church in Irmo;
volunteer web coordinator for
the TEDxColumbiaSC
conference; state constable
(volunteer police officer) with
local sheriffs departments.
In my own words: There is no
better way to impact the future
of our country, our state and our
community than by inspiring
children to fulfill their purpose
to the fullness of their potential.
I get the remarkable
opportunity to get to know and
learn with some of the smartest
and most caring students in the
country. It is my job to cherish
and challenge them, and I look
forward to each day and the
unique challenges it brings as
young people walk into my
classroom.
Who is your inspiration? Jesus
Christ. Since coming to know
Christ, I have striven to live a
life of surrender. The people
who inspire me the most are
those that live fully surrendered
to Jesus: my parents, pastor Ken
Jumper and friends at the
Harvest, and pastor Perry Noble
and friends at NewSpring. Not
by might nor by power, but by
my Spirit, says the Lord
Almighty. Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)
My life changed when: I
graduated with a bachelors
degree in 2004 after a long road.
I was at a crossroads, trying to
determine if I wanted to
continue in a career of public
safety or pursue a new career.
My mother taught for many
years, and she suggested I
consider a career in teaching.
What do you aspire to? Since I
was younger Ive had an
unquenchable thirst for
knowledge. As Ive gotten older
this desire to learn now burns
brighter than ever before. This
is what led me to go back to
school to complete my masters
and doctoral degrees. I have
been fortunate to work in many
different areas, such as in the
fast-food industry and in retail
and later as a paramedic and
volunteer firefighter. I have
learned more than I ever
imagined I would.
How important is technology
to learning? My friend Chris
Lehmann, principal of Science
Leadership Academy in
Philadelphia says that
technology should be like
oxygen, ubiquitous, necessary
and invisible. To determine the
importance of technology we
need only look around at our
connected world. I can recall
first learning to drive and
carrying a quarter at all times in
case I needed to use a pay
phone. My use of technology
has changed so drastically over
the last few years and I must
remember daily that our
children are growing up in a
very different time than I did. To
that end, it is imperative that the
teaching methods I employ
mirror the realities of everyday
life so I can help our students
become connected and
contributing members of
society.
Do your students ever surprise
you with their response to
technology? My students
surprise me every day with
their passion for learning and
their hearts for others. They
surprise me with their
willingness to embrace new
technologies without hesitation,
with their creative ideas, with
their perseverance when the
project gets difficult and how
they overcome personal
challenges and rise to the
challenges of school. Over the
years, Ive watched 11- and
12-year-old students record and
edit high-definition video, build
phone and tablet apps, create
games, make original electronic
music and build websites. The
best part of it is that on many
occasions, the students have
learned so much about a
program that they have become
the teacher and I became the
student.
Christopher Craft
The McKay Firm and McKay Public
Affairs would like to congratulate Ashley
Hunter on being named one of the
honorees for 20 under 40.
1303 Blanding St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-256-4645
Congratulations Ashley Congratulations Ashley
WWW.THESTATE.COM THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012 F17
Age: 31
Occupation: Director of
public affairs at The
McKay Firm
Family: Husband,
Michael; stepsons, John
David, 12, Blake, 10,
Bayly, 10, Ellis, 8;
daughters, Lillie, 15
months, Cate (due in
March)
Education: Bachelor of
arts, University of South
Carolina
Community/professional
highlights: Volunteer
guardian ad litem,
Richland County CASA;
public relations
committee, S.C. Chamber
of Commerce; marketing
and membership
committee, S.C. Workers
Compensation
Educational Association;
golf committee, S.C.
Society of Association
Executives; S.C. Chapter
of the Public Relations
Society of America
In my own words: Even
though Ive worked in
politics and various
legislative consulting
positions for over a
decade, I love what I do
because it provides me
with a new challenge each
day and allows me to
constantly learn new
things. Very few people
are fortunate enough to
truly enjoy their job or
their career. I have been
given a great opportunity
in my current position at
The McKay Firm. My best
career advice is to find
some thing you are
passionate about and then
be fearless about giving it
100 percent.
Who is your inspiration?
My greatest inspiration
would have to be my dad.
He taught me the
importance of hard work
and of putting family first.
He taught me how to be a
leader, to be responsible
for my actions and to
value a job well done. He
also taught me to have
compassion for those less
fortunate than me
something that his
parents also valued. Most
importantly, he led by
example. He spent quality
time with his children and
made sure that each of us
knew how important we
were as his children and
as individuals. He is my
inspiration not only in my
career, but also as a
parent and a friend. I look
up to him to this day and
am incredibly thankful for
the values, the confidence
and the work ethic he has
instilled in me.
What did you want to be
when you grew up?
When I was very young, I
wanted to be a tightrope
walker. With four
stepsons, a young
daughter, a baby on the
way, a husband and a
full-time job, I think I
think my life is still quite
the balancing act!
What drives your
involvement with the
Guardian Ad Litem
program? Being a
volunteer GAL is
something I am incredibly
passionate about and
proud of. The biggest
thing that drives my
involvement is the
difference you make for
abused and neglected
children. You may be their
single source of comfort
and stability. I hope that
the recommendations and
work I can do with them
and with their families
will have a lasting and
positive effect in their
lives.
Ashley Hunter
F18 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012 WWW.THESTATE.COM THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
Age: 38
Occupation: Information
technology director, S.C.
Retirement System Investment
Commission
Family: Wife, Donna; daughter,
Taylor
Education: University of South
Carolina, B.S. in athletic training
and masters in teaching
Community/professional
highlights: Richland 2 board
trustee, secretary; Brookfield
Neighborhood Association,
president/founder; Decker
Boulevard Business Coalition,
president; Spring Valley Rotary,
Member; 2008-2011 Midlands
Information Systems Security
Association, vice president
In my own words: My
motivation for public service
originates from one very simple
motto. It is the Rotarian motto of
service before self. Hard work,
service to others, and public
education are the foundations
upon which America was built
and I cant think of anything that
I would rather devote my time to
than these principles. I have also
been motivated by a former
supervisor who taught me the
importance of taking ownership
over your surroundings. He
taught me to ask why and to be
accountable regardless of
whether it was my direct
responsibility or not. This has
always stuck with me and has
been a great guide.
Who is your inspiration? My
family. My wife gives me the
encouragement I need to
succeed, helps to keep me
balanced in my family life and
service, and is the best mother
my daughter could ever have.
My daughter gives me my daily
inspiration to be the best I can
be.
My life changed when: My life
has been impacted by three
significant events. The first was
in high school when a teacher,
Coach Jake Brock, approached
me about becoming involved
with school athletics as an
athletic trainer. I was an
extremely shy student who was
not involved with any school
activities. That opportunity gave
me confidence. The second
event came after leaving
teaching and beginning my work
in the information technology
field with Richland County. I had
the misfortune of seeing
students that I formerly taught in
the Richland County Detention
Center. The impact was life
changing. The third event was
the death of a man at my home.
My wife and I were having trees
removed from our yard, when I
received a call that an accident
had occurred. I came home to
see and experience that tragedy
in a very personal way. After that
experience, I decided that I
should do something that was
bigger than me and I committed
my life to community service.
You went from working with
students with special needs to
becoming a network
administrator and ethical
hacker. How did you make that
leap?
After graduating with an
undergraduate degree in sports
medicine, I began working on
my masters degree in education
and was given an opportunity to
serve as a teaching assistant for
students with special needs
while also serving as a graduate
athletic trainer for the same high
school. After completing my
graduate studies, I continued full
time. I will never forget my
special needs student who
attended all of the football
games with me as an honorary
athletic trainer. It was something
that benefited all of the students,
athletes and adults that had the
opportunity to be touched by
that young man! While teaching,
I met my wife. After we were
engaged, I realized that it would
be difficult for us to live on the
salary of two teachers. So I
decided to make a hobby a
career choice by beginning work
in the information technology
field. It was a huge risk and leap
of faith that has paid dividends
in the form of a stable career
which allows me to better
provide for my family and to
serve the community.
James A. Manning
RALEIGH GREENSBORO CHARLOTTE GREENVILLE
COLUMBIA MYRTLE BEACH CHARLESTON HILTON HEAD
www.nexsenpruet.com
TRAVIS WHEELER
20 UNDER 40
Nexsen Pruet salutes Travis Wheeler for his commitment to helping
businesses in the region succeed while enhancing a healthy
competitive landscape for South Carolina commerce. His recognition
as one of The States 20 under 40 reinforces his dedication to our
community, and underscores his leadership and ongoing work on
competition-related legal issues of all sizes.
Congratulations, Travis!
CONGRATULATES
1230 Main Street, Suite 700, Columbia, SC 29201
John A. Sowards, Chairman
WWW.THESTATE.COM THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012 F19
Age: 37
Occupation: Antitrust
attorney, partner at
Nexsen Pruet
Family: Wife, Lisa; son,
Cameron, 3 (currently
answering only to Darth
Vader); daughter set to
arrive March 31. And
one golden retriever.
Education: B.A., Wofford
College; J.D., Duke
University School of Law
Community/
professional
involvement: Former
president, Rosewood
Community Council; vice
president, Central
Rosewood
Neighborhood
Association; adjunct
professor, University of
South Carolina School of
Law; vice-chair,
Columbia Parks and
Recreation Foundation;
member, Charles R.
Drew Wellness Center
scholarship advisory
committee.
In my own words: I love
the practice of antitrust
law. Each case requires
you to become an expert
in a new industry, and
the damages caused by
conspiracies to violate
the antitrust laws (e.g.
price-fixing) can be
massive. The facts are
almost always intriguing
and complex.
Who was your
inspiration? I had two
professors at Wofford
Bernie Dunlap and
Richard Wallace who,
more than anyone,
shaped the course my
professional life would
take. Professor Dunlap
instilled in me the joy to
learn for learnings sake,
and Professor Wallace
introduced me to the
intersection of law and
economics. I also did an
independent study under
Professor Wallace in
which I read all of
Blackstones
Commentaries on the
Laws of England during
my last semester at
Wofford. If nothing else,
it made the law school
casebooks I encountered
the following fall seem
(relatively)
comprehensible.
My life changed when:
A friend in law school, in
the second week of
classes my first year, said
I should drop Evidence
and take Antitrust Law.
He said I would love the
mixture of white-collar
crime, economic theory
and intriguing facts, as
well as the challenging
legal issues presented by
antitrust cases. So I
dropped Evidence,
signed up for Antitrust,
and within a month I
knew I wanted to be an
antitrust lawyer.
What did you want to be
when you grew up? For
a good while (and well
into college) I wanted to
be an English professor.
After reading Ulysses in
college, I worried Id
have to take on
Finnegans Wake if I
went to graduate school,
so that got scratched
from my career bucket
list.
Tell me about your work
with the Rosewood
neighborhood
association. What is
your most successful
accomplishment in
heading that group? I
think our most important
accomplishment was
getting interim measures
protection for Rosewood
(which placed certain
parameters on new
development within
community). It was a
long process, but
Councilwoman Belinda
Gergel was a strong
advocate. Rosewood has
a unique character and
charm to it, and that
character and charm is
worth preserving. My
wife and I have lived in
Rosewood for six years.
It is a great place to raise
a family, and we look
forward to many more
years there.
Travis Wheeler
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803.256.2000 www.capitalcolumbia.com 1201 Main $treet, 25
th
Floor Columbia, $C 29201
F20 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2012 WWW.THESTATE.COM THE STATE, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA