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20 Under 40 Recognition

The Auburn Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Council has nominated Auburn University young alumni and friends for the 2023 20 under 40 recognition. This recognition was established to recognize members of the Auburn Family for extraordinary accomplishments, significant professional achievements, or distinguished service to others.

Nominations for 2024 will open on January 31, 2024 and they will close on March 8, 2024. 

Meet the 20 under 40
class of 2023

 Justin  Antos '17

Justin Antos '17

College of Education (Music Ed. Instrumental) PhD (Music)

 

Justin Antos teaches band and orchestra at Dwight D. Eisenhower High School in Blue Island, Illinois, and also works as an adjunct professor of music at Saint Xavier University, Trinity Christian College, and the Longy School of Music of Bard College.

Read more about Justin

Antos was recognized in 2022 as a national recipient of the Music Teacher of Excellence Award from the Country Music Association Foundation; as one of the Yamaha Corporation’s top “40 Under 40” music educators in the United States, and one of 10 Illinois Regional Teachers of the Year.

A two-time finalist for the Grammy Music Educator Award, Antos is a National Board Certified Teacher and is currently working toward his second doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Northern Illinois University. He resides in Frankfort, Ill., with his wife Samantha and their two sons, Milo and Max.

Britain Bowen '13

Britain Bowen '13

College of Liberal Arts (Mass Communication)

 

Brit Bowen is a full-time student media coordinator with Auburn University, serving as the primary advisor for WEGL 91.1 FM and the Glomerata. Under his guidance, students have earned multiple awards with the Alabama Broadcasters Association, Intercollegiate Broadcast System, and the Pinnacle Awards.

Read more about Britain

In 2019-2020, Bowen was awarded the Auburn University Student Affairs Legacy of Success. He has distinguished himself with his service to his students, campus partners and alumni, and assisted in establishing the partnership between Auburn Student Media, Auburn University’s EAGLES Program and the WEGL Alumni Affiliate.

In addition to his role in student media, Bowen is the lead play-by-play announcer for women’s basketball and softball for the Auburn Sports Network. He serves in a similar role with War Eagle Productions on SEC Network digital broadcasts. Bowen resides in Opelika with his wife, Jesse Bowen ’15, their daughter Mallie, and their dog Charlie.

John Cleveland '07

John Cleveland '07

College of Sciences and Mathematics M.D. (Molecular Biology)

 

John David Cleveland is an assistant professor of surgery and pediatrics at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine. His practice centers primarily around the repair of complex congenital heart disease at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.

 

Terrance Dedrick '14

Terrance Dedrick '14

Harbert College of Business (Management)

 

Terrance Dedrick is a partner and financial advisor at Dedrick Wealth Management Group of Raymond James. As an accredited asset management specialist, chartered retirement planning counselor and investment fiduciary, he strives to help clients make the most of their money through comprehensive wealth management.

Read more about Terrance

While at Auburn, Dedrick was captain of the baseball team, and set a school record of SEC saves in a year. He is still No. 6 on the all-time saves list in Auburn history, as well as the first African American closer (pitcher) in Auburn University Baseball history.

A native of Tuscaloosa, Dedrick has served as an ambassador advisor for the local Chamber of Commerce, membership and retention chairman of the Young Professionals of Tuscaloosa, and is the president of West Alabama Auburn Club. Named one of the 100 Fastest Growing Advisors in the country on the 2022 Advisors To Watch list by AdvisorHub, he is also a recipient of the National Association of African American Financial Advisors’ 50 Under 50 Award.

 

Parker Duffey '06

Parker Duffey '06

College of Agriculture (Horticulture)

 

Parker Duffey is the CEO and founder of Chptr, an operations technology platform that streamlines the functions for Greek Life organizations through web and mobile applications. He is also the founder of One Eleven Investments, which operates as a vehicle for his own private investments with projects in industrial/commercial real estate and private investment.

Read more About Parker

Prior to Chptr, Parker was the CEO and Founder of Tailgate Guys. Duffey revolutionized gameday experiences for fans by creating customized premium tailgates. After starting in Auburn in 2009, Tailgate Guys expanded to more than 60 universities across the country, hosting an average of 3,000 tailgates every game day. In 2014, Duffey launched PRE Event Resources, which focused on rentals for large-scale events with the same exceptional service. Duffey successfully exited both companies to private equity in early 2020.

In 2015, Parker was recognized by Auburn University’s College of Business as Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and was also recognized by Sports Business Journal as a “College Sports Power Player” in 2019. He and his wife, Melanie Alemany Duffey ’07, live in Auburn with their two daughters, Elizabeth James and Margaret.

Ford Dyke '13

Ford Dyke '13

Education (Exercise Science) PhD Education (Kinesiology)

 

Ford Dyke is an associate clinical professor in Auburn University’s School of Kinesiology, as well as the cofounder and director of Mindfulness@Auburn, the evidence-based approach to optimal performance, health and well-being.

 Kelsey Frederick '18

Kelsey Frederick '18

Harrison College of Pharmacy

 

Kelsey Dobbs Frederick is an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) College of Pharmacy. A two-time graduate of Auburn, Frederick completed a community-based pharmacy residency with Kroger Health and UTHSC in Nashville, as well as an academic fellowship at UTHSC College of Pharmacy prior to joining their faculty.

Read more about Kelsey

She received the 2023 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) New Investigator Award Grant, 2022 AACP Innovations in Continuing Professional Development Award, and 2020 AACP Walmart Scholarship. She lives in Nashville with husband, Codey Frederick ’14, their two dogs and a cat.

Richard Martin '13

Richard Martin '13

College of Engineering (Chemical Engineering)

 

Richard Martin is a transformation leader for Georgia Pacific, helping the organization create systems designed to empower people to rise to their full potential through coaching, career development conversations, and implementation of operational discipline.

Read more about Richard

Martin previously was president of the Monroe County Auburn Club and president of the Auburn Alumni Band Board of Directors, helping both organizations endow scholarships for future Auburn students. The Monroe County native also engages with local high schools to inspire careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Martin is an avid runner who has run multiple marathons across the country and enjoys traveling with family, friends and his dog, Wilson.

Danny Vander Maten '07

Danny Vander Maten '07

Harbert College of Business (Accountancy)

 

Danny Vander Maten currently is vice president of tenant advisory services in the Atlanta office of Cresa, the world’s largest commercial real estate firm, where he helps corporations identify and execute real estate strategies that align with organizational goals.

Read more About Danny

Vander Maten is active in the Atlanta business community, serving on the Chairman’s Circle in the Greater North Fulton Chamber and as a Select Cobb Pledge with the Cobb Chamber. A member of the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors (ACBR), Vander Maten was recognized as a top producer in ACBR’s “Million Dollar Club” for the past two consecutive years.

Vander Maten co-organized “The Oaks,” an executive association of Atlanta-based business leaders with Auburn ties to network, share business advice and connect with one another. In addition to his Georgia real estate license, Vander Maten maintains an active CPA license with the Georgia State Board of Accountancy. He and his wife Becky live in Atlanta with their children, Clyde, Ruthie Mae and Penny.

 

Chloe Melas Mazza '08

Chloe Melas Mazza '08

College of Liberal Arts (Radio, TV, Film)

 

Chloe Melas is an entertainment reporter for CNN in their New York bureau, covering all things entertainment and Hollywood for the network across multiple platforms. Her reporting ranges from breaking news and exclusive interviews to in-depth investigations, covering countless intersections of entertainment and culture.

Read more about Chloe

Melas has interviewed countless celebrities, including Steven Spielberg, Hugh Jackman, Natalie Portman, Meek Mill, Naomi Watts, Queen Latifah and Jane Goodall. Her groundbreaking reporting into Kevin Spacey during the #MeToo era led to his dismissal from the feature film “All the Money in the World.”

In 2019, Melas created and hosted a television series for CNN’s HLN “Side Hustle Success,” which featured women who turned their hobbies into multimillion dollar businesses. Prior to joining CNN in 2016, Melas co-launched HollywoodLife, an entertainment website under the Penske Media Corporation.

LaWanda Mitchell '07

LaWanda Mitchell '07

College of Sciences & Mathematics (Biomedical Science) PhD (Educational Leadership & Policy Studies)

 

LaWanda Mitchell serves as an educational specialist for the Alabama State Department of Education, specifically assigned to the governor’s Turnaround Initiative. Serving in many capacities ranging from district leadership to building leadership, she’s not only transformed the climate and culture of the schools under her guidance, but also founded numerous mentoring programs resulting in higher academic growth, higher academic achievement and lowered discipline for all students involved.

Read more about Lawanda

A first-generation college student with degrees from Auburn, the University of Indianapolis and Purdue, Mitchell was named a member of the 2018 Harvard University’s Women in Education Leadership Cohort, a Jackson Scholars’ Recipient with the University Council for Educational Administration, and a Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship Recipient. She is most proud of her Congressional Recognition for Excellence in Education, in honor of her dedication to academic excellence for the students she serves.

Ben	Obomanu '05

Ben Obomanu '05

Harbert College of Business (Finance)

 

Ben Obomanu serves as the vice president of the NFL Players Association Seattle Chapter. A wide receiver on the Auburn football team from 2002 to 2005, Obomanu was a member of the 2004 undefeated team and remains second all-time in touchdown receptions. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2006 NFL draft and played seven seasons, finishing his career with the New York Jets in 2013.

Read more about Ben

After retiring from the NFL Obomanu attended the University of Alabama School of Law, serving as the president of the Black Law Students Association in 2017-2018 before graduating in 2018. He returned to Seattle in 2019 and began his legal career at the law offices of Hillis Clark Martin & Peterson P.S. as a real estate and finance attorney. A member of the Alabama State Bar and the Washington State Bar Association, he lives in Seattle with wife Marquinta and their two daughters, Savannah and Lauren.

Justin Robinson '16

Justin Robinson '16

College of Sciences & Mathematics (Biomedical Sciences)

 

Justin Robinson is an Atlanta-based entrepreneurial chef serving Cajun and Southern-inspired courses for private events, demonstrations and other culinary-based experiences. Robinson is also cofounder and head of partnerships for Taxx Wiz, a fintech company that is just one of 15 IRS-approved tax softwares in America.

Read more about Justin

Robinson owns Rockstar Kitchen at the Experience Estate, a 28.7 acre event venue property right outside of Atlanta with a demonstrable impact on the surrounding community. Utilizing his Masters in public health, he offers a garden-to-table cooking class on the property for school-age children that helps underserved areas fight adolescent childhood obesity and prevent long-term health problems.

In 2023, Robinson partnered with Auburn University’s culinary program to instruct students on various techniques, preparation and culinary entrepreneurship. He also hosts public master classes for the city of Auburn as well.

Amory Scott '10

Amory Scott '10

Harbert College of Business (Finance)

 

Amory Scott is the vice president of strategic management and mission at Scott Bridge Company, a leading bridge and heavy civil contractor in the Southeast. In this role, she provides leadership in shaping and executing strategic initiatives that propel the company’s 90-year legacy into the future. As a fourth-generation member of the Scott Family working for the business, Scott endeavors to steward the mission of Scott Bridge Company: “Building to Serve.”

Read more about Amory

In addition to her position as a vice president, she is the executive director of the Scott Foundation, which is the corporate giving mechanism of Scott Bridge Company. Scott manages the annual distribution of more than a million dollars in grants assisting more than 30 organizations. Prior to her business and philanthropic experience, Scott served on multiple record-setting political campaigns, including re-election campaigns for a former Governor of Alabama and for Senator Johnny Isakson of Georgia, both of which were successful.

Scott graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in business administration and finance and holds a Master of Professional Studies from Georgetown University in emergency and disaster management. As an alumna, Scott has enjoyed giving back to Auburn University in a variety of ways including serving on the engagement council for the Gogue Performing Arts Center and as an advisor to Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She also serves on the board of trustees for Haggai International and Point University. Scott resides in Auburn, Ala. with her two pugs, Elvis and Priscilla.

Kimberly Sledge '06

Kimberly Sledge '06

College of Engineering (Software Engineering)

 

Kimberly Sledge is a senior project engineer at the Boeing Company in Huntsville, Alabama, overseeing projects on the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Program. She also leads the Safety Review Board and Government-Industry Data Exchange Program for the Integrated Air & Missile Defense Portfolio.

Read more about Kimberly

Sledge graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2006 with a degree in software engineering. In 2013, she completed a Master of Science in information technology from Florida Institute of Technology. She serves on the board of directors for Girls Inc. of Huntsville and volunteers with students at local colleges. In 2020, Sledge was the recipient of the Women of Color Technology All-Star Award. Outside of work and volunteering, Sledge enjoys reading, traveling, watching Auburn football, and returning to the Plains.

 

Kollan Spradlin ’11

Kollan Spradlin ’11

College of Engineering (Biosystems Engineering)

 

Kollan Spradlin is a civil and environmental engineer who works as a group leader in the Tampa, Fla. office of SCS Engineers, one of the largest recycling and solid-waste consultation firms in the world. He is a certified hazardous materials manager and professional engineer licensed in Alabama, Florida and Tennessee.

 

Read more about Kollan

At SCS, Spradlin quickly becoming a leader within the company, the community, and the solid waste industry. He serves as a mentor for Auburn’s Ag Mentoring Program, and has guided many students through their undergraduate programs and into their professional careers.

As a current board member of the Tampa Bay Auburn Club, he actively promotes alumni engagement and outreach. Spradlin has served in multiple executive board positions for TBAC, including terms as secretary and treasurer. He lives in Tampa with his wife, Caroline Catchpole Spradlin ’13, their cat and their three dogs.

 

Mary Margaret Turton '20

Mary Margaret Turton '20

Harbert College of Business (Business Analytics)

 

Mary Margaret Turton is currently the Mobil 1 Marketing Advisor, working in Atlanta with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Porsche, Toyota and Mercedes Benz.

Read more about Mary

The 2019-2020 president of the Auburn Student Government Association, Turton moved to Houston, Texas after graduation and began her marketing career with ExxonMobil. In her first role with the company, she focused on lead generation and marketing analytics, helping to improve the effectiveness of the team’s marketing strategies through data-driven insights. 

While in Houston, Turton served as the president of the Greater Houston Auburn Club (GHAC). Under her guidace, the club reestablished regular events post-COVID, leading to a record number of engaged young alumni at events and on the volunteer board. In 2022, the GHAC funded its second endowed scholarship and was recognized for “Sports-Related Event of the Year” by the Auburn Alumni Association.

Edward Wade '06

Edward Wade '06

College of Engineering (Biosystems Engineering)

 

Eddie Wade is the chief operating officer and co-owner at engineering firm Croy, leading internal operations, growth strategy and talent acquisition efforts. In this role, he also oversees all charitable giving for the organization. In his nine years with Croy, Wade has helped the firm expand through various management, community outreach and engineering roles.

Read more about Walter

Wade currently serves on the board of directors for the North Georgia State Fair, and is involved with numerous civic and professional organizations, the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, and Leadership Cobb Alumni Association.

Wade was named a Young Professional of the Year by American Council Engineering Companies, “Georgia’s Young Engineer of the Year” by the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers, a 20 Under 40 recipient by Cobb Life Magazine, and the Next Generation Award winner by Cobb Young Professionals—all within the past few years. Most recently, he was named West Cobb Citizen of the Year by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce.

 

Jacob Watkins '11

Jacob Watkins '11

Harbert College of Business (Economics) MBA (Business Admin.)

 

Owner and Founder of Corcoran Reverie and Jaystone Co., Jacob brings years of investment, finance, accounting, small business leadership and construction experience to the real estate industry across Northwest Florida. Jacob moved to Santa Rosa Beach in 2013 to begin his entrepreneurial career after several years in Atlanta working with Ernst & Young. Jacob’s vision for the community and passion to elevate the areas in which he serves has allowed him to use his experiences and expertise to lead multiple successful new business ventures.

Read more about Jacob

While at Ernst & Young, Jacob assisted clients across the US, gaining years of experience and expertise in the finance, accounting, and software industries. Harnessing the newfound knowledge and experience after re-locating in 2013, Jacob went on to establish an array of startups and investment opportunities, taking multiple companies from inception to acquisition while leading in every aspect from sales to operations and back-end support.

With a passion for real estate sales and development, Jacob officially began his real estate career in 2015. Focusing on development, new construction, and sales he, along with his business partner Hilary Farnum-Fasth, have personally sold over $1B+ in sales volume along the Florida panhandle. In 2020, Jacob and Hilary launched Corcoran Reverie through a merger of two boutique brokerages, 30A Realty and Hilary & Reverie. They have since grown the company to over 200 agents covering multiple markets. In 2022, Corcoran Reverie extended its reach beyond state lines with the opening of a new office in Nashville, TN, becoming one of the first real estate brokerages to successfully leverage the unique interconnectivity between the two markets. Since inception, Corcoran Reverie has achieved over $3B+ in sales volume while assisting countless families and investors with the acquisition and sale of properties.

Raised in Fairhope, Alabama Jacob attended Auburn University. At Auburn, Jacob was involved with several organizations while also serving as Student Body President in 2009-2010. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics in 2010 and a Masters of Business Administration in Finance in 2011. In addition to his career accomplishments, Jacob is active on the boards of multiple organizations including the Auburn University Alumni Board and the Sonder Project Board of Directors. Jacob resides in Inlet Beach with his wife, Devan, his son, Jay, and his daughter, Nora. They enjoy boating, fishing, paddle-boarding, time on the beach, and bike riding.

Alexander Wilbanks '09

Alexander Wilbanks '09

College of Agriculture (Agricultural Business & Economics)

 

Alex Wilbanks is the CEO and co-founder of Southern Baked Pie Company, taking the small business from a single store to multiple retail locations and online sales that generate $9 million in annual revenue.

Read more about Alexander

Wilbanks and his wife Amanda began Southern Baked Pie Company out of their home kitchen in 2012. He supported the fledgling company with various leadership and sales roles in the logistics industry, then rolled pie dough after work. He became CEO in 2016 and leads the company’s expansion charge and franchising efforts. During the Pandemic Wilbanks led initiatives to distribute more than 5,000 pie slices to frontline healthcare workers, and created “Free Pie Fridays” for the community to enjoy.

Wilbanks is the winner of the Georgia Economic Development Small Business Rockstar award and the recipient of The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year award. Caramel Pecan Pie, Southern Baked Pie’s best seller, was proclaimed “The Official Pie of Gainesville” in 2017. Wilbanks lives in Gainesville, Ga. with his wife Amanda and their three children.