The inaugural PROpel AVL Awards ceremony is approaching. These awards honor young professionals who have distinguished themselves in their profession or as leaders along with individuals who serve as mentors to young professionals in the community.

About the Awards:

• Community/Public Service: This award honors an individual for their involvement in the community or for public service.
• Trailblazer: This award honors an individual for outstanding leadership in their organization, industry, profession, or the young professional community.
• Innovation: This award honors an individual for creativity and innovation in business.
• Mentor: This award honors an individual who serves as a mentor to young professionals in our community.

Nominees across the various categories include:

Aimee Aiken - Community Relations Advisor, Express Employment Professionals

Ryan Appleton - Founder, Lazy Tiger Hostel

Savannah Bayliss - Founder, Appalachian Wyld Botanicals

Jonathan Blakely Jr. - Owner, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Potential Sports and Fitness

Marc Gonzales - Owner/Dentist, Embark Dental

Josue Molina - Director of Independent Living Sales and Marketing, Givens Communities

Megan Carroll - Executive Officer, Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Samantha Coffin - Owner, Matcha Nude

Walter Hill - Wholesale Accounts Manager & Sales Rep, Biscuit Head

Erin Mitchell - National Account Manager, IntelliSound

Lucy Philips - Agency Relations, Manna Foodbank

Sara Shaff - Associate Consultant, Craft HR Solutions

Woody Taylor - Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach, UNC Asheville

Kaila Tolsma - Licensed Financial Service Representative, First Citizens Bank

Catherine Turner - Senior Program Director, YMCA of Western North Carolina

Baylee Avera - Human Resources Director at Givens Communities

Jake Bailey - Assistant Project Manager, Blum Construction Company

Willow Caristo - General Manager, Bear’s Smokehouse

RJ Crai - Project Development Director, Semper Fi Custom Remodeling

Maxwell Deholl - Commercial Production Manager, Modern Mountain Builders

Niki Duff - Director of Development, Western Carolina Medical Society Foundation

Ashley Kepley-Steward - Operations Manager, Red Tree Builders, Inc.

Sarah Korellis - Manager of Generation Project Engineering, Duke Energy

Amy Michaelson Kelly - Managing Principal, Hatteras Sky

Jazmin Rogers - Community Engagement and Strategic Partnership Coordinator, Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation

Russ Robertson - Operations Director, Highland Brewing Company

Tessa (Frank) Scarborough - Administrative Director, Department of Psychiatry, Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC)

Charlotte Stack - Chief Operating Officer, Chai Pani Restaurant Group

Hannah Welborn - Junior Brand Strategist, Kudzu Brands

Christine Dozier - VP/Lending Manager, HomeTrust Bank

Jessie Bosshard - Executive Director, Givens Home First

These nominees exemplify the spirit of innovation, mentorship, leadership, and community involvement that the PROpel AVL Awards seek to honor. Their commitment to excellence and their passion for making a difference serve as an inspiration to us all. 

Join the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce on May 7, 2024 at Highland Brewing to celebrate these individuals and their contributions to our community. Get your tickets here.

Learn more about each of these recognized individuals here.

Source: Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce