Growing up in Augusta, Charles Jimenez thought there were few opportunities to succeed in this city. Jimenez, now Senior Mortgage Advisor and branch manager of New American Funding, is one of 10 young professionals selected by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Augusta Magazine for their 2022 list of the Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch.
“I just wasn’t exposed to professional success,” he said. “Being selected to receive this recognition validates the journey I have taken to get to this point.”
Since 2009, the Chamber and magazine have recognized professionals between the ages of 25 and 35 who have made significant contributions to not only their career fields but also the local community and are expected to be community leaders in 10 years. Over the years, a variety of professionals have been honored, including business owners, nonprofit leaders, attorneys, and artists.
Others selected in 2022 are Taylor Barbato, News Channel 6; Alicia Fitts, Peach State Federal Credit Union; Alex Griffin, MCG Foundation; Stacie McBride, STACIE Social; Dalton Self, Jani-King of Augusta; Rebecca Van Loenen, Augusta Locally Grown; Kari Viola-Brooke, Child Enrichment; Briana Lanee’ Williams, Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co.; and Aaliyah Lynn Wylie, Augusta Office Solutions
Alex Griffin, Executive Director of the Student Foundation segment of MCG Foundation, said he’s humbled to be one of this year’s honorees.
“When I look at previous honorees, I’m grateful to be joining a group of people who have left an indelible mark on the Augusta region,” Griffin said. “I’m thankful to have been selected based on my accomplishments to date but know this honor is just another step along my path to continuously impact and improve our beautiful city.”
Like Griffin, Kari Viola-Brooke, Executive Director of Child Enrichment, is excited about the impact she and other honorees will continue to have on Augusta.
“Child Enrichment’s slogan of ‘Brighter Days Ahead’ fits perfectly for where we are headed,” Viola-Brooke said. “Although I already love this city, I am so excited to watch it continue to grow.”
Dalton Self, Vice President of Jani-King of Augusta and five other cities, including Savannah, Little Rock, and Memphis, gives much of the credit to those who have helped him succeed.
“My excellent team members have allowed me to support the community as they have focused on our business,” Self said. “None of this would be possible without our franchisees who believe in entrepreneurship and keep our brand’s standards high.”
Each honoree will be featured in Augusta Magazine, nominated for Georgia Trend Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40, and recognized at a Chamber Member Economic Luncheon this summer.
