Cherokee Countys Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch for 2014 were recognized during a recent Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Good Morning Cherokee breakfast. The recognition program, coordinated by the Chamber in partnership with Enjoy! Cherokee magazine, highlights Cherokee County residents under 40 who are considered to be Cherokee Countys up-and-coming leaders over the next 10 years.

The Top 10 in 10 initiative is designed to cultivate and showcase exceptional Cherokee County young professionals, said Pam Carnes, Chamber president/CEO. Lewis Cline, Chamber board chairman, added, Far more than 10 nominees were submitted. Each application was carefully reviewed by a judging panel that found this to be no simple task. Judging criteria included past professional achievements and awards, 5- to 10-year professional goals, and volunteer and community activities. In addition to being recognized during the Chambers monthly breakfast and in magazine features, the recipients have been nominated for GeorgiaTrend Magazines 40 Under 40 recognition.

Those recognized as Cherokee Countys next generation of community leaders include (front row, left to right): Brian Stockton, director of economic development, City of Woodstock; Karen Norred, city clerk, City of Holly Springs; Shannon Wallace, district attorney, Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit District Attorneys Office; Blake Kononen, commercial airline pilot, ExpressJet Airlines; The Honorable Michelle Homier, judge, Cherokee County State Court; (second row, left to right): Rev. Jordan Thrasher, chaplain, Reinhardt University; Doug Fountain, vice president, Government Guaranteed Lending, Community and Southern Bank; Zach Blend, director of residential life, Goshen Valley Boys Ranch; Lee Lusk, owner, The Wheeler House/Nickel Creek Development; and Katie E. Wise, branch manager, LGE Community Credit Union.