2017 Top 40 Under 40

Young and dynamic, these are the people building a new Richmond before our eyes.

Meet the Class of 2017 — 40 people younger than 40 years old who blow far past the description of movers and shakers. One thing you will learn about Richmond when you meet these dynamic folks is that this is a region full of people who care deeply about the place they live and the people around them. 

Despite all of the professional accolades that decorate the résumés of these Richmonders, perhaps what stands out most is the big-heartedness of these people who go the extra mile for others. 

These are the people we look for every year to fill the new class of Style Weekly’s Top 40 Under 40. They are the voices to which Richmond should listen more carefully. They’re paying attention to the changes truly needed in the community. And we hope you’re paying attention to them. — Jack Cooksey


Top 40 Under 40 Awards Celebration

What: Join us for a networking reception and ceremony honoring the recipients.

When: Monday, Oct. 30, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Where: Virginia Historical Society, 428 N. Boulevard

To Go: Find out more information and purchase tickets here.


The Recipients

Dagan Rowe, 39
Head of school, Seven Hills School

Ashley Williams, 29
Founder, Bare Soul Yoga

Andreas Addison, 35
Richmond City Councilman and Owner of Civic Innovator

Lucian Restivo, 28
Associate Producing Director, Richmond Triangle Players

Liz Doerr, 32
Director of Engagement, NRV

Zenobia Bey, 38
Founder of Community 50/50

Lorraine SantaLucia, 25
President and Founder, Scholarship Sharing

Enjoli Moon, 37
Founder and creative director of the Afrikana Film Festival

Nathaniel Shaw, 38
Artistic Director, Virginia Repertory Theatre

Parker Slaybaugh, 28
Communications Director for House of Delegates Speaker designee Kirk Cox

Lucy Dacus, 22
Musician

Adrienne Cole Johnson, 39
Director of Family Engagement, Peter Paul Development Center and Founder, Artisan Cafe

Eldon Burton, 30
District Director for U.S. Rep. Donald McEachin

Kelly Thomasson Mercer, 38
Secretary of the Commonwealth

Sarah Milston, 39
Founder, the Spark Mill

Shannon Daily, 33
Associate, Hunton & Williams LLP

Austin Kitchen, 27
Director of Leadership and Engagement, Chamber RVA

Dan Phipps, 39
President and chief operating officer, Red River Foods

Stinson Mundy, 39
Founder and Lawyer, Linden Legal Strategies

Kenneth Byrd, 36
Owner, Kenneth Byrd Design

Camille Bird, 39
Co-owner, Sacred Waters Holistic Spa & Boutique

Sarah Abubaker, 31
Director of Advancement Operations, University of Richmond

Steven “J.R.” Hall Jr., 38
Fire Lieutenant, City of Richmond Fire and Emergency Services

Brian Korte, 39
Owner of BrickWorkz

Hunter Leemon, 39
Executive Director of Sportable

Michael Knopf, 34
Rabbi at Temple Beth-El

Rupa Murthy, 39
Chief Development Officer, YWCA Richmond

Pete Shrock, 38
Co-founder and chief people officer, Legacy Navigator

Frances Santarella, 39
Owner, Tarrant’s Cafe, Tarrant’s West, Max’s on Broad and Little Saint

Afton Bradley, 28
Transgender Health Care Services Manager, the Virginia League for Planned Parenthood

Josh Autrey, 33
Artist, Salvation Tattoo Gallery

Meghan Barbato, 39
Director, RVA First Fridays

Christina Dick, 29
Founder, TFB Agency

Josh Romano, 35
Founder and Chief Executive, Cobblestone Development Group

James Callahan, 39
Freelance illustrator and writer

Lincoln Saunders, 33
Chief of Staff to Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney

Nupur Bal, 36
Shareholder at Defazio Bal

Dr. Scott Keel, 37
Complex care coordinator, Pediatric and Adolescent Health Partners

Elizabeth Paul, 36
Senior vice president and head of strategy, Mullen Lowe U.S.

Jack Thompson, 39
Vice president of construction and real estate, Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity

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