Meet Stark County's top young professionals as 2024 Twenty under 40! winners announced

CANTON – Stark County is honoring another group of young professionals who are making a major difference in the community through their civic and business involvement.

The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce's ystark! program and the Canton Repository announced the 2024 class of Twenty under 40! on Thursday. It is the 17th year for the program.

"This year's Twenty under 40! class is incredibly inspiring — they're making a real difference in Stark County," said Alex Dowell, program manager for ystark!. "These leaders truly embody the spirit of our community's future success, and we can't wait to honor their contributions throughout the coming months and at the awards celebration in June."

Nominees were selected on career acumen, leadership, commitment to the community, volunteerism, and personal and professional achievements. The Twenty under 40! selection committee is comprised of Stark County business and community leaders representing a variety of industry sectors.

Who are the Twenty under 40! winners for 2024 in Stark County?

The Twenty under 40! honorees are:

• Dr. Laura Albrecht, dentist at Albrecht Dental, 39
• Garrett J. Brown, general counsel at Employers Health, 36
• Lacey Davis, clinical pharmacy manager, clinical pharmacist, at Aultman Healthcare Delivery System, 36
• Tori Fontes, unit manager with Department of Youth Services; and founder of Future Promise, 39
• Mary C. Grueber, development manager at Stark County Park District, 35
• Christopher J. Hardesty, director of economic development at the city of Canton, 33

• Deanna Kidwell, director, of employee benefits at Schauer Group Inc., 38
• Stephanie Koontz, assistant vice president, alumni and career connections, at Walsh University, 37
• Scott Lawrence II, vice president business banking officer at Consumers National Bank, 35
• David Lee, director of development at the National First Ladies Library & Museum, 30
• Rose Mogus, owner and director of operations at the Center for Renewed Minds and Renewed Lives Foundation, 33
• Rachael Olinger, clinical audiologist at Modern Hearing Solutions, 32
• Rebecca Paliswat, owner and operator for Mainstream Boutique North Canton, 39
• Jake Patton, head of sales, North America, at JUXTA, 37
• Jacques Pelser, co-owner and managing partner at R&R Counseling Center; clinical director of men's residential at CommQuest Services; and adjunct professor at Malone University, 37
• Tonya J Rogers, partner at Baker, Dublikar, 38
• Caitie Scott, director of the Mount Union Fund at The University of Mount Union, 30
• Gretchen Wendell, chief operating officer, food and beverage, at Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa, 39
• Heidi Wilson, vice president of childcare and camping at YMCA of Central Stark County, 39
• Eric R. Young, vice president for enrollment and marketing at Malone University, 37

Twenty under 40! is presented in conjunction with Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co. LPA and Aultman.

The Repository will provide profiles of individual winners in advance of the awards celebration, which will be held June 25 at the Quarry Golf Club in Canton. For more details or reservations, go to: www.ystark.org.