Edits made by Augusta magazine staff
Photography by Amy J. Owen
Young professionals between the ages of 25 and 35 are changing the landscape — surpassing previous generations in numbers and diversity, these young professionals have taken on a new role of influence, especially in shaping the future of economic growth and labor markets. Studies demonstrate that this ambitious and technologically-connected generation is placing a high value on entrepreneurship, leadership and social responsibility, and they are setting the pace for transforming work environments and social networks.
The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Augusta magazine, is pleased to announce 10 of Augusta’s most outstanding young professionals. The young professionals featured entered into a competitive nomination process in March and have emerged as this year’s most promising and rising stars. These outstanding individuals exemplify what can be achieved with passion and vision, and while we congratulate their current achievements, we look forward to watching them reach their dreams.
As part of being recognized for their talents locally, each of this year’s recipients have been nominated by the Chamber to Georgia Trend’s annual recognition of Georgia’s 40 Under 40. We look forward to these individuals achieving statewide recognition and making us proud!
—Sue Parr, president
Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce
Garrett Green
Age: 33
Education: Doctorate of Educational Innovation (Augusta University), Master of Education in Higher Education and B.S. in Communications (Georgia Southern University)
Employer: Augusta University, Chief Diversity Officer
As Augusta University’s Chief Diversity Officer, Green is a dedicated leader with strong personal and professional integrity who works closely with the leadership of Augusta University (AU) to develop and advance equity, diversity and inclusion.
Professional five and 10-year goals: Green wants to lead AU in applying and receiving INSIGHT into Diversity’s Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award three out of the next five years and conduct regular climate assessments (every three years) to identify institutional barriers to diversity, equity and inclusion. He wants to apply and receive the Federal TRIO Program Student Support Services in funding year 2025 and launch a DEI Certificate program using virtual and in-person training offerings that will allow AU faculty and staff to obtain a biennial certificate from the ODI in 2023.
Current and Future Impact on Augusta: He would love to host a biennial Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Summit with Paine College, Augusta Technical College, Augusta Metro and Columbia County chambers for faculty, staff, students and the local community. He also plans to build strong pathway programs that will provide the Richmond County student population with the resources and opportunities AU offers.
Volunteer work: Green is a member of Alpha Chi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated and is a mentor at Laney High School.
Patricia Galvan
Age:28
Education: Graduate of Lakeside High School
EMPLOYER: Taqueria El Réy, Co-owner
Galvan is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and management of her establishments in the community; creating and implementing business strategies, ensuring high quality products and services; and fostering a positive work environment for her employees.
Professional five and 10-year goals: She wishes to continue building her family businesses and expand into new markets while remaining loyal to her customers and employees. Galvan also plans to develop her skills as a business owner and grow her businesses into a larger and more successful organization.
Current and Future Impact on Augusta: Her current focus is on creating jobs and providing opportunities for local citizens to become entrepreneurs. She also actively engages in philanthropy, providing financial support for local charities and initiatives. She plans to continue her philanthropic efforts, with a focus on funding initiatives that support education and the development of the region’s workforce. Galvan would like to create a positive, long-term economic impact by investing in the region’s infrastructure and by building relationships with local businesses and organizations. Ultimately, she wants to contribute to the development of the region’s economy and create a vibrant, sustainable business community.
Volunteer work: Galvan family businesses helped feed kids during the pandemic. Every year, they organize a school supply giveaway, a yearly turkey drive and Christmas toy giveaway to help those in need. She also actively works with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and NECCO foster care to help ensure kids in the local foster care system have support and care for their futures.
Stephen Bradshaw
Age:33
Education: Master of Business Administration (Mercer University); B.A. Psychology with Business Minor (Mercer University)
Employer: Queensborough National Bank & Trust, Vice President/Commercial Lender
As a vice president and commerical loan officer, Bradshaw’s primary focus is lending money to both small and large businesses in the Savannah River Region.
Professional five and 10-year goals: Bradshaw has been mentored by some of the most experienced lenders in the community while helping the bank cross both the $1 and $2 billion mark in asset size. He plans to continue his professional education by seeking a graduate degree in banking which will equip him to better serve customers and take on more leadership roles in the organization.
Current and Future Impact on Augusta: The local community is full of entrepreneurs who not only want to be profitable but also care about the overall impact in the area. Whether for established or new businesses, Bradshaw has made it his privilege to help these clients. As growth continues, there is the added benefit of not only keeping the best and brightest in the area but also attracting others to relocate here. In addition to helping customers with their financial needs, working for a local bank allows him to support local non-profit organizations through sponsorships, representation and volunteering.
Volunteer work: Bradshaw has volunteered with the American Red Cross since 2016, mostly in planning and facilitating the annual Boot Scoot Boogie fundraising event. He is an officer at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in the role of deacon and serves on the church’s finance committee. Bradshaw has also volunteered in Queensborough’s Golden Harvest Mobile Pantry events and the Stuff the Bus school supply event with the local United Way. He was recently a guest speaker at Heritage Academy’s first annual career week.
Kelsey Holcomb
Age: 35
Education: Holcomb has a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification; Master of Science in Operations Management (University of Arkansas); B.S. in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology (Thomas Edison State University). He also attended Navy Nuclear Field “A” School/Power School/Prototype.
Employer: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Program Manager
Holcomb’s role includes long-term programmatic strategy development and short-term tactical planning that supports objectives for government, regulatory and community expectations while driving organizational performance.
Professional five and 10-year goals: He will continue the development of sustainable and efficient solutions to assist with the environmental clean-up mission and long-term protection of the Savannah River Region. Additionally, Holcomb hopes to help the upcoming generation by expanding mentorship, learning and training opportunities while creating a diverse and integrated young workforce. In ten years, he plans to further impact the clean-up mission and the talented incoming generation by becoming the vice president of his department.
Current and Future Impact on Augusta: He has been able to make an impact by serving as a board member/project manager for his homeowners association. In this role, he worked with Richmond County to reduce stormwater fees for residents and used the savings to restore the community walking paths and stormwater retention ponds. He serves as a leader for the Leadership Augusta 2023 class project and recently proposed a Savannah River paddle sport race aiming to beautify the river corridor, increase accessibility/utilization of the river and attract locals and tourists to the downtown area.
Volunteer work: He is an active volunteer for the Arts in the Heart Festival, Georgia Cancer Center Paceline fundraiser and a 50-mile participant. For the past five years, he has served as team captain to raise funding and awareness for the United Way organizations. For the past six years, he has organized and led fundraisers for the American Heart Association Heart Walk.
Emily Doumar
Age: 27
Education: Juris Doctor (University of Georgia School of Law); B.S. in Agribusiness, Minor in Spanish (Clemson University)
Employer: Doumar | Rainsford, Associate Attorney
Doumar is an associate attorney with Doumar | Rainsford.
Professional five and 10-year goals: Doumar plans to become a partner at Doumar | Rainsford in the next five to seven years and continue serving the Augusta community as an attorney and volunteer.
Current and Future Impact on Augusta: She is presently serving as member of the Sacred Heart Cultural Center board of directors, which focuses on preservation, art and community service. Doumar also hopes to follow in her mother’s footsteps and join the Augusta Tomorrow Incorporated board that focuses on the revitalization of Augusta.
Volunteer work:Doumar serves as the president of the Young Lawyers of Augusta, a board member of the Augusta Bar Association and a board member of the Sacred Heart Cultural Center. She also serves on the Southern District of Georgia Criminal Justice Act Panel, where she volunteers to represent individuals charged with federal offenses who cannot afford counsel.
Matt Kelly
Age: 29
Education: Attended Augusta University and Georgia Southern University for his undergraduate education.
Employer: Blanchard & Calhoun Real Estate Co., Team Lead for The Matt Kelly Group
Kelly is a real estate sales team leader.
Professional five and 10-year goals: Kelly intends to create a successful real estate sales team/program across multiple states. This team will not only exceed sales goals, but will also set the example of how business in the industry should be conducted in relation to ethics and character.
Current and Future Impact on Augusta: Currently, Kelly works with Leadership Augusta, the Columbia County Chamber, Young Professionals of Augusta, the Realtors of Greater Augusta and the Georgia Association of Realtors to protect personal property rights and build long-lasting, tangible improvements and relationships in the region. Additionally, he wants to help usher in a new generation of community contributors.
Volunteer work: Kelly is part of the Irish American Heritage Society Parade Committee and the Columbia County Chamber Steering Committee. He is a RGA Young Professional Network vice-chair, a Young Professionals of Augusta Professional Development chair and an Augusta Maddogs Rugby Club sponsor.
Heather Smith
Age: 34
Education: Smith has a Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation, is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and has certifications as an Accredited Small Business Consultant (ASBC), a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Agent and is a Licensed Life and Health agent. She is also working on her Bachelor of Business Administration (Augusta University).
Employer: MAI Risk Advisors, Executive Vice President
Smith’s role includes leading the performance of multiple departments including sales, operations, finance and others through long-term strategies, business plans and resources.
Professional five and 10-year goals: Smith’s goals include making MAI Risk Advisors the best place to work in Augusta for insurance. She hopes to purchase significant ownership in the agency and to use her position and influence to help other professionals. She recently filed the paperwork for her first LLC dedicated to helping others grow and plan for their journey.
Current and Future Impact on Augusta: Smith’s impact on Augusta’s community is exemplified in her community involvement and professional goals. She is committed to making Augusta a great place to live by seeking mentees and other opportunities to use her influence and position in the community to impact others.
Volunteer work: Currently, she is the Wine, Women & Shoes Marketplace chair; Youth Leadership Columbia County Steering Committee member; previously a Young Professionals Board of Directors, Professional Development chair; Women on the Way graduate, Leadership Columbia County graduate; and a case competition mentor for Augusta University.
Brandi Young
Age: 33
Education: B.S. in Business Adminstration (Augusta University); Associate of Arts in Management Studies (University of Maryland Global Campus/Online)
Employer: Young & Partners at Keller Williams Realty Augusta Partners, Associate Broker/Team Owner
As an associate broker, Young is licensed to assist people in the sale and purchase of real estate in Georgia and South Carolina.
Professional five and 10-year goals: Young intends to be Augusta’s trusted and preferred real estate resource for buying and selling properties in the Savannah River Region. She is committed to impacting 1,000 families and individuals in the area over the next 10 years through homeownership, real estate career opportunities, mentorship and education. She would also like to help over 100 aspiring real estate agents create and sustain a productive career in real estate and entrepreneurship; help low-income families and minority youth through mentorship, education programs and scholarships; and ensure these families are financially prepared to purchase a home or start a successful career in real estate/entrepreneurship.
Current and Future Impact on Augusta: Young has provided in-depth real estate education to the public, resulting in over 500+ families and individuals meeting their personal real estate goals of buying or selling homes. She also partnered with several local non-profit agencies and faith-based groups, identifying health and human service needs and securing the resources that allow individuals and families to achieve their potential through education and financial stability.
Volunteer work: Young has previously volunteered with the United Way of the Central Savannah River Area (UWCSRA) Project Serve Community service day and the Stuff the Bus school supply drive; Operations Seats & Feet, Sock and Underwear collection; head of Giant Ministry Christmas gift drive; annual Keller Williams (KW) Red Day; participated in the Navy Junior Sailor Volunteer program; meals for the elderly, providing door-to-door meal service to disabled senior citizens; and the T.W. Josey High School beautification project.
David Bash
Age: 27
Education: Master of Public Administration (Augusta University); B.A. Political Science (Augusta University)
Employer: Get Up Productions, CEO
Bash’s role at Get Up Productions includes billing and invoicing, HR, business development, accounts management and implementing new systems for growth.
Professional five and 10-year goals: His professional goals are to implement the growth systems and teams to make Get Up Productions an independent company. He hopes to expand the organization’s national presence and build new partnerships. He aims to attend law school and create a startup company helping other companies grow responsibly. Eventually, his goal is to also work in legislation.
Current and Future Impact on Augusta: His current impact is the creation of a business that has generated more than six figures of revenue and helped launch more than 20 podcasts and content channels in the Augusta area. This includes sponsoring such shows as The Dip Metress Show and Augusta Local Music & Arts (ALMA Presents). Additionally, through the Augusta Rocks charity concert series, as an extension of the DropTheDis Podcast, they have raised over $10,000 for local charities. Through participation in the Young Professionals of Augusta, he helped raise almost $20,000 for local charities. In the future, he aims to make Get Up Productions’ headquarters in Augusta, continue investing in Augusta’s growth and help to support its creator culture and innovation.
Volunteer work: Bash currently serves as president on the Fraternity Board of Trustees; president and founder of the Fraternity Housing board; a member of the Columbia County, Augusta Metro and Aiken County chambers; social chair and secretary of the Young Professionals of Augusta; founding board member of Beautify Augusta; and Augusta University’s College of Business case competition mentor and career speaker (2023).
Jaqueline Thomas
Age: 34
Education: Juris Doctor (University of Georgia School of Law); B.A. Political Science (Furman University)
Employer: Turner Padget Graham & Laney, P.A., Counsel Attorney
Thomas is an attorney specializing in domestic relations, specifically adoptions, divorces, child custody, legitimations, contempt actions and child support cases.
Professional five and 10-year goals: She will continue practicing domestic relations law, specifically working with the Augusta University Healthy Grandparents Program in helping grandparents obtain custody of their grandchildren. She hopes to continue her pro bono will/estate-planning clinic and increase the number of participating grandparents/grandchildren. She plans to continue involvement with the Augusta Domestic Bar Association. Serving on the board of the organization has allowed Thomas to take part in organizing educational programs and opportunities for local domestic attorneys, helping them continue their professional development.
Current and Future Impact on Augusta: Thomas provides the legal work for the Augusta University Healthy Grandparents Program at a reduced cost to afford children in the area the stability needed to thrive and succeed, both now and in the future. She also hopes to continue serving on the Augusta Chamber’s Women in Business Committee and to lead and mentor other professionals, paving the way for women leaders in the Savannah River Region to positively impact the local community.
Volunteer work: Thomas is a current member of the Augusta Domestic Bar Association/Augusta Domestic Bar Association Executive Committee; secretary of the Augusta Domestic Bar Association; member of the Augusta Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committee; a member of Wesley United Methodist Church; and a board member of Stevens Creek Elementary School PTO.
As seen in the June/July 2023 issue of Augusta magazine.
