During Saturday’s Young Professionals of Lenoir County gala, two more individuals were honored for their work.
Scott Crocker was named Mentor of the Year, while Ashley Pierce-Chadwick was awarded with the Young Professional of the Year award at the Kinston Country Club.
Crocker, who is the vice president of the Young Professionals as a part of the Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce, was a unanimous selection by the Young Professionals’ board.
“There wasn’t much discussion with the decision,” Pierce-Chadwick said. “He has been incredibly supportive and been around for everything we’ve done.”
Crocker said he was truly humbled by the award.
“It’s an extreme honor,” Crocker said. “I enjoy the board, and the leaders are involved in so much. They immerse themselves into making the community better, and to be a part of this is a reward. I’m really flattered.”
Pierce-Chadwick, the current chairwoman of Young Professionals, said she was amazed to hear she won.
“I’m really honored people in the community think I’m deserving of the award,” Pierce-Chadwick said.
Justin Hill, last year’s chairman of Young Professionals, said there wasn’t any question who would receive the Young Professional of the Year award.
“It took less than 10 minutes to look at the candidates and come up with a decision,” Hill said. “She was the obvious choice.”
During her speech after winning the award, Pierce-Chadwick encouraged the crowd to stay involved in Kinston.
“I have a real passion to make an impact in the community,” Pierce-Chadwick said. “If you don’t like something, you have the opportunity to speak up and make a difference. I challenge all of you to make Kinston the place you want to live, work, play and raise families.”
Crocker expressed his love for Kinston and the future during his speech.
“There’s no better place for me,” Crocker said. “The future is very bright in terms of leadership here, and I look forward to spending the rest of my life here.”
Crocker also said young leaders need to be a part of the organization.
“All young professionals in Lenoir, Jones and Greene County should join Young Professionals,” Crocker said. “It’s a great group of people who are united together and making an impact for the future of Kinston. It’s also a great networking tool and you meet so many great and intelligent people.”
Junious Smith III can be reached at 252-559-1077 and Junious.Smith@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JuniousSmithIII.