The 2026 honorees of the University of Georgia’s 40 Under 40 include 12 graduates who earned a degree from the Terry College of Business. Ten alumni received undergraduate degrees, while the other two earned an MBA from Terry.
“Our 40 Under 40 honorees remind us how powerful the alumni network can be,” said Lee Zell, UGA’s executive director of alumni relations. “They are building careers, strengthening communities and opening doors for others, all while staying connected to the university that helped shape them.”
The honorees will be recognized during the annual 40 Under 40 Awards Luncheon on campus in September.
Here are the Terry alumni on this year’s list:
- Kristen Dunning (BSA ’21, MBA ’24) of Dallas is the founder and CEO of Gently Soap, which offers plant-based skin care products designed for people with eczema and sensitive skin. A Terry Full-Time MBA graduate, she remains connected to the university as an instructor, mentor and judge for UGA Entrepreneurship competitions.
- Justin Ernest (BBA ’13) of Dunwoody is founder and managing partner of Sabertooth Capital, a venture capital firm investing in some of the world’s biggest technology companies. A finance major at Terry, he is involved with the college through philanthropy, mentoring students, speaking on campus and supporting entrepreneurship initiatives.
- Alex Griffin (BBA ’13) of Martinez is an assistant vice president for the Medical College of Georgia Foundation, where he helps steward more than $400 million in endowment assets. He majored in finance at UGA. Recognized as one of Augusta’s Top 10 Young Professionals to Watch, he remains engaged with the university through philanthropy and mentorship.
- Hillyer Jennings (BBA ’09) of Atlanta is a partner with King & Spalding LLP. A Terry finance major, he has helped raise scholarship funds for students from Troup County, founded organizations supporting children’s healthcare and community initiatives, and serves as a guest lecturer on mergers and acquisitions for the Terry College.
- Patrick Klibanoff (BBA ’14, ABJ ’14) of New York, N.Y., is a senior product manager for The Walt Disney Company. A finance graduate, he mentors UGA students and young alumni and is president of the New York City alumni chapter, where he has helped grow engagement and establish a chapter scholarship supporting experiential learning opportunities for students.
- Braden Meadows (BLA ’20, MLA ’21, MBA ’24, JD ’24) of Knoxville, Tenn., is COO and general counsel for Stephen W. Hackney Landscape Architecture, guiding one of the nation’s leading landscape architecture firms through strategic growth. He mentors students and serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the UGA College of Environment and Design.
- Clark Milner (BBA ’09) of Alexandria, Va., serves on the White House policy team as special assistant to the president and senior advisor for policy. A Terry finance graduate, he frequently mentors UGA students interested in public service and government careers.
- Megan Moroney (BBA ’20) of Nashville, Tenn., is a singer-songwriter and recording artist for Sony Music Nashville and Columbia Records Nashville. She earned a degree in marketing and a certificate in music business from Terry. The recipient of a CMA Award, ACM Award and MTV Video Music Award, she mentors UGA students and recent graduates interested in creative industries and entrepreneurship.
- Georgia Evert O’Donoghue (BBA ’11) of Atlanta is vice president of operations for AMB Sports and Entertainment and recently served as COO of the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee. A Terry marketing major, she also earned a certificate in personal and organizational leadership from the Institute for Leadership Advancement, where she has been the keynote speaker for the Leonard Leadership Scholars graduation program.
- Colin Rocker (BBA ’18) of New York, N.Y., is founder of CareerColin, a career and personal finance media platform. He majored in management information systems at Terry. Through his work, he has helped expand access to opportunities for students and young professionals. He remains actively engaged with UGA through philanthropy and mentorship.
- Jamey Shirah (BBA ’10) of Atlanta is founder and CEO of Revival Restaurant Group, overseeing the company’s portfolio of restaurant concepts across Atlanta and Birmingham. He earned a degree in economics from UGA and is a dedicated supporter of the Terry College and UGA Athletics.
- Masato Webb (BBA ’21) of Dallas, Texas, is a sustainable aviation fuel manager at Chooose, a Norwegian climate technology company. He graduated from UGA with a degree in management information systems and a Sustainability Certificate. He gives back through advisory board service, student mentorship, guest lectures and efforts to prepare future sustainability professionals.
The 40 Under 40 nomination period occurs each spring. To be considered, nominees must be UGA alumni who embody the three guiding principles of the Arch: wisdom, justice and moderation.
“It’s a privilege to celebrate this group and the meaningful ways they are making a difference,” Zell said. “Their achievements are a testament to the lasting impact of a UGA education and the communities they continue to serve.”
To learn more about the 40 Under 40 program and view all of this year’s honorees, visit the UGA Alumni website.