[Note: Portions of this article are taken from a UNG Newsroom article that originally appeared on December 6, 2023 — https://ung.edu/news/articles/2023/12/ung-announces-20-under-40-honorees.php]

Two members of our #PSIAfamily were recently added to the UNG Alumni Association’s roles as honorees in its “20 Under 40” program. Ben Jarrard, PS ’13 (back row left) and Charlie Barrett, PS ’19, (back row third from left) join Josh Walker, PS ’10 and Mark Pettitt, PS ‘17, who were honored in the program’s inaugural class in 2022.

The program, in its second year, was set up by the Association’ Young Alumni Board to honor members of the UNG family for their personal and professional accomplishments or their distinguished service to others.

Wendi Huguley, ’90, director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving, said about the honorees: “This year’s 20 Under 40 alumni are doctors, directors, entrepreneurs, officers, scientists, statesmen, educators, and innovators. They are lifelong learners who have become game changers. They strive to make the world a better place, and the UNG Alumni Association is very proud to claim them as our own.”

Congrats to all four of our “20 Under 40’ alumni:

Ben Jarrard. Ben currently serves as chief of staff to Georgia state Senate majority leader Steve Gooch.

Charlie Barrett. Alongside his duties as chief of staff to Georgia Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy, Charlie is the owner/operator of a small carpet cleaning business in Dahlonega, GA.

Josh Walker. Josh’s company, North Georgia Wine Tours is rated the #1 wine tour company in Georgia and was voted Best of Georgia in 2021 by the Georgia Business Journal.

Mark Pettitt. Mark is currently serving the UNG community in the role of Interim Director of State Government Relations in the Office of the President.