CofC Alumni Spotlighted on Biz Journal’s 40 Under 40 List

Eight College of Charleston alumni were recently highlighted in The Charleston Regional Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 list, which highlights people under the age of 40 whose commitment to their professions and communities is helping the Charleston area to grow and succeed.

“Plenty of businesspeople make this region thrive economically by giving 100 percent to their jobs,” the journal said of this year’s honorees. “These 40 individuals are among those who go beyond, donating their personal time, money and talents to the Lowcountry’s nonprofits, charitable and entrepreneurial organizations that help keep the business community vibrant.”

The College was well represented in this year’s list by the following alumni:

Laura Ball ‘13

Position/title: Founder, Creative Director, UNED!TED

Education: B.A. Music and Spanish, College of Charleston; M.F.A. Interdisciplinary Arts, Goddard College

How do you feel rewarded by your community service?

If I can help to bring more beauty to my community through my work and service — as a bilingual music educator, an arts advocate for the schools and a performer advocating diversity and new forms — that is its own reward.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My students. Seeing them conquer fears and handle obstacles with grace and determination while developing a unique voice — that is what I am proudest to leave behind in this world.

Christian Chamblee ‘02

Position/title: Chief Operating Officer and Director of Acquisitions, Ziff Properties Inc.

Education: B.A. & M.S., Historic Preservation and Community Planning, College of Charleston

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Outside of my family, wife and three children, my proudest accomplishment is growing and streamlining Ziff Properties’ shopping center portfolio. It is amazing what can be accomplished when you are having fun at work.

How do you feel rewarded by your community service?

Through the Humanities Foundation, I was able to see the relief and joy in people when the dream of finding safe, clean, modern and enjoyable housing became a reality.

David Crowley ‘02

Position/title: Owner-Operator, The Alley

Education: B.A. Business Administration, College of Charleston

What made you select your chosen profession?

I was working in wealth management when I ran into an old friend at a bar on Sullivan’s Island in 2009 who had just undertaken a project with an old bowling alley in Raleigh. I was intrigued and immediately began discussing the potential in Charleston.

To what do you attribute your growth/success?

The ability to get outside of my “comfort zone” throughout my life and having great mentors have been important factors that have allowed me to pave my own path.

Barbie Schreiner ‘13

Position/title: Assistant Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, College of Charleston

Education: B.A., Public Relations, Ferris State University; Masters in Public Administration, College of Charleston.

What made you select your chosen profession?

When I began working after college, I felt a disconnect from work life and personal satisfaction. I wanted my hard work to be going toward something that mattered.

What are your professional goals in five years?

To be in a position where I can influence and inspire others to “Be the Change.”

Hunter Stunzi ‘07

Position/title: President and Co-Founder, SnapCap.com

Education: B.A. Political Science, College of Charleston

What made you select your chosen profession?

I have always been interested in finance, particularly lending. Access to credit determines what startups launch, what products get developed and what companies thrive. While working for a bank I would see credit applications take weeks and even months to get approved. So the opportunity to improve the process using new technologies seemed obvious to me.

Any advice for the next generation?

Hard work and long hours is the only formula for success I have encountered.

Meredith Strehle ‘03

Position/title: Manager of Children’s Outreach Operations, MUSC Children’s Hospital; Adjunct Appointment in the Department of Health Administration and Policy (MUSC College of Health Professions)

Education: B.S. in Business, Minor in Health, College of Charleston; Master of Health Administration, MUSC

To what do you attribute your growth/success?

I firmly believe in mentorship and developing relationships. I also believe in paying it forward to future generations.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Mentoring students and watching them grow after schooling. I feel so honored to be a part of these young women’s lives.

Any advice for the next generation?

Think, lead and follow your heart, and do something you are passionate about.

Annie Summey ’01

Position/title: Magistrate, Charleston County

Education: B.A. Communication, College of Charleston

To what do you attribute your growth/success?

I strive to understand where a person is coming from, why they have the opinion they do and apply the law appropriately to each case.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Silence is golden! My mother (former magistrate) passed that along to me when I became a magistrate; she left it on a sticky note on the bench.

Any advice for the next generation?

Be kind, patient and understanding, educate yourself and leave this world a much better place than you found it.

Dorie Wallace ‘98

Position/title: Vice President, Customer Support, Blackbaud

Education: B.S. Business, College of Charleston; MBA, The Citadel

What made you select your chosen profession?

I grew up in the customer service industry. My family owned a local department store, Condon’s, and I spent a lot of time there. Serving customers is in my blood.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Opportunity favors the well-prepared.

Any advice for the next generation?

First and foremost, do your current job well. Push yourself to be one of the best. That is the best way to get ready for future roles.