20 Under 40
Opelika’s 20 Under 40 program is made up of 20 outstanding people under the age of 40 who live in Opelika, love Opelika, and have a vested interest in shaping the direction of this city’s future. The purpose of the program is to bring together young professionals from diverse professions and backgrounds on a regular basis to learn about the various aspects of the intricate workings of a city, school system, business, industry, and public service to give them a better understanding of how all of these separate entities come together to create a working, viable community.
The 20 Under 40 Program is dedicated to developing leaders by providing these opportunities:
- Learning about Opelika through community and government affairs leadership courses
- Giving back to the community through a class service project for a local non-profit organization
- Developing professionally through training and skill-based learning initiatives
- Engaging and connecting with each other as well as forging relationships with local business and organization leaders
Our intention is to help create amazing future leaders for our community, and there is even a direct feed to city boards from this group. So many 20 under 40 graduates become movers & shapers in Opelika. Some graduates include Alabama Representative Jeremy Gray, City Councilman Todd Rauch, Rosanna McGinnis with the Opelika Library, and even our very own President Ali Rauch!

MEET THE 2023-2024 CLASS

Ashley Colquitt
Opelika Chamber of Commerce

Austin Duran
Machen McChesney

Brandon Hutto
Opelika Police Department

Charlotte Brown
Auburn University

Claire Martin
East Alabama Health

Griffin O'Connor
City of Opelika

Haley Wilson
Lee Russell Council of Governments

Holley Head
MAX Credit Union

Jessica Bloodsworth
MenuMatch, LLC

Joe Janning
Bonnie Plants

Kristen Ferrell
Auburn Junior High School

Lakieshia Barnett
Southern Union State Community College

Laura Sellers
Opelika City Schools

Lauren Bland Bernier
Lauren Bland State Farm

Morgan Cole
East Alabama Health

Nadja Gunn
City of Opelika

Randy Kennessey
Walmart Distribution

Sean Lackey
Golden State Foods

Steven Webb
Kroger

Theo Moore
Hiztorical Vision Productions