Centennial Under 40 Impact Awards

Centennial Under 40 Impact Award Winners:

 

Mayor M. Joseph Abu-Ghannam

Morgantown, WV

Mayor M. Joseph Abu-Ghannam was born in Mitchell, South Dakota, and raised in Sterling, Virginia, just three miles from Dulles Airport. After high school, he attended West Virginia University, earning a bachelor’s in history and a master’s in secondary education. He has since planted roots in Morgantown, West Virginia, where he and his wife are raising their son. Currently, he teaches Business Essentials and Personal Finance at Morgantown High School and coaches the wrestling team.

 

 

Councilmember Daniel Arriola

Tracy, CA

Dan Arriola was elected as Mayor of Tracy in 2024. Mayor Arriola holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California Los Angeles, and a juris doctorate from the University of Southern California’s Gould School of Law. He was first elected to office as a Tracy School Board Member in 2016, and then as a Councilmember in 2018, and re-elected in 2022. He also works as a Deputy District Attorney for San Joaquin County. Mayor Arriola is the youngest elected Mayor in the history of the city, as well as the first Latino Mayor, and the first openly LGBTQ Mayor in San Joaquin County.

 

 

Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Adam Bazaldua

Dallas, TX

Adam Bazaldua was elected to the Dallas City Council in 2019 and currently serves as Deputy Mayor Pro Tem. He has developed and participated in many of the cities policy initiatives such as their Racial Equity Plan, Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan, and the Fentanyl and Opioid Strike Force. He serves as the current Co-Chair of Texas Local Progress Chapter Organizing Committee, Chair of the NLC Large Cities Council, and Vice Chair of NLC’s Hispanic Elected Local Officials.

 

 

Mayor Justin Bibb

Cleveland, OH

As the 58th Mayor of the great City of Cleveland, Ohio, Justin M. Bibb is putting people and neighborhoods first, delivering high-quality city services and leading bold change. The Bibb Administration is building a stronger and safer Cleveland and modernizing City Hall to maximize access, transparency and equity. On January 3, 2022, Mayor Bibb took the oath of office as the city’s first millenial mayor.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Priya Bhat-Patel

Carlsbad, CA

Dr. Priya Bhat-Patel, a Carlsbad Council Member, grew up in the city and lives there with her husband, son, and dog. As the daughter of Indian immigrants, she is the first Indian American and the youngest person elected to Carlsbad City Council. A public policy and public health professional, Priya has devoted her career to addressing complex issues, including leading a statewide initiative to combat domestic violence with innovative victim services for California Family Justice Centers.

 

 

Mayor Preston Blakely

Fletcher, NC

Preston Blakely, Mayor of Fletcher, NC, is dedicated to strengthening rural communities, promoting equity, and supporting families. A lifelong resident, he began his leadership on Fletcher’s Town Council before being elected mayor in 2021. Outside his role in local government, Preston works at Quality Janitorial Group and serves on boards such as Thrive in Henderson County and the Governor’s Task Force for Racial Equity. He strives to create a brighter future for all North Carolinians.

 

Councilmember Anika Bowie

St. Paul, MN

Councilmember Anika Bowie is a lifelong Saint Paul resident, a big sister, proud aunt, entrepreneur, and community organizer. With 12 years of grassroots campaign experience, she has engaged thousands of voters to support progressive candidates. Her family has lived in Saint Paul for nearly 100 years. An alumna of Saint Paul Central High School and Hamline University, she joined the Saint Paul City Council in 2024.

 

Councilmember Thomas “Trey” Brownfield

Slidell, LA

Thomas “Trey” Brownfield, a Louisiana native, has dedicated over a decade to serving Slidell. As a husband and father, he values integrity and community spirit. Trey’s entrepreneurial path has led him to own several small businesses. As a City Councilman, he has improved parks, secured police funding, and supported cleanliness initiatives. Trey’s vision centers on a united Slidell built on proactive leadership and facilitating opportunity for all.

 

Councilmember Aditi Bussells

Columbia, SC

Dr. Aditi Bussells is a seasoned management consultant with over a decade of experience in policy, non-profit, and industry settings. Born to Indian immigrant parents, Aditi’s commitment to creating opportunities for all was ignited by her family’s experiences with discrimination post-9/11. This passion fuels her mission to foster healthier and more vibrant communities through her public service work. In 2021, she made history as the first South Asian American woman elected to the Columbia City Council as the top vote getter.

 

Mayor Robert Cantelmo

Ithaca, NY

Robert G. Cantelmo took office as Mayor of Ithaca in 2024. Prior to that he served on the Common Council representing Fall Creek and Cornell Heights from 2022-2023. Mayor Cantelmo leads the Common Council with a clear commitment to building an inclusive, affordable, sustainable, and dynamic Ithaca.

 

 

Councilmember Radiant Cordero

Honolulu, HI

Radiant has dedicated her career to her community through various roles in nonprofits, journalism, and local government. She served as a legislative aide at the Office of the Vice Speaker of the House of Representatives, while still serving at the nonprofits and taking on two additional front desk jobs at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. She is a tireless advocate for the community that she has called home for her entire life and has been shaped into the servant leader she is today by the people and culture within it.

 

Mayor Steven Eisenbeisz

Sitka, AK

Steven Eisenbeisz lives in Sitka, Alaska with his wife Ashley and son Fisher. He has served on Sitka’s City’s Assembly for two 3 year terms in the assembly, and two 2 year terms as Mayor. Steven was recently re-elected to his 3rd term as Mayor. When he is not running the family sporting goods store, you can find him on a boat chasing king salmon.

 

 

Councilmember Angel Encinas

Chandler, AZ

Councilmember Angel Encinas is Chandler’s hometown councilmember. Raised in the heart of downtown Chandler, where he still lives to this day. Councilmember Encinas manages an immigration consulting firm and is also a realtor. Both professions give him a reach into the community on several important levels. Councilmember Encinas is a product of Chandler public schools and holds a degree in Business from Arizona State University with a minor in Sustainability.

 

 

Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Junior Ezeonu

Grand Prairie, TX

Junior Ezeonu is a Grand Prairie City Council Member representing the entire city of Grand Prairie as an at-large member. Junior was elected to the city council in June of 2021 in a run-off election after defeating an incumbent who had served for 12 years. Mr. Ezeonu is one of the first African American council members to represent the city of Grand Prairie since the early 1990s, and is also the youngest elected council member in Grand Prairie history.

 

 

Councilmember Vanessa Fuentes

Austin, TX

Councilwoman Vanessa Fuentes represents Austin’s District 2 and champions working families and equitable access to technology, public health, and infrastructure. Elected in 2021, Vanessa’s accomplishments include leading the City’s largest-ever wage increase for city employees, eliminating costly barriers to childcare development, increasing access to dual-language pre-K, and expanding affordable housing.

 

 

Councilmember Grace Elena Garner

Palm Springs, CA

Councilmember Grace Garner is a second-generation Palm Springs resident. In 2022, she became the first Latina Mayor of Palm Springs. Garner is a champion for increasing affordable housing, improving community facilities, creating more youth focused programming, and addressing neighborhood needs. After Tropical Storm Hilary, Garner met with the California Governor to obtain funds to complete clean up and infrastructure improvements. These meetings led to over $50 million dollars of funding for the City of Palm Springs.

 

 

Councilmember Emmanuel Guerrero

Pasadena, TX

Emmanuel grew up in a blue-collar home raised by a single mother. He was elected as Pasadena City Councilman of District C, at age 26 making history as the youngest councilman in the city’s history. Since being in office, he has led initiatives resulting in $5.9 million in waterline improvements, $9.9 million in sewer rehabilitations, $7.3 in reconstruction projects, $150k in water well improvements, and has created various scholarships opportunities. His commitment to his community is unparalleled.

 

 

Mayor Pro Tem Jessica Daniels Harrison

Zebulon, NC

Jessica Daniels Harrison is Mayor Pro Tempore of the Town of Zebulon, the second fastest growing municipality in North Carolina. She was first appointed to the Zebulon Board of Commissioners in February of 2021 and, after serving 23 months as town commissioner, was elected by the community on Nov 7, 2023, where she received the most votes for commissioner ever in Zebulon history.

 

 

Council President Logan Heley

Overland Park, KS

Logan Heley, a two-term Overland Park City Councilmember since 2018, currently serves as Council President. He’s active on regional transit, planning, and sustainable development boards. Professionally, he is Executive Director for Heartland Conservation Alliance, an environmental nonprofit. Earlier in his career, he interned at the Obama White House and for U.S. Rep. Cleaver and worked as a Teamster for UPS. After growing up in Overland Park, Heley graduated from the University of Southern California and earned an MPA from the University of Kansas.

 

Representative Cassandra Hernandez

El Paso, TX

Representative Cassandra Hernandez, an advocate for sustainable growth & community health, has led iniatives for El Paso’s future. With over 15 years in public service, Hernandez is serving her second term representing District 3. She had served on numerous boards and as president to Neighborhood Assn. She has championed key policies, securing funding for clean transportation, explanding EV charging in underserved areas, & launching shade projects to combat heat & improve air quality citywide. 

 

 

Councilmember Dustin Hillis

Atlanta, GA

Dustin Hillis is a member of the Atlanta City Council, representing District 9. Focused on public safety, infrastructure, and parks, he has led efforts for a new public safety training center, modernized impact fees, and led the successful city purchase of the 75-acre historic Chattahoochee Brick site. Prior to his Council service, Dustin was a critical care nurse at Emory University Hospital. He is committed to enhancing the quality of life for Atlanta’s residents, especially in his growing northwest Atlanta district.

 

Councilmember Khara House

Flagstaff, AZ

Khara House was elected to the Flagstaff City Council in November 2022. Khara leads with a passion for service and community engagement. Prior to serving on City Council, she worked in higher education and multifamily housing, and served on the city’s Diversity Awareness and Housing Commission. Khara is a passionate advocate for mental health, building belonging, housing, and meaningful civic engagement. In addition to her role on City Council, she is a writer, educator, and volunteer.

 

 

Councilmember David Hunt

Ahoskie, NC

Councilmember David Hunt is the Chairman of the Hertford County Planning & Zoning Commission, the Hertford County Economic Development Board, the North Carolina League of Municipalities’ Legislative Policy Committee, and NLC’s Small Cities Council. He is honored and privileged to have a seat at the table to be a voice of the people and serve all citizens of Ahoskie with transparency, integrity and stewardship. He will continue to restore, reform, and rebuild for a brighter future for Ahoskie.

 

 

Commissioner Daniela Jean

North Miami Beach, FL

Daniela Jean is a commissioner, educator, author, and public servant dedicated to empowering her community. As an Assistant Professor at Florida Memorial University, she inspires students through leadership and civic engagement. A lifelong North Miami Beach resident, Daniela focuses on economic development, youth services, and education. She has championed initiatives to support small businesses, expand after-school programs, and foster growth. Daniela’s work drives positive change, uniting and uplifting her community.

 

 

Councilmember Marché Johnson

Montgomery, AL

Councilor Johnson was born and raised in Montgomery, AL. She attended Robert E. Lee High School. She is the mother of two boys, Kaleb and Karter. She was featured in the City of Montgomery’s documentary “382: Organizing for the future,” and in numerous magazine articles. She also organized the first-ever TedX for women in the Montgomery. You can always find Marché actively engaged in schools and community projects across the City of Montgomery.

 

 

Councilmember Saura Jost

St. Paul, MN

Councilmember Saura Jost is a community leader, an engineer, and a mom. As a civil engineer, she has worked on building a Minnesota public infrastructure designed to work for everyone.

She graduated from Saint Paul Public Schools and has been civically active since she was young. She has campaigned for several politicians, including John Kerry, Amy Klobuchar, and former Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. Most recently, she has been proud to serve on the Macalester Groveland Community Council. Councilmember Jost joined the Saint Paul City Council in 2024.

 

Councilmember Micah McCarey

Athens, OH

Councilmember Micah McCarey was first elected to office in 2021 and has chaired the City and Safety Services Committee and on the Planning and Development Committee overseeing the Athens 2040 Comprehensive Plan. He provides leadership to the city’s Racial Equity and Leadership (REAL) training efforts in concert with the National League of Cities and has introduced legislation expanding local protections from discrimination based on hair style or texture.

 

 

Mayor Nadia Mohamed

St. Louis Park, MN

Mayor Nadia Mohamed began her term as mayor in 2024. She previously served a four-year term as at large B council member, starting in 2020. Mohamed is a 17-year resident of St. Louis Park and currently lives in the Birchwood neighborhood. As a four-year member of the St. Louis Park Multicultural Advisory Committee, Mohamed participated in strategic planning and implementation efforts to connect various communities within St. Louis Park. That work resulted in Mohamed being named a co-recipient of the St. Louis Park Human Rights Award in 2019 and helped her to understand what could be achieved through civic activity.

 

Councilmember Devin Murphy

Pinole, CA

Devin T. Murphy serves on the Pinole City Council and is the former Mayor of the City of Pinole—its first African American, first openly gay, and youngest mayor in its 120-year history. Since being elected, Devin has championed a more transparent, citywide participatory budgeting process, advanced the city’s economic development strategy to promote small business growth and economic opportunity, and secured over $100 million new investments in housing and on energy efficiency.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Gabrielle Nelson

Port Wentworth, GA

A native Georgian raised by her grandparents, Councilwoman Gabrielle Nelson credits them with her outstanding morals and ability to handle situations with sensibility and tact. She graduated from high school and attended the local university. Prior to being elected, Nelson served on Port Wentworth’s Planning & Zoning Commission for two years. She has matriculated through Chatham County Government for the past 14 years and is currently the Computer Services Manager overseeing the IT helpdesk and technology procurement division.

 

 

Vice Mayor Ryan Paisley

Clayton, DE

From rewriting and introducing local town ordinances to working with delegates on a federal level, Ryan Paisley is a young, spirited, and engaged local government leader who rose from councilman in 2022 to Town of Clayton Vice Mayor in 2023. Ryan actively works with the Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization to study potential road enhancements in areas experiencing significant traffic congestion and accidents. He sits on the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation’s Board of Directors, working with nine other municipal electric providers to ensure safe, reliable, and affordable public power.

 

 

Mayor Javier Perea

Sunland Park, NM

Living on the U.S.-Mexico border and currently serving his fourth term, Mayor Perea was first appointed as mayor of Sunland Park, NM at the age of 24 in 2012. His work improved and rebuilt the bi-national, tri-state community’s financial health, reputation, and infrastructure. Sunland Park is now recognized for its financial improvements and as one of the fastest-growing cities in New Mexico focused on developing its tourism and commercial economy while improving quality of life.

 

 

Commissioner Albert Polk IV

South Bay, FL

Commissioner Albert Polk IV was elected to Seat 5 on the City Commission in South Bay, FL in 2023. Serving as the Senior Pastor of his childhood church and a South Bay City Commission member, he advocates for self-education. He believes in the transformative power of learning through experience and reading. Commissioner Polk has also served as the CEO of a local radio station for 15 years, starting from humble beginnings. Known for his authenticity, credibility, dynamism, and readiness, he captivates audiences with his engaging speaking style.

 

 

Councilmember Eliazar A. Posada Jr.

Carrboro, NC

Councilman Eliazar A. Posada Jr. became the first openly LGBTQ+ Latino elected in North Carolina by winning a special election for the Carrboro Town Council in 2022. He has championed issues of deep importance to the Carrboro community like the Comprehensive Plan, Language Access Plan and increased investment in affordable housing. He was appointed by Gov. Cooper to the Governor’s Advisory Council for Hispanic/Latino Affairs, where he is a leading voice in advocating for a better North Carolina.

 

Councilmember Sumbul Siddiqui

Cambridge, MA

Sumbul Siddiqui, now in her 4th term on City Council, is Massachusetts’ first Muslim mayor and Cambridge’s first woman to serve two consecutive mayoral terms. Immigrating from Pakistan, she grew up in Cambridge affordable housing and Cambridge Public Schools, where she co-founded the Cambridge Youth Council. She attended her first NLC conference as a high school student. A Brown University graduate, she has a J.D. from Northwestern University and worked as a legal aid attorney before running for office.

 

 

Councilmember Crystal Smitherman

Birmingham, AL

Councilor Crystal N. Smitherman, Esq. is Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, and a member of the Arts & Culture and Planning & Zoning Committees.

 

Mayor Sheng Thao

Oakland, CA

Born and raised in Stockton, CA, Mayor Thao grew up in poverty as the daughter of Hmong refugees. With the help of welfare and a Head Start program for her son, she put herself through school. Shortly after graduating, she got a job as a legislative aide for an Oakland City Councilmember and worked her way up to Chief of Staff. In 2018, she ran for City Council District 4 and won, becoming the first Hmong-American Councilmember in California history. Last year, she negotiated a historic agreement to modernize the city’s business tax structure and secure millions in new revenue for public services.

 

Councilmember Ashley Vanorny

Cedar Rapids, IA

Councilmember Ashley Vanorny became the second youngest to serve Iowa’s second largest city in 2017. She is CEMO certified and the youngest President of the Iowa League of Cities. She serves on the University of Iowa Political Science Advisory Board, is an alumna of the American Council of Young Political Leaders, and a member of NewDeal Leaders and the Young Elected Officials Network. She serves on the NLC Board of Directors. She works full-time in healthcare administration.

 

 

Councilmember Terry Vo

Nashville, TN

Terry Vo is a leader in racial justice and community advocacy, serving as District 17 Metro Councilmember and Partnerships Director for API Middle TN. With over a decade of global experience in government, non-profits, and corporate sectors, she is committed to shaping a brighter, more equitable future for Nashville. As the first Vietnamese American elected to Metro Council, she is the founding Chair of the Immigrant Caucus that advocates for the interests and concerns of immigrant communities.

 

 

Councilmember Peter Volosin

Roanoke, VA

Peter is a visionary leader on city council committed to creating an inclusive and sustainable Roanoke. He is leading his city’s mission to increase affordable housing with his Affordable Housing Toolkit. This initiative led the council to create Roanoke’s Workforce Housing Development Trust Fund. He took a leading role in Roanoke’s city-wide zoning amendments to increase housing opportunities. Peter believes in an economy that creates opportunities for all, and this guides his work on council.

 

 

Mayor Courtney Welch

Emeryville, CA

Mayor Courtney Welch is a dedicated leader serving on the Emeryville City Council. Elected in 2021, her priorities on the council include homelessness, public safety, community infrastructure, and economic mobility. Courtney served as Vice Mayor in 2023 and was appointed Mayor in 2024, the first Black woman in the city’s history to serve in the role.

 

 

Mayor Weyling White

Ahoskie, NC

Mayor White’s commitment to Ahoskie runs deep as he was born and raised there and his love for the community and residents can be witnessed in his ability to see his family and friends in every person he encounters. Mayor White is a proud alumnus of Winston-Salem State University, where he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and receive his B.S. Degree in Exercise Science. In 2019 he was appointed to the NC Institute of Medicine and selected as a Bernstein Health Leadership Fellow. His proudest accomplishment has been returning to his hometown to make an impact in his community and his greatest joy is being a father.

 

Councilmember Vince Workman

Burnsville, MN

First elected to office in 2018 at age 32, representing the community where Vince was raised. Vince is currently operating a family business in Burnsville and raising his children in the same community. He has a passion for Burnsville and loves giving back to the community that molded him into the person he is today.

 

 

Mayor Michelle Wu

Boston, MA

Michelle Wu is the first woman and first person of color to be elected Mayor of Boston. Mayor Wu has expanded early childhood services—granting thousands more 3- and 4-year-olds access to high quality, culturally-relevant education and care. Mayor Wu got her start in public service interning at City Hall under Mayor Tom Menino while studying at Harvard Law School. Mayor Wu lives in the Roslindale neighborhood of Boston with her husband, Conor, and their two boys, Blaise and Cass.

 

Councilmember Zack Zappone

Spokane, WA

Council Member Zappone is a sixth-generation Easter Washingtonian, teacher, and public health worker. Zack graduated from Georgetown University and has a master’s in public affairs from Princeton University. He currently teaches English part-time at his alma mater, North Central High School. Zack is passionate about serving his community, volunteering with community vaccine clinics like the Native Project. Zack is focused on creating ways to lift up working-and middle-class families, and to serve his community to make sure everyone has a fair shot.