Atlanta leaders have been named to the Georgia Southern University Alumni Association’s “40 Under 40” Class of 2024. The honor recognizes alumni who have made significant strides in business, leadership, community, educational or philanthropic endeavors.

Atlanta honorees include:

Alyssa Barnes ('10), who is known to millions as the midday host and digital content creator "Danie B" on top Atlanta radio station V-103, earned a bachelor’s in multimedia communication.

Tyler Perry Studios Director of Studio Operations Accounting Jared Speaks ('07) earned a bachelor’s of business administration in accounting.

Renowned sports media icon and founder and CEO of the Bria Janelle Foundation, Bria Smith ('11), who graduated with a degree in general studies, is the in-arena host of WNBA Atlanta Dream, Notre Dame Football and the Chicago Bulls.

Emory University Lead Director of Development Ross Davis ('08,'10) is a Double Eagle with a bachelor’s in sport management and a Master of Education in higher education.

Kelsey Brantley ('14), who graduated with a bachelor’s in English, is a program specialist for Invest Atlanta.

Franeka Colley ('07) earned a bachelor’s in education and is currently assistant principal of Shiloh Elementary School in Gwinnett County Public Schools.

RT Evans ('12), who is president and CEO of Evans General Contractors, earned a bachelor’s in construction management.

Raphael Fairell ('08) graduated with a bachelor’s in business administration in finance and today serves as market director for Thrivent Financial Services in the Atlanta market. 

Robert Figueroa ('12), who is assistant principal and athletic director for Pebblebrook High School in the Cobb County School District, earned a bachelor’s in music education. 

Patrick Horgan ('07) earned a bachelor’s in justice studies and is senior director of integrated data solutions for Norfolk Southern Railroad.

Kayla Kudratt ('15), owner and managing attorney at the Kudratt Law Firm, LLC, graduated from Georgia Southern with a bachelor’s in justice studies.

Sibusiso Ntuli ('11) earned a bachelor’s in community health and serves as a senior consultant for Slalom Consulting.

Angela Byrd Reed ('07) graduated with a bachelor’s in broadcasting and currently acts as senior project lead for Chick-fil-A, Inc. and is founder and chief customer officer of the ABR Collective, LLC.

The Thomas Firm Founder and Attorney Terrell Thomas ('11) earned a bachelor’s in sport management.

The “40 Under 40” honorees were chosen by a selection committee that reviewed each individual’s professional expertise, achievements, dedication to charitable and community initiatives and their commitment to Georgia Southern.

For the full list of “40 Under 40” Class of 2024 honorees and to learn more about the program, visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu/40Under40. The group will also be featured in the fall 2024 edition of Georgia Southern Magazine.