Seahawks Lead the Flock with 40 Under 40 Honors

More than one-third of the names on the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce's annual 40 Under 40 list are Seahawks. The list, in its eighth year of publication, celebrates emerging leaders in southeastern North Carolina who make significant contributions to their organizations and communities.  

Bobby Guntoro ’11, UNCW head swimming and diving coach, is one of the 2026 honorees and said the recognition is motivation to continue doing great work. 

“This community has given so much to me. First as a student, and now as a professional. One of my priorities has always been to give back and create a positive impact for the people and community that have supported me,” said Guntoro.  

Also on the list is Kyndall Peele, a student success advisor in the College of Health and Human Services. In addition to her professional role, she serves as the advisor for UNCW’s chapter of the National Society of Black Women in Medicine. 

“This recognition reflects both my passion for student success through the College of Health and Human Services and my deep commitment to community service,” said Peele. “It affirms the importance of creating opportunities for students to grow academically, professionally and personally while also giving back to the Wilmington community in meaningful ways.” 

Lorian Schweikert, an assistant professor focusing on comparative neurophysiology and sensory biology in the Department of Biology and Marine Biology, is another UNCW employee on the list. 

“I am honored by this award. It reminds me how fortunate I am to be part of a community like UNCW and Wilmington, where opportunities for success are created and have impacts beyond any one individual,” said Schweikert. 

The remaining Seahawks on the list are alumni standouts in the Wilmington area. 

• Kevin Blackburn ’12 
  Kids Making It
• Nicole Caldwell ’14, ’26M 
  nCino 
• Rachel Crouse ’13 
  Coastal Horizons Center  
• John Gavin ’21 
  Cameron Management, Inc.  
• Will Hayes ’16 
  Corning Credit Union 
• Tanner Konrady ’13 
  Konrady & Son Construction, LLC  
• Jesse Pridgen ’18, ’22M  
  Liberty Health 
• Roberto Ramirez ’25 
  Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center 
• Jeremy Roberts ’11, ’12M  
  PBMares LLP 
• Marae West ’23 Ph. D. 
  Sandbar Oyster Company  
• Jessica Wilson ’12 
  Carolinas Ready Mixed Concrete Association 

Honorees will be recognized at an awards banquet on October 7 at the Pointe 14 Theater.