The top 40 Under 40 initiative shines a light on a diverse group of professionals, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, all under the age of 40, who have gone above and beyond in their roles within their jobs, families, and communities throughout 2023. This prestigious accolade is a testament to their unwavering commitment to business growth, professional excellence, leadership, and community service, setting a benchmark for aspiring leaders and reinforcing the foundation of Somerset County's bright future.
Chris Edwards, President of the Somerset County Business Partnership (SCBP), shares his enthusiasm for the 40 Under 40 awards, emphasizing the joy of discovering emerging leaders within the community. Edwards highlights the awards as a unique opportunity to learn about the remarkable journeys of young professionals, entrepreneurs, and those climbing the corporate ladder, showcasing their diverse contributions and the vibrant future they herald for Somerset County.
Looking ahead, Edwards expresses excitement for the future of SCBP, particularly with the impending move to Downtown Somerville and the launch of the Somerset Business Hub. This move signifies a new chapter for the organization, promising fresh opportunities for the business community at large. Furthermore, Edwards proudly reflects on the past year's achievements, especially within the Tourism Division, which has played a crucial role in reviving an industry vital to Somerset County's economy, nearly reaching pre-pandemic tourism levels. His advice to aspiring young professionals underscores the value of proactive engagement and seizing growth opportunities in their fields.
Dr. Ashley Appleton
Dr. Ashley Appleton, a distinguished licensed professional counselor and psychologist, is one of the vibrant individuals celebrated on the "40 Under 40" list, thanks to the nomination by her practice manager and friend, Kristin Jimenez. In 2019, Dr. Appleton founded Cognicare Psychological Services, a beacon of hope for the Somerset County community and beyond, offering both in-person and virtual therapy sessions. Her practice is deeply rooted in the principles of social justice, emphasizing accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity. This commitment is evident in her efforts to accept health insurance, provide sliding scale rates, and the ongoing work to accept Medicaid. Dr. Appleton's work is driven by a profound belief in the integral role of mental health within overall healthcare, and she takes pride in advocating for community needs while offering valuable resources.
Outside her professional achievements, Dr. Appleton contributes her expertise as an Assistant Professor within Felician University's Masters of Counseling program, enriching the next generation of counselors with her knowledge and passion for mental health. Her life outside work is filled with joy from traveling, spending quality time with loved ones, and indulging in the simple pleasures of a good TV binge alongside her dog. Dr. Appleton remains actively involved in the community through her association with the Somerset County Business Partnership (SCBP), and by supporting and participating in various events focused on healthcare and mental health, reinforcing her commitment to making a difference.
Dr. Appleton's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in professional endeavors. She offers invaluable advice to aspiring professionals: "Build it and they will come." Reflecting on moments of doubt and the fear that her vision might not significantly impact the community, she emphasizes the importance of steadfastness and hard work. Her story is a compelling reminder that with dedication, achieving one's dreams and making a meaningful contribution to the community is indeed possible, underscoring the essence of what the "40 Under 40" list celebrates.
Charlie Alberto IV
Charlie Alberto IV, a key figure behind the transformative success of Forest Lodge, was pleasantly surprised to find himself among the "40 Under 40" list, thanks to a nomination by a coworker. During the challenging times of Covid, when the hospitality sector faced unprecedented trials, Charlie and his team made a pivotal decision to not just sustain but to reinvent their business model. This led to the renovation of their pavilions, notably turning The Maple Grove from a casual space into a formal outdoor hybrid venue, and extending its aesthetic across the property to enhance its modern rustic appeal. These renovations proved instrumental in diversifying Forest Lodge's offerings, allowing it to host a variety of events from social gatherings and weddings to large-scale corporate events. Charlie's efforts, alongside his team including the new hire Anthony Panchery, Director of Catering, culminated in notable achievements such as hosting numerous proms for local schools, expanding the wedding business, and garnering prestigious accolades from NJ.com, My Central NJ, and The Knot.
Looking ahead, Charlie is focused on expanding Forest Lodge's operational capacity to host events year-round, hinting at exciting plans for the future. His passion for providing exceptional customer service, a hallmark of his family's business ethos, drives him to ensure a seamless and rewarding experience for clients from start to finish. This customer-centric approach, coupled with a comprehensive in-house service model, has been central to Forest Lodge's sustained success over five decades. Beyond his professional life, Charlie's creative spirit thrives through his hobbies in writing and filmmaking, reflecting his diverse talents and interests.
Charlie's involvement in the community extends beyond the gates of Forest Lodge, hosting events and supporting various local charities, reflecting a deep commitment to Warren and the broader Somerset County. From food drop-offs for township events to supporting first responders and engaging with non-profit organizations, Charlie's efforts underscore a dedication to giving back and fostering community spirit. His diverse heritage, shared with his wife Christina, not only enriches the culinary offerings at Forest Lodge but also embodies the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere that defines their approach to hospitality. Charlie's journey, marked by attention to detail and patience, offers invaluable insights for aspiring professionals and underscores the impact of dedication and community engagement in achieving enduring success.
- Charles Alberto IV - Forest Lodge
- Ashley Appleton - Cognicare Psychological Services, LLC
- Ben Bizzarro - Alpine Business Systems
- Nicholas Cherrillo - Somerset Patriots
- CJ Cruz - Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
- Jillian Dorell - Larken Associates
- Lauren Edelman - Jewish Federation of West-Central New Jersey
- Ashlyn Esmerado - Provident Bank
- Lisa Federico - Somerset County Department of Human Services
- Franchesca Fowler - Demant
- Petra Gaskins - Office of Senator Andrew Zwicker
- Casey Goldstein - Brother International Corporation
- Cheyanne Gonzalez - Tekie Geek
- Ben Green - Greater Somerset County YMCA
- Tyler Hall - Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, LLP
- Rachel Heberling - Frontline Arts
- Shawn Hickson - TD Bank
- Mina Ibrahim - ADESA
- Zuzana Karas - Hillsborough Township
- Sara Catherine Lichon - RideWise
- Olivia Manning - Downtown Bernardsville, Inc
- Alyssa Martini - HOME of Somerset County
- Chris McManus - One Legacy Financial
- Caitlyn Meador - Foothill Acres Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
- Amber Murad - New Jersey Audubon
- Allie O'Brien - Franklin Food Bank
- Khushwant Pall - Wells Fargo
- Jessica Paolini - Somerset County Economic Development
- Alesha Peluso - Three Summers Creative
- Anthony Piccillo - Performance Rehabilitation & Regenerative Medicine
- Michael Proske - Tapastre & Project PUB
- Crystal Pruitt - Franklin Township
- Tyler Seville - Innovation New Jersey
- Roderick Spann - Senior Advisors
- Chris Stout - RRBB
- Chris Vollers - Vollers
- Noor Wadhwani - ATHLETIFREAK
- Cory Wikerson - SSP Architects
- Camden Winkelstein - Bellemara Distillery
- Jacquelyn Zampella - E.A. Boniakowski Agency, Inc.
"Embracing change and innovation, we're excited for the future, moving to Downtown Somerville and launching the Somerset Business Hub for new community opportunities." - Chris Edwards (place this caption near Chris Edwards on page 1)
