Savannah, Statesboro and Effingham County locals have been named to the Georgia Southern University Alumni Association’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2026. The honorees were recognized during a ceremony Sept. 26 at the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center in Statesboro. The annual honor recognizes alumni who have made significant strides in business, leadership, community, educational or philanthropic endeavors.

“You demonstrate the transformational power of education and the boundless possibilities that emerge when we grow ourselves in order to help others grow,” said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero at the ceremony. “Your energy, vision and commitment are helping shape the future of Georgia Southern, your professions and the communities you serve. We could not be prouder to count you among the Georgia Southern family.”

Savannah area honorees include:

Kevin Hughes (’17, ’21) earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and an MBA. He is vice president of investments and a private client advisor with JPMorgan Chase.

Joshua Janufka (’12) earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. He is a trooper first class with the Georgia State Patrol’s Executive Protection Division, where he serves on the Speaker of the House detail.

Effingham County area honoree:

April Harvey (’08, ’10, ’15) earned a bachelor’s degree in history, a master’s in teaching in social science education and an Ed.S in leadership. She is a principal in the Effingham County School District and an associate professor at Liberty University.

Statesboro area honorees include:

FlorAnne Cruz (’13) earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. She is the owner and lead chiropractor at Southern Chiropractic and Wellness Center.

Ben Powell (’17) earned a bachelor’s degree in multimedia communication. He is assistant director of GATA Productions, where he has directed and produced hundreds of broadcasts for ESPN+. 

Harley Smith (’17, ’23) earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a Master of Public Administration. She is deputy chief of staff to the president at Georgia Southern.

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 commitment to Georgia Southern.

“You are shining examples of what it means to live with purpose, lead with courage and soar beyond expectations,” Marrero said.

For the full list of 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 honorees and to learn more about the program, visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu/40Under40.

Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 with a Carnegie Community Engagement classification, offers approximately 149 different degree programs serving nearly 31,600 students through 11 colleges on four campuses in Savannah, Hinesville, Statesboro, Swainsboro and online instruction. Founded in 1906, Georgia Southern is a leader in higher education in southeast Georgia with expert faculty and a focus on public impact research and engaging learning opportunities through knowledge and know-how that prepare our students to soar beyond and take ownership of their lives, careers and communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.