Serving With Purpose
Our board brings together different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, all with a shared commitment to creating opportunities for young professionals to connect, grow, and contribute to the Chattahoochee Valley.
Executive Committee
Chair
Gabby Castleberry
Gabby holds a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design from Columbus State University, a Certificate for Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Auburn University and is currently pursuing an Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance at Wesleyan College.
Gabby joined CVYP to connect with other young professionals, continue growing as a leader, and give back to the community she calls home.
Fun fact: she loves hiking, her puppy, Poppy and spending time outdoors!
Vice Chair
Jayne Brooks
Jayne holds a Bachelor’s in Business from Auburn University and is a Georgia-licensed insurance professional.
Jayne joined CVYP to build real-world networking skills, make new connections, and continue growing through her own professional development.
Fun fact: she has four Labrador Retrievers!
Treasurer
Leo Varela
Leo holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, double majoring in Finance and Economics from Mercer University.
He joined CVYP to connect with other motivated young professionals, continue growing as a leader, and give back to the Columbus community that has played a significant role in his personal and professional development since moving there from Mexico in 2006.
Fun fact: he loves staying active and enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, including soccer, golf, pickleball, tennis, running, hiking, fishing, and trying new adventures with friends!
Secretary
William Solis
William holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance from Columbus State University and is currently pursuing an Master’s in Business Administration at Wesleyan College.
He joined CVYP to serve his community, contribute his skills where they can make an impact, and connect with other young professionals who share his commitment to growth and service.
Fun fact: he enjoys being outdoors and spending time with his dog!
Immediate Past Chair
Marci Norris
Marci holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Columbus State University.
She joined CVYP to connect with fellow young professionals, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to the growth and development of the Chattahoochee Valley community through leadership and service.
Fun fact: she recently welcomed her first baby and is enjoying the exciting adventure of motherhood!
Board Liasion
Epiphany Jackson
Epiphany holds a Master of Business Administration in Digital Entrepreneurship from Strayer University.
She assist CVYP to support the growth and development of emerging leaders, and strengthen the connection between CVYP and the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce in her role as the organization’s Chamber Liaison.
Fun fact: she is the founder of her own branding agency and has spent the last decade helping businesses and organizations build impactful brands and tell their stories.
Committee Chairs
Leadership Development
Abigail Littleton
Abigail holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Human Resources from Columbus State University, a Graduate Certificate in Professional and Technical Writing from the University of Kentucky, and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Economics from the College of Charleston.
Abigail joined CVYP to connect with fellow young professionals, contribute to the community, and continue growing as a leader.
Fun fact: she loves turning ideas into meaningful action!
Membership and Engagement
Arianna Burden-Force
Arianna holds a Master of Business Administration from Columbus State University and a Practitioner Certificate in Cybersecurity.
Arianna joined CVYP to expand her professional network, continue growing as a leader, and stay connected to the community while contributing to the development of future young professionals.
Fun fact: she enjoys finding ways to make complex processes clearer, smarter, and more efficient!
Community Impact
Avianca Dowdell
Avianca holds a Master of Science in Strategic Communication from Troy University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from Columbus State University.
Avianca joined CVYP to connect with fellow young professionals, give back to the community, and help create meaningful opportunities for connection and impact.
Fun fact: she loves finding ways to connect people with causes that matter!
Programs and Events
Melanie Brown
Melanie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Savannah State University.
Melanie joined CVYP to expand her professional network, connect with like-minded individuals, and step outside of her comfort zone.
Fun fact: she once dreamed of becoming an anesthesiologist before ultimately choosing a career in business.
College & Emerging Leaders
Kevin Woodrum
Kevin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance with a minor in Economics from Columbus State University.
As a Columbus native and Columbus State graduate, Kevin joined CVYP to connect with fellow young professionals, grow as a leader, and give back to the Chattahoochee Valley. He looks forward to bringing his experience in finance, leadership, and relationship-building to support CVYP and strengthen its impact in the community.
Fun Fact: Kevin has worked with investments and financial markets since his college days, but his favorite part of the job is often the people and relationships behind the numbers. He enjoys learning something new, whether it’s about the markets, the community, or the people around him.
Marketing & Communications
Vacant
We’re looking for dedicated community members who are interested in joining our Board and filling this open Chair position.
If you’re interested in serving, we’d love to hear from you! Please complete the form below to express your interest.
Learn More About Our Committees
Membership & Engagement Committee
Help shape the CVYP member experience from first connection to long-term engagement. Support recruitment, onboarding, retention, ambassador initiatives, and member benefits that make membership meaningful.
Leadership Development Committee
Help create opportunities for young professionals to grow as leaders and advance their careers through leadership programming, mentorship, professional development workshops, and board leadership opportunities.
Community Impact Committee
Turn connection into action by creating meaningful opportunities to give back, building partnerships with local nonprofits, encouraging civic engagement, and showcasing CVYP’s impact across the community.
Program & Events Committee
Create the experiences that bring CVYP to life; from networking opportunities and signature programs to engaging events that help young professionals connect, build relationships, and feel part of the community.
Marketing & Communications Committee
Help shape how CVYP shows up in the community by bringing our brand, stories, and opportunities to life across our website, social media, newsletters, public relations, and other communications.
College & Emerging Leaders Committee
Help bridge the gap between college and career by connecting higher education students with professional opportunities, resources, mentorship, and a supportive network as they take their next steps into the workforce.
CVYP Leadership Pathway
01 — JOIN
Become a Member
Start by becoming part of the CVYP community. Attend events, meet other young professionals, and explore the ways you can get involved.
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02 — GET INVOLVED
Volunteer
Put your membership into action by volunteering at events, supporting initiatives, and getting to know the people and work behind CVYP.
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03 — ENGAGE
Join a Committee
Take a deeper role by joining a committee that aligns with your interests, skills, and passions. This is where you can contribute ideas and help shape CVYP programming.
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04 — LEAD
Serve on the Board
Ready to take on a greater leadership role? Board members help guide CVYP’s direction, support its mission, and contribute to the growth of the organization.
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05 — LEAD FURTHER
Executive Committee
Board members interested in organizational leadership can apply for an Executive Officer position and help provide strategic leadership for CVYP.
“Get together, compare notes, and really learn from each other.”
— John Pezold
Greater Columbus Young Professionals, 2008