Earlier this year, the University of Georgia announced the 2023 40 Under 40 honorees. The winners include 9 graduates with SPIA degrees. 40 Under 40 celebrates young alumni leading the pack in their industries and communities. Learn more about our Honoree Bill King, President & CEO of Downtown Raleigh Alliance.
What was your favorite SPIA class or favorite SPIA professor?
Local Government Economic Development with Dr. Joe Whorton
What was your favorite study spot as a student?
Main Library at window facing Sanford Stadium
What obscure thing are you talented at?
Played competitive ultimate frisbee at UGA and for many years after.
What is one weird fact or tidbit that you still remember from school?
Georgia has a state possum whose name is Pogo.
What one superpower would you give to everyone in the world? How would the world change?
Deep empathy for others. This could shift people to help each other, not harm, and work much collaboratively together for change.
Where’s the next place on your travel bucket list and why?
My grandfather came ashore at Normandy in WWII so always wanted to go there as part of visiting France.
If you could have dinner with one famous person, living or dead, who would it be? Why?
I think singer songwriter Tom Waits would be incredibly odd and interesting.
What is one piece of advice you have for current SPIA students?
Always be examining how you can improve, while having the confidence to know that you can and are capable of great things.
