Senior Account Executive, CoreMessage, Inc.
@JRachelGus

How long have you lived/what brought you to Tallahassee? In 2003, I moved to Tallahassee, sight unseen, after being accepted to Florida State University (Go ‘Noles!). It was a huge change compared to the South Florida beaches I grew up knowing, but I immediately fell in love with the “southern” feel of Northwest Florida. Now, I’ve lived in Tallahassee for nearly seven years and I really can’t imagine being a young professional any where else. Nothing beats spring time in Tallahassee.

Why NYP? During my time at FSU, I came to realize how many individuals view Tallahassee as a transient town. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Tallahassee has so much to offer and being a part of NYP helps me share that message to other young adults. NYP is about promoting a better quality of life for self-professed work-a-holics, newbies and those who are just uncertain about the awkward period between college life and the real world. If we can make even one person more content with the community they live in, then it’s all worth it.

Benefits Advisor, Strategic Benefits Group

How long have you lived/what brought you to Tallahassee? Initially my grandparents came here from the old country and that’s what brought me here.  I am a true Tallahassee native and lifelong ‘Nole.  I left my booming metropolis and moved to Tampa and attended St Leo University where I was able to discover that we are largely known as the ‘other Florida”; which I naturally took to mean that we have more culture and Southern Charm than most places.  What can reasonably be said about the greatest city in the country?  I don’t have time to do it here but what has brought me back are the people and the opportunities that are more clearly evident here than in most places.

Why NYP? Coming back into town, there was no particular avenue that I had discovered personally for a young, driven individual to meet others in the same frame of mind.  NYP naturally brings together individuals from ALL backgrounds and beliefs. It is a breeding ground to showcase not only the incredibly balanced cultural and business landscape of Tallahassee, but also provides the avenue to young people to become ever more balanced in their approach to life that will shape our organization, our people, and eventually our City and our Nation.

Aviation Planner, CDM Smith
@josephrfoster

How long have you lived/what brought you to Tallahassee? After interviewing with a company up in Cincinnati, Ohio (I’m an Ohio native) they called me and said “we have a position for you, but it’s in Tallahassee, Florida…would you be interested?” I had never been to Florida (not even to visit Disney) but decided to move here to start my career. I’ve lived in Tallahassee for 4 years now, exploring our city and meeting lots of great people in the process.

Why NYP? I didn’t know very many people when I first moved here, and those that I did know weren’t really in my demographic. So I made a point to start getting involved with NYP and other groups around town. Even though I went by myself to my first 535 Happy Hour, I was immediately introduced to a few of the current board members and other young professionals in the group. Since then, I have made both friends and business contacts through NYP. I think it’s a fantastic organization for young adults in Tallahassee, and I’m excited to be a part of it.

Senior Account Executive, News Service of Florida
@_kylemurray

How long have you lived/what brought you to Tallahassee? I have lived in Tallahassee for 3 years and came here to go to school and spend time with my father who already lived up here. I have enjoyed my time here as it has lead to me to an excellent job, getting a lot of my schooling done (almost there!) and meeting some great friends.

Why NYP? It’s intimidating moving to a newer city — sometimes even more so if it’s a smaller town like Tallahassee. People have their social circles and it can be awkward meeting new friends. NYP was natural for us who just moved here and I can credit a lot of happiness living here to the friends and events I’ve attended to NYP.

CPA, Senior Accountant, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC

How long have you lived in/what brought you to Tallahassee? I have lived in Tallahassee for the last eight years. I initially came to attend FSU – where students realize they either enjoy Tallahassee…or can’t wait to move out. I genuinely fell in love with Tallahassee and what it has to offer. I believe our city has a beautiful combination of cultural, outdoor, athletic and professional activities and opportunities.

Why NYP? After finishing graduate school and starting my career and family, I found it hard to find professional organizations that provided not only opportunities for professional involvement, but also business and community networking. NYP offers young professionals in Tallahassee a chance to become involved within the community, learn more about the opportunities and experiences available in Tallahassee, and develop relationships with fellow professionals in various business and non-profit arenas.

Digital Project Manager, The Zimmerman Agency
@mallorylbrooks

How long have you lived/what brought you to Tallahassee? I’m a native, having been born and raised here. While it was only a short time, I did experience life in a large city, and realized it just wasn’t for me. Tallahassee is my home, and I’ve made it my mission to make it a better and more appealing city for young professionals. I love that I’m helping shape Tallahassee’s future.

Why NYP? I was looking for a way to meet others my age. Even for someone who’s lived here her entire life, I found it difficult to transition from college student to young professional, as many of my friends had either moved away or were still in school, living the college lifestyle. NYP is a great way to ease that transition–I’ve met some really great people, several of whom I now call close friends.

Kristen Butler, Communications Co-Chair

Communications Director, National Federation of Independent Business/Florida
@kristenalexis

How long have you lived/what brought you to Tallahassee? I came to Tallahassee as a college freshman in 1999 and have been here ever since. After graduating in 2003, I had big plans to move wherever my career led me. But it only led me as far as North Monroe Street. I can still picture myself back then – cursing that I wasn’t able to move somewhere ‘fabulous’ and trying to figure out how to be a lonely graduate here. But now I feel that I’m something of a Tallahassee success story – since that tough transition, I’ve found in our great city a rewarding career, a community I love, a house, a husband, a lot of friends who also figured out how to be ‘grown ups’ here, and a fun, beautiful life that I’m proud of.

Why NYP? I was lucky enough to find NYP by doing exactly what NYP is about – networking with other young professionals. I decided to get involved because I know firsthand that it can be hard to find your place here once you graduate. But there is an entirely different side to Tallahassee that I discovered post-college – different places to live, eat, play and meet new people. I’m excited to work with NYP and be part of an organization that can help young people discover some of these things, and hopefully I’ll make some new friends and discover some new things about Tallahassee myself.

Bailey Vochatzer, Events

Associate Relations Manager, Hotel Duval

How long have you lived/what brought you to Tallahassee? The love of the Seminoles brought me to Tallahassee in 2008. I graduated from Florida State University in May 2010 (GO NOLES!). After graduation, I worked two part-time positions in Human Resources Departments at Florida State University and Hotel Duval. In February of 2011, I was finally offered my dream job working full-time as the Associate Relations Manager at Hotel Duval.

Why NYP? Unfortunately, as many others have experienced as well, after college, you start a new career, friends get jobs and might move away, and you realize living the college social life by going out until 2 am on a Tuesday night and working at 8am the next morning may not be the best choice. As my college friends began moving away and I began my career journey, I found myself looking for new ways to create relationships and friendships with like-minded young professionals. I was introduced to NYP by a good friend, Sean Donovan (2012 VP of NYP). I went to a few 535 happy hours, and everyone I met, from the board members to the young professionals, were so welcoming and engaging, I knew I wanted to get involved. I like to believe that if even one friendship or connection is fostered at an NYP event, then we were successful in achieving our mission.

Meghan Kelly, Arts & Culture Events

Coordinator of Chaos & Lobbyist Wrangler, Lisa Miller & Associates
@LisaMillerAssoc

How long have you lived in/what brought you to Tallahassee? I’ve always considered the panhandle of Florida my home; growing up in Panama City I discovered an early love for Tally, FSU, and politics so I moved here about 8 years ago to pursue an education and start a career. I now consider Tallahassee my home complete with great friends, amazing college memories, and a new house.

Why NYP? I found NYP about 2 years ago after meeting some friends who were members. I instantly loved the idea of young professionals getting together and sharing war stories over cocktails but realized that NYP had so much more to offer. The members and leaders of NYP are involved, hard working, and determined to make Tally a great place for people looking to start careers and families – the support and events provided create a strong base for people our age looking to continue on adventures or start new ones!

Sara Howard, Arts & Culture Events Co-Chair

Program Coordinator, Department of Art at Florida State University

How long have you lived in Tallahassee? A Tallahassee native, I decided to attend and receive two degrees from Florida State University because of the variety of programs being offered and because of the cultural opportunities in Tallahassee. I have developed long-lasting and meaningful relationships with friends and people in the Tallahassee community, and I look forward to the next chapter of my life as a young professional in this growing city.

Why did you choose to participate in NYP? A friend recommended that I attend an event, and from that first event, it was obvious that NYP wanted to foster meaningful relationships with those seeking personal, cultural, and professional opportunities in Tallahassee.  I thought, here is a group without an agenda, that is open to everyone, and can help enrich my experience in town while helping me to meet new people.  It continues to be exciting to find other people just like me, who want to live, work, play, and stay in this city that has so much to offer.  I am proud to now serve as part of this board.

Jonathan Rees, Sports & Outdoor Events

Governmental Affairs Coordinator, Associated Industries of Florida
@JonJRees

How long have you lived/what brought you to Tallahassee? As a Miami native, moving to North Florida to attend Florida State University was an absolute culture shock. After a brief move back to South Florida following graduation, I turned right back around and took a job in the town of my alma mater. Needless to say after 6 years of living here I’m happy to call Tallahassee my home.

Why NYP? It’s no secret that making the transition from student to young professional can be difficult. Quite honestly, I felt stuck in neutral as I tried to escape the “college scene” and connect with other young professionals like myself. By showing me what Tallahassee really has to offer, NYP has also introduced me to some really awesome people who I consider great friends outside of the organization!