For the first time ever, we had an open, transparent, and inclusive process. We had 52 members and community leaders express interest. We had over a dozen interviews with finalist, and we debated for hours at the board level to discuss all of our amazing candidates.

We were impressed by the passion and excitement of every applicant. As we move into 2015, we have a board who is willing to both empower the next generation of Austin leaders and roll up their sleeves to do the work to make our members successful.

I hope you will join me in welcoming all of our new board members. If you would like to know more about all of these amazing folks, I’ve included their bios below and we will be updating the website when their terms start in 2015.

As a member of AYC, I wanted to make sure you knew the great news first. We are excited to announce the five members and community leaders set to join our diverse board in 2015.

The new board members for AYC include (bios below): Adam Flagg, Lauren Galea, Andrew Martin, Diana Nogueira, and Ashland Viscosi

We have members from the tech community, civic engagement, finance, real estate, hospitality and so much more. The fact that our 2015 board members include Austin natives along with people from across the country and world, puts us in a unique place to serve our members and greater Austin effectively. I know we are all excited about what is coming up in 2015.

Thank you so much,
Matt

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Adam Flagg

Adam Flagg is a Private Wealth Manager and Branch Director for Upstream Investment Partners. Upstream Investment Partners is a Financial Services firm that works with Individuals and Small Businesses on their finances across the United States. Adam’s financial practice began in 2007 with Edward Jones Investments and he became an independent advisor with Upstream in 2012. In 2014, he was promoted to Branch Director to seek out and recruit other financial advisors in the Austin, Texas area that also have the dream of running their own financial practice in an independent setting. Prior to becoming a financial advisor, Adam founded Illini Staffing in Central Illinois. Illini Staffing was a human resources/staffing company that at one point had over 1200 employees working at various contract sites.

Adam is a graduate of The University of Iowa and is proud to call himself a Hawkeye. In 2014, he achieved the CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) designation through a rigorous testing process while completing coursework through The University of Texas and the College for Financial Planning. He also holds the Series 7 & 66 securities licenses, as well as a Group 1 Insurance License. He also holds the AIF® (Accredited Investment Fiduciary) designation to help clients understand what it means to be a fiduciary and how implement successful investment practices and procedures to follow them. In 2014, he was 1 of 5 finalists for the Austin Under 40 Awards in the Financial Services category recognizing his professional and community achievements.

Adam’s involvement with the Austin Young Chamber began in 2009 on Day One as a Charter Member of the organization. He co-founded the Economic Development Committee in 2013 and now co-chairs the Economic Development Committee. Adam is married to Brooke and has 2 children at home, Oliver and Scarlett, and they enjoy hiking the trails near their home in Steiner Ranch

Lauren Galea

Lauren Galea is an Austin native who discovered her passion for marketing and advertising during her two years at GSD&M. She graduated summa cum laude with her Bachelor of Business Administration, and a major in Marketing, from Texas State University. While earning her degree Lauren competed as a member of Texas State’s nationally acclaimed fencing team. Lauren works as an Account Manager at Facebook within the Global Sales Organization.

Lauren has a passion for helping people and enjoys providing business marketing consulting to local businesses and non-profit organizations. Lauren is a strong advocate for Ronald McDonald House Charities, The Rainforest Partnership, and the Austin Lyric Opera and has worked with over 25 local businesses and non-profits in the past year. In her spare time Lauren enjoys traveling and meeting and connecting with people.

Andrew Martin

Andrew Martin came to Austin by way of Indiana where he earned a degree in Finance at Ball State University. He has been involved with the AYC Ambassador Committee since 2012 and currently chairs the committee. He currently works for Amiti Advising where he serves as a Financial Planner for young professionals.

Andrew enjoys staying active in the community through sports, especially basketball. He has coached basketball since 2009 and officiated since 2008. He currently officiates high school and college basketball in Austin and the surrounding areas.

A natural fit within the Ambassador Committee, Andrew enjoys building his network and connecting people. He has been very involved with AYC since he joined in 2012 and, as a Board Member, looks forward to serving AYC and it’s members for years to come.

Diana Nogueira

Diana Nogueira is the Social Media Manager for the Hilton Austin, the largest hotel in Austin. Diana joined the hotel in March 2011 as their Social Media Manager and Business Travel Sales Manager. An avid F1 fan, Diana also handled all of the hotel’s group bookings for the Formula One race in Austin until May 2014, where she worked on securing accommodations for the racing series top teams and sponsors. Diana currently oversees the online reputation and digital presence for the Hilton Austin and its two restaurants, Finn & Porter and Liberty Tavern.

Diana graduated from the University of North Texas with a B.S. in Hospitality Management and Minor Concentration in Business Administration. Prior to moving to Austin in March 2011 for her job at the Hilton Austin, Diana lived in Dallas and worked as an Interactive Marketing Manager and Social Media Manager for two top digital marketing agencies—Worldwide Revenue Solutions and Standing Dog Interactive. One of the highlights of her career was serving as Social Media Manager for Australia’s top movie theatre company.

Diana officially joined the Austin Young Chamber in July 2011 and served as Ambassador from July 2011- December 2013. She joined the Annual Meeting Committee in July 2013 and currently serves on that Committee. In her spare time, Diana enjoys traveling, working out, checking out new restaurants and watching movies. Next on her bucket list are England and Italy.

Ashland Viscosi

Ashland Viscosi was born and, partially, raised right here in Austin, Texas. She graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a BA in Political Science and quickly returned for her MA, also in Political Science. After serving in the Peace Corps Honduras she promptly returned to Austin, the city she loves best.

Ashland is the Development Associate at the Austin Film Society (AFS) where she manages the membership program, secures corporate sponsorships, and builds and strengthens relationships with members of the community. She created and manages the INDIEpendents, a committee for emerging leaders that supports the AFS Travel Grant and its artistic programs.

In addition to her work with the Austin Young Chamber and its Imagine Committee, Ashland coordinates sponsor relations for the ATX Television Festival, serves on the steering committee for Emerging Arts Leaders (EAL), is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and is a member of the 2014 Leadership Austin Emerge class.

Her greatest passion is the arts, with a special emphasis on film and filmmaking. Ashland produced several short films, including RAT PACK RAT, winner of a special jury prize at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival.