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We are proud to announce that Lonny Stern, Senior Director of Business Development at Skillpoint Alliance, has received the Austin Under 40 Award in the Community Service & Non-profit category in the 17th annual Austin Under 40 gala and awards ceremony.

Lonny was overjoyed upon receiving the honor and expressed his hope that the award helps Skillpoint in its mission to build human capital in the region. “I have dedicated my career to building economic opportunity,” said Stern. “It’s [our] goal to support the growth of our local businesses, attract more businesses to locate here and ensure that those who grow up here benefit from that growth rather than just serve coffee to those that move here.”

The Austin under 40 Awards is regarded as Austin’s premiere event honoring young talent across various industry sectors. From design and culinary arts to technology and government service, these 14 young professionals represent the breadth and scope of Austin’s professional landscape. During his acceptance speech, Lonny said “people move to the coasts to be something, people move to the middle of the country to DO something.” We’re glad that our colleague has chosen to work with Skillpoint Alliance to do the important work of building human capital across the region.

Before coming to Skillpoint Alliance in 2009, Lonny served as the Outreach Director at the Center for Public Policy Priorities (CPPP) and Communications & Outreach Director for Hope Street Group, both nonpartisan policy organizations. He has also worked as a Research Analyst for the Texas House Research Organization (HRO); led transportation research teams for Good Company Associates and the Congressional Research Service; served as Executive Director of the Austin Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival (aGLIFF); and held various communications and promotions positions at KO-OP Radio, Project Transitions, and for Florida Governor Lawton Chiles. Lonny earned a Masters in Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at UT-Austin in 2004. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications at Florida State University in 1999.

Read more about the winners announced at the Awards Gala on March 7th at the JW Marriott.