In its fifth year, the 20 Under 40 awards presented by The Free Press recognize the young adults in Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties who have already made an impact where they live and work.
Winners are selected on the basis of their achievements as individuals and their contributions as members of the community and for high achievement in personal and professional endeavors.
Chris Raines, Logistics Coordinator for The Caswell Developmental Center in Kinston, was named a member of the 20 Under 40 Class of 2012, honored by The Free Press and also named Young Professional of the Year for 2012.
Raines is a native and resident of Deep Run, and is active in a number of community organizations and is known for his abilities as a performer and a producer of entertainment events. For over 25 years, he has produced, directed & starred in many productions raising money for charities such as the American Red Cross, Disabled Veterans, Relay For Life, The Community Council For The Arts, The Preservation Of Grainger Hill Society, & dozens more. He is a past master of St. Johns #4 Masonic Lodge & a current trustee doing charity work for the widows & orphans of the community & state. He recently joined the Lenoir County Fair Association as Entertainment Chairman, where he received the Genesis Award for outstanding new member in 2010, and works diligently year round through the Fair Association with our youth to promote community projects such as Eagle Scout, 4-H, & JROTC projects. Even though his schedule is always full he still finds time to mentor the youth in our community teaching them the value of volunteering & how to be successful in business & in life.