Yesterday, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson welcomed members of the 2014 Class of Elite 40 Under 40 for a morning forum to meet and network in a more personal setting.
Members of the 2014 Elite 40 Under 40 class (L-R): Stephen E. Naughton and Jeff Jorge
Elite 40 members present at the forum were Stephen E. Naughton (Campaign Architect at Marketing Impact, Inc.) and Jeff Jorge (Executive Partner at Global Development Partners).
It was the fourth forum held for the 2014 class, which also included Oakland County Director of Economic Development and Community Affairs, Irene Spanos.
This forum brought in a diverse duo of young professionals, both excelling in their industries. At age 24, Stephen E. Naughton is the youngest member of the 2014 Elite 40 class. In a short time, he quickly advanced his career from Intern to Campaign Architect at Marketing Impact, Inc. Stephen has had tremendous success with dealer-direct marketing programs, most notably for Bombardier Recreational Products of Quebec and Pet Supplies Plus. He assesses the needs of dozens of local businesses, from small and medium sized to international Fortune 500 companies, from a product and expertise standpoint. For Stephen, “it’s all about results”. Stephen is actively involved with many charities and enjoys giving back to the community. He spends some of his spare time as a mentor with the Youth Adult Ministry Leadership Team at his church here in Oakland County.
Brazil native, Jeff Jorge, was able to capitalize on his international background to launch GDP, a company that helps small to medium scale businesses expand their organizations internationally in a turnkey manner. Now as Executive Partner at GDP, he provides clients with initial expansion efforts, creates new jobs and accelerates global growth. In talking with Patterson about global expansion in relation to Oakland County, Jeff said, “It’s an ecosystem, we all play different parts in helping these companies move abroad. We all compliment each other”. Jeff is also a member of Automation Alley’s International Business Advisory Council and a supporter of Medical Main Street. He is also one of the youngest employees to lead international market expansion at two Fortune 500 companies, TRW and Delphi.
The Elite 40 networking forums give class members and Oakland County leaders the chance to discuss potential opportunities – from volunteerism, to partnerships, and beyond.
“I really enjoy these forums because we want to get to know the Elite 40 more personally,” Patterson said. “You truly are the future leaders of tomorrow for Oakland County and this region”.
The Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 Under 40 program shines a spotlight on the young men and women who are excelling in their fields and giving back to their communities in a way that improves quality of life. To learn more about the program visit our website HERE. To view the entire 2014 Elite 40 Under 40 class, click HERE.
