Dr. Lucetry B. Dalton, a clinical psychologist with McLaren Health System, was selected by a public online vote as the winner of the Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 Under 40 Class of 2018.

Dr. Dalton, born and raised in Pontiac, is the youngest Elite 40 Winner at the age of 28. After receiving her doctorate from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington DC, Dr. Dalton has returned to Michigan and is active in several non-profit organizations as well as mentors, counsels and tutors minority youths from low income areas.

“I am a proud product of Pontiac, born, raised and educated there, and I still remain active in several hometown organizations,” Dalton said. “I want everyone to know that, despite its shortcomings, great opportunities and even greater people come from this city when given the chance.”

The announcement was made Wednesday night at Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson’s State of the County address held at the Flagstar Strand Theatre in Pontiac. As the winner, Dalton was given the honor of introducing Patterson to the crowd of about 800.

“It was a very surreal feeling,” Dalton said. “I feel very blessed and humbled to receive this honor, not only because it validates the hard work that I have put in my entire life, but it is also a positive reflection of the city that bred me. Pontiac is one of those cities that is underprivileged and often looked down upon.”

Patterson praised Dalton’s commitment to her hometown.

“She has tremendous passion for Pontiac,” Patterson said. “She is obviously a high achiever, and at such a young age. I see great things in her future and for Pontiac. Pontiac should be proud of her.”

About 220 applications and nominations were reviewed by a panel of judges, looking for the top 40 young professionals and thought leaders who live or work in Oakland County. The 40 honorees have achieved excellence in their field and contributed to the quality of life in their communities. Of that group, the three candidates who scored the highest are placed before the public vote to determine a 2018 winner. This is the seventh year of the Elite 40 program.

“We are fortunate to have so many talented and passionate leaders who are committed to improving their professions and their communities every day,” Patterson said. “This is an outstanding class and they are wonderful ambassadors for Oakland County. Our future is in good hands.”

Learn more about the Elite 40 Program at: www.Elite40.com.

Previous Elite 40 Under 40 class winners include:

• Brooke Wilson Vitale, Owner of Love & Buttercream Bakery; Class of 2017
• Ali Woerner, Oakland University Assistant Professor of Dance and co-founder and co-director of the non-profit professional modern dance company, Take Root; Class of 2016
• Melody Arabo, Walled Lake Consolidated School Districtteacher and former Michigan Teacher of the Year; Class of 2015
• Susan Kruger, President and CEO, SOAR Learning, Inc.; Class of 2014
• Erica Coulston, Owner of Walk the Line to SCI Recovery; Class of 2013
• Hajj Flemings, CEO/Founder of Brand Camp University; Class of 2012

Learn more about the Elite 40 Under 40 program on the Advantage Oakland website. Keep up with the class and events on Facebook & Twitter and join the conversation using #Elite40.

For the latest county news and events, visit our website and use #OaklandCounty on our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn pages.