Johnson and Keener named to Forty Under 40 list

The Charleston Regional Business Journal recently named two Charleston Southern employees to the 2019 class of Forty Under 40.

Honorees are nominated by individuals and businesses. The CRBJ said, “The annual awards recognize the success and community involvement of 40 professionals under age 40 who are making their mark on the region from a mix of industry, professional and community sectors.”

Jenna Johnson is assistant director of integrated marketing in the office of marketing and communication, and Cady Nell Keener is assistant vice president for development and special gifts in the office of development.

Johnson and Keener both juggle demanding careers, families and volunteer work in the community.

Johnson earned a bachelor of arts in political science and journalism from Clemson University in 2009. She is currently enrolled in CSU’s master of business administration program. She is cofounder of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Charleston and was featured in the 2016 listing of 20 to Know in North Charleston. In a CRBJ interview, she said her entire life has revolved around serving the community in some way. 

“I’m a PK (pastor’s kid) and grew up in the church. My parents instilled in me a deep devotion to carrying out the teachings of Jesus – to love my neighbor, to help widows and orphans, and to give back in every way possible. At the end of the day, knowing at least one life could have been changed for the better because of some small act of kindness – through volunteer work, funds raised or words spoken – makes life worth living,” Johnson said.

Keener graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2009 with a bachelor of science in business administration in marketing and management and received her MBA in 2015 from CSU with an emphasis in leadership. She is copresident of Ellevate Network, and a member of Toastmaster International, the Summerville Junior Service League and the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. Keener said the best advice she has ever been given is to live a life of integrity.

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