It’s not easy to be both young and successful: It takes hard work, dedication and a unique drive to rise above. Our annual 20 Under 40 list seeks to spotlight those whose professional and personal accomplishments inspire others and enhance the South Jersey community. This year’s list is no exception, as it features emerging leaders in all aspects of industry from law and marketing to technology and health care.
Tyler R. Griffin
VP Small Business Relationship Manager, TD Bank
Age: 29
Having already accrued a decade of banking experience, Griffin currently manages a portfolio of business clients with revenues up to $10 million. Griffin’s role at TD Bank has him overseeing its South Jersey region, and the way he’s earned his colleagues’ respect was evident in how many nominated him for this year’s 20 Under 40 list.
As a relationship manager, he provides personalized banking advice and support to local businesses. Griffin's mission is to provide capital to drive growth and support the local business economy. He also provides financing for investment and commercial real estate.
Furthermore, Griffin is an active board member for the Red Cross of South Jersey, and he obtained his bachelor's degree in public administration from Kean University in 2019. In his free time, Griffin enjoys volunteering with local charities and cruising in the Caribbean with his wife.
Charles Cunliffe, PE, PP, CME
Supervising Engineer, Municipal Engineering Practice, T&M Associates
Age: 35
Cunliffe is a highly regarded licensed professional engineer (PE) and supervising engineer for the municipal practice at T&M Associates. From the beginning, Cunliffe demonstrated technical competence, project leadership and a business acumen that continues to fuel his growth. Since joining T&M 10 years ago, Cunliffe has received multiple awards and promotions, including 2014 Employee of the Year, a promotion to Supervising Engineer in 2021 and was asked to join T&M’s esteemed Associate Program in 2022. Last year, he became a T&M Associates stockholder and owner in the company.
Providing municipal engineering and planning services throughout New Jersey allows Cunliffe to demonstrate the breadth of his technical capabilities used to improve the state’s roadways, drainage, parks, athletic fields and waterfronts. His positive impact to New Jersey can be seen in his work, including the Central Regional Athletic Field and Track Rehabilitation Project in Berkeley Township, the Garfield Avenue Boat Ramp in Toms River, the Bay Avenue Boat Ramp in Point Pleasant and numerous coastal resiliency projects in Little Egg Harbor Township.
Paige M. Bellino, Esq.
Partner, McNally & Bellino, LLC
Age: 38
For well over a decade, Bellino has been practicing law in New Jersey and Pennsylvania with a focus on transactional matters—including residential and commercial real estate, landlord/tenant issues, estate planning, business formation and continuity, and contract negotiation. Bellino also handles litigation matters and has ample experience in the area of title insurance defense.
Bellino opened her own firm with fellow attorney Stephen McNally in 2021. McNally and Bellino often speak at conferences and seminars providing continuing education credits to attorneys, title insurance producers and land surveyors. In addition, the firm hires and mentors legal interns from local law schools every summer.
Bellino is an active member of the Camden County Bar Association, the Cape May County Bar Association, the New Jersey Land Title Association and the Pennsylvania Land Title Association, and the firm she helped found is an affiliate member of the Cape May County Association of Realtors and the NEXUS Board of Realtors. Bellino also volunteers as a board member of the Cherry Hill Football Club.
Alicia Barbieri
Director of Corporate Communications & External Affairs, American Water
Age: 39
Barbieri’s role at American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the country, encourages her to apply her broad expertise across media relations, public relations, corporate responsibility and community relations for both the company’s and region’s benefit. She has effectively grown American Water’s digital presence, supporting its market-based businesses, strengthening the company’s relationship with Camden, and providing external communications leadership to build awareness of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s community programs.
Despite the demands of her professional work, Alicia makes it a point to serve her community. She continuously participates in various community events and takes part in the company’s AmerICANs in Action! month of service. A few of the volunteer opportunities and organizations she supported include the Mayor of Camden’s Camden Strong Clean Up Events, Petty’s Island Clean-up, Cathedral Soup Kitchen, Friends of the Wissahickon Clean-up and Healthy Kids Running Series.
Barbieri is also on the National Association of Water Companies Communications Council and recently served as a member of Junior League of Philadelphia, Inc., for four years.
Young Yoon
Counsel, Parker McKay P.A.
Age: 39
Within the firm’s construction and procurement department,Yoon represents public and private sector clients and handles all aspects of construction, from negotiation of contracts and preparation of bids and proposals, through contract administration, to construction litigation and dispute resolution. He also has experience with construction defect claims, commercial litigation, and insurance defense, and has represented a diverse range of clients—including Fortune 500 companies—in matters ranging from premises and product liability and property damage suits, to residential and commercial real estate transactions. An integral asset to the firm, Yoon was recently promoted, making him one of the firm’s youngest members of counsel. Yoon believes that the law sets boundaries, yet the practice of law allows and, in fact, requires creative and strategic thought for finding effective solutions.
A resident of Moorestown, Yoon lives with his wife and two sons. He is fluent in Korean, plays the bass and has run the Boston Marathon twice. Additionally, Yoon is a member of the Burlington County Bar Association and has been on the Council for Korean Americans since 2021.
Nicholas Matrongolo
Sales Executive, Small Group New Business Team, AmeriHealth
Age: 27
Matrongolo’s colleagues report that his star has been on the rise since joining AmeriHealth soon after receiving his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Montclair State University in 2018. As a broker executive, Matrongolo is responsible for growing AmeriHealth’s small group fixed funding, fully insured and consumer book of business through brokers. He focuses on maximizing current broker relationships and developing new ones to increase sales in his segment. His professional peers note that the self-starter has been an integral asset to numerous AmeriHealth teams, and that he happily mentors other associates.
Matrongolo joined the small group, new business team in 2022. Prior to that, he was on the large group new business team, where he was an associate account executive. Matrongolo has also served on the board of the Coastal NABIP (National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals) chapter as a membership chair since 2023. In his free time, Matrongolo volunteers with his local youth soccer organization as a coach and has fostered many dogs until they find their forever homes.
Jade Long
Development Associate, The Michaels Organization (TMO)
Age: 27
Long is involved in all aspects of the development process for affordable housing, including community outreach, underwriting, securing financing, design, managing relocation and construction oversight.
Long joined TMO in 2020 after graduating from the University of New Hampshire. Since then, she has worked her way through several projects. Her most recent projects include the Choctaw Trail in Saddle River and The Cliffs on Hudson in Englewood Cliffs—both of which have closed and begun construction. These are both 100% affordable projects in two of the state’s most desirable and affluent communities. After facing design and financing challenges within both projects, Long spearheaded the procurement of necessary financing to enable these projects to commence construction.
Long leads the Emerging Developers group and is on the Young Professionals Network Board at TMO. Both groups provide teammates with resources, educational conversations and networking opportunities to foster professional growth. Long is also on the Downtown Camden Young Professionals Committee, which actively contributes to shaping a thriving, dynamic, and inclusive urban center.
Kenneth Newhart
General Manager, Westin Mount Laurel Hotel
Age: 38
A South Jersey native, Newhart brings 20 years of hospitality experience to his new role of general manager at the Mount Laurel Westin. Newhart got his start in the industry at the young age of 17 as a front desk agent. After discovering his passion for hospitality through that position, Newhart earned a bachelor of science degree in hotel and restaurant management from Niagara University in 2008.
After graduation, Newhart went on to hold numerous positions at hotels all throughout the region, including general manager of the Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel and director of housekeeping—amongst other roles—for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
Now as general manager of a South Jersey hotel property, Newhart is utilizing his previous experience to elevate his guests’ stays and hotel’s potential alike. He is driving financial performance through a continued commitment to delivering the exceptional customer service and unparalleled guest experiences that have become the hallmarks of the 175-room Westin Mount Laurel.
Amber Pierce, M Ed.
Licensed Associate Counselor, Gateway Community Action Agency
Age: 35
As a licensed associate counselor, Pierce is currently working toward full licensure to become a licensed professional counselor. Amber holds a master’s degree from Walden University in mental health counseling and a bachelor’s degree in psychology: child behavioral services from Rowan University.
Pierce first realized her interest in the field after her brother’s autism diagnosis. Wanting to better understand what her brother was going through and assist with his care in any way she could, Pierce pursued a degree in psychology and later counseling. Her patience, optimism and willingness to be open-minded all have permitted her to utilize her ability to communicate, listen and navigate sensitive issues with tact and empathy.
As the school-based coordinator for Gateway Wellness Center, Pierce provides both school-based and outpatient counseling. Previously, she has worked at various outpatient facilities and in-home agencies, providing both in-home and outpatient therapy.
Pierce aims to support and assist her clients in maneuvering daily challenges and becoming the best version of themselves. Her philosophy is, “If you can change your perspective, you can change your life.”
Douglas Nelson, Esq.
Founding Partner, COO, Moustakas Nelson
Age: 38
In 2008, Nelson received his bachelor of arts in political science from the University of Delaware and in May 2011, Nelson earned his juris doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law. Today, Nelson is a founding partner and chief operating officer of the Moustakas Nelson law firm, where he counsels startups, entrepreneurs and established businesses in a variety of transactional business matters—primarily in the technology, internet, manufacturing, banking and health care sectors.
He also advises investors, lenders, and emerging companies regarding financing, both bank and privately funded ventures. Nelson provides counsel on a wide range of transactional matters, from corporate formation and shareholders/operating agreements to mergers and acquisitions to licensing, trademarks and more.
Prior to Moustakas Nelson, Nelson worked as a law fellow in the office of Sen. Christopher Coons and a law clerk for Judge Karen Suter, formerly a presiding judge of the Chancery Division in Mount Holly. Presently, Nelson is a member of the American Bar Association and the District III Burlington County Attorney Ethics Committee.
Jonathan Oliva
Manager, Engineering Services, South Jersey Gas
Age: 35
Since graduating from the Rutgers University School of Engineering in 2010 and throughout his 15-year engineering career, Oliva has focused on project development, engineering services, project management and bringing technological advancements to the utility industry. He is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and a member of American Gas Association’s engineering committee as well as its sustainable gas committee.
In addition to his work with South Jersey Gas, Oliva has served on the Hammonton Town Council since his election in 2020. Within his role as a councilman, Oliva serves as chairman of the town’s business and industry committee as well as a member of the Hammonton Planning & Zoning Board.
Oliva is the immediate past Chair of Hammonton’s Quality of Life Committee and a current Little League Baseball Coach. He is an active member of the Sons of Italy Lodge #1658, as well as the Hammonton Early Childhood Education Center’s Schoolwide Planning Team where he helps create school goals and develops innovative curriculums to help students and educators collaborate toward success.
Alexis D'Amico
Sales Manager, PCH Technologies
Age: 29
D’Amico is already a highly esteemed member of the team at PCH Technologies, which is based right here in South Jersey. With nearly three years of dedicated service, D’Amico has demonstrated exceptional proficiency and commitment in her role as the team’s sales manager.
When D’Amico began her journey with PCH Technologies, she initially joined as a client relationship manager. Through a continuous demonstration of her exemplary skills, unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of above-and-beyond excellence, she swiftly ascended to the position of sales manager. With her broad range of experience, tireless work ethic and a passion for creating lasting client relationships, D’Amico continues to play an integral role in driving the success and growth of PCH Technologies.
D’Amico is an alumna of Eastern Regional High School and holds a bachelor of science in marketing from the University of Tampa, where she was a member of the women’s lacrosse team. She is deeply rooted in and dedicated to the community she calls home.
Alexandra Noelle McGroarty
Founder and Managing Partner, McGroarty & Co. Consulting
Age: 34
Prior to founding and leading McGroarty & Co. Consulting—an HR consulting and executive search firm—McGroarty spent more than 10 years in corporate human resources. She is a certified diversity professional, certified professional coach and an accomplished author. Her recently released book The Elusiveness of Equality addresses the pressing issue of gender and sexual equity in our world, specifically in sports and media. With a strong desire to give back to the local community, McGroarty recently supported scholarship programs that allowed for single mothers to return to school and advance their careers.
Giana Campbell
Executive Director, Camden Education Fund
Age: 34
With a career spanning nearly two decades, Campbell ensures that a great education is a right for all—not a privilege for few. After teaching in Virginia, Campbell went on to lead communications and statewide implementation of academic standards and assessments at the Virginia and Tennessee Departments of Education.She joined Camden Education Fund (CEF) in 2022 to continue the fight for improved education opportunities.
CEF works to identify citywide needs in education, then provides grants and develops strategic partnerships to address those needs. Campbell charts a course for educational equity to ensure Camden is home to a vibrant public school system.
Joseph Beck
Clinical Operations Director, Cooper University Hospital
Age: 34
Through his life experiences, Beck witnessed the incredible care provided by South Jersey’s nursing staff and set out to pursue his own nursing career. After completing his nursing residency at Main Line Health in 2019, Beck joined the emergency department at Cooper University Hospital; those valuable lessons and skills helped him step up to first flow manager and eventually his current position, expanding his role and responsibilities to include the entire hospital. His work now involves working with an expert team of nurses throughout the approximately 600-bed Level 1 Trauma Center.
Ayinde Merrill
Program Officer, New Jersey Civic Information Consortium
Age: 29
Merrill, who was raised in Camden, gained experience in the nonprofit and organizing space by founding Watu Moja, a leadership-development organization dedicated to connecting Black and Afro Latino youth to the global African diaspora.
In his current role at the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium, Merrill supports the needs of over 40 grantees, serving communities across 15 of the 21 counties in the state through projects that include improving the quantity and quality of civic information, enhancing access to government data, training community members in storytelling and journalism, nurturing civic engagement and supporting media sustainability.
Ryan Blyzniuk
Vice President, Portfolio Manager Team Leader, WSFS
Age: 33
In his role at WSFS Bank, Blyzniuk oversees a sizable $550-million portfolio and handles some of the bank’s largest customers. Since joining WSFS in 2020, Blyzniuk quickly became an integral part of WSFS’s South Jersey commercial lending division by both developing new and servicing existing customer relationships while simultaneously managing 175% growth in the portfolio.
In addition to his portfolio management responsibilities, Blyzniuk is committed to mentoring younger bankers. He actively attends local business events, interacting and developing relationships with businesses to learn how WSFS can help them achieve their goals.
Joseph Welke
Executive Sales Representative, Paycom
Age: 32
Beginning his journey as a sales representative in 2016, Welke swiftly ascended the ranks at Paycom. His passion for problem-solving and driving organizational change have been instrumental in transitioning over 200 organizations to Paycom’s services. His strategic acumen and client-centric approach have delivered outstanding results, earning him respect within the industry.
Welke is also the founder and CEO of JJW Holdings and has built an impressive portfolio comprising seven properties throughout Camden County. Specializing in revitalizing distressed multi-unit properties, Welke oversees the entire rehabilitation process with meticulous attention to detail, ultimately securing new tenants and leases for each property.
Charissa Burgos-Patel
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Rowan University
Age: 36
Burgos-Patels career journey has been centered around supporting first-year students and their families as they navigate the college application process and explore their educational pathways. Her passion lies in understanding each student’s unique aspirations, talents and challenges, so incoming students feel empowered to reach their educational and career goals by finding appropriate majors, support systems and resources. During her time at Rowan, she has overseen the admission process for the New Jersey Education Opportunity Fund Program (EOF) and is committed to working with first-generation students, ensuring they have access to a quality educational experience.
Linsey Camire
Event & Marketing Planner, Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce
Age: 25
Starting as the chamber’s marketing coordinator, Camire created and published all social media content and was responsible for email newsletters, event collateral, advertising and the Annual Partner Program.
In her newest role, Camire focuses on preparing and executing all event planning, marketing, sponsorships and advertising for the chamber. She also assists with member communication services—connecting with chamber members on how they can build their visibility in the region. Camire is passionate about working with individuals and businesses throughout Gloucester County, assisting them with their growth and forming meaningful and lasting relationships along the way.
