Cobb Young Professionals, a project of the Cobb Chamber, named the 2024 Next Generation Award winners.

This year’s winners were Robert Carnes and Jennifer Peindado.

The awards were presented at the Chamber’s August Marquee Monday event.

The press release announcing the awards gave the following explanation of the awards, along with biographies of the recipients: 

CYP recognizes the county’s top young professionals with the annual Next Generation Award. Award winners are selected from a pool of nominees who can be admired, learned from, and celebrated within the Cobb community. Nominees are all in their 20s or 30s, active within their community, demonstrate leadership ability in the community and in their current role, and offer a unique perspective. Two winners of the Next Generation Award are named each year.

Robert Carnes, Marketing Manager
GreenMellen

Robert Carnes, a distinguished marketing professional and published author, has made significant contributions to the field of marketing and community engagement. He is celebrated for his commitment to storytelling, having published three books that guide individuals and organizations in sharing their stories effectively. Carnes’ passion for education and his role as a speaker at local universities and conferences underscore his dedication to shaping the next generation of professionals.

Carnes’ impact extends beyond his professional achievements. He has made significant contributions through community service, particularly in assisting nonprofits and churches in enhancing their marketing and communication strategies. A key figure in the Atlanta marketing community, Carnes serves on the board of directors for the American Marketing Association (AMA) Atlanta chapter, where he leads the mentorship program. His efforts include launching an innovative online mentorship platform and being named the 2022 AMA Atlanta Volunteer of the Year. Carnes also actively participates in various local organizations, offering his expertise and resources to uplift others.

In his role at GreenMellen, Carnes has been instrumental in expanding the agency’s services and client base, contributing to a 210 percent growth in recurring revenue. His leadership in GreenMellen’s Brighter Web initiative and successful transition of marketing meetups to paid events have further solidified his reputation as a forward-thinking leader. Robert Carnes exemplifies the qualities of a next-generation leader, not only through his professional accomplishments but also through his unwavering commitment to community development and mentorship.

Jennifer Peinado
Supervisor, Corporate Communications, Cobb EMC

Jennifer Peinado’s dedication to solving complex problems and making informed decisions has significantly improved member satisfaction and engagement at Cobb EMC. Her authentic leadership style inspires trust and loyalty, and her commitment to the company’s core values —”Put People First,” “Innovate,” and “Own It”— exemplifies her as a next-generation leader.

Peinado’s contributions extend beyond her professional duties. She has been a tireless advocate for the Hispanic community, helping increase awareness of Cobb EMC’s services. She played a pivotal role in translating communications to Spanish, thereby improving accessibility for Spanish-speaking corporation members. Peinado’s efforts have also been instrumental in launching Cobb EMC’s first employee resource group, WINS@COBB, which supports women’s professional development within the company.

Outside of work, Peinado’s commitment to community service is exemplary. She has served on the Ser Familia board of directors and contributed to various community outreach programs, including the Barbara Hickey Children’s Fund Diaper Day and Operation Warmth fundraisers. Peinado’s dedication to civic involvement and her passion for supporting the Latino community have made a significant impact, both within Cobb EMC and the broader community. Her work with Ser Familia has been particularly impactful, helping the organization expand its reach and improve its services.

Cobb Young Professionals is supported by Yearlong Presenting Sponsor, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

The Next Generation Award is presented by The Mazloom Law Firm LLC.

For more information about Cobb Young Professionals or the Next Generation Award, contact Rebecca Chadwick at rchadwick@cobbchamber.org or 770-859-2368.

About the Cobb Chamber

The Cobb Chamber, incorporated as the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce, is the largest business organization in the county.

Sharon Mason is the Cobb Chamber’s president and CEO, Dana Johnson is its Chief Operating Officer, and Mike Plant of the Atlanta Braves organization is its chairman of the board of directors.

The Cobb Chamber’s projects include Cobb Executive Women, Cobb Young Professionals, and the Area Councils: Cumberland, East Cobb, Marietta, Northwest Cobb (Acworth, Kennesaw, West Cobb), Smyrna, and South Cobb.

On its website, the Cobb Chamber promotes itself as follows:

As one of the most influential business advocacy organizations in Georgia and one of the top three chambers in the nation, the Cobb Chamber is dedicated to bringing the community and its leaders together to create jobs and strengthen the economy and quality of life so businesses and the community can achieve more.

Who We Are: We are a community of businesses working together to advance a vibrant economy.

Why We Do It: When businesses thrive, communities flourish.

What We Do (Our Mission): Together, with diverse partnerships, we:

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• Attract, recruit and retain jobs.
  
• Help companies start, grow and prosper.
  
• Advocate and collaborate to enhance our state’s business climate.
  
• Connect members to opportunities, new networks, and resources.
  
• Develop workforce and support education.
  
• Cultivate current and future leaders.