🔒Meet the Judges

The three judges of the 40 Under Forty Class of 2016 are themselves former honorees. See what has changed for them as well as what made them select the members of this year’s class.

Duby McDowell, Class of 1997

• Now
• Title: President
• Company: McDowell Jewett Communications, Hartford
• Age: 56

Then

• Title: Co-host of CT ‘97
• Company: WFSB-TV Hartford/Channel 3
• Age: 37

What’s changed professionally for you, since you won 40 Under Forty?

I would have been surprised at age 37 to hear that my next career would involve owning a business. Journalism and politics were my focus at the time and I was busy trying to balance my reporting work at WFSB with raising children. But at MJC, we serve our clients through our understanding of journalism and politics so this evolution makes perfect sense. So I would tell this year’s winners that you could be in store for a “second act” professionally, and may love the new career even more than what you’re doing now.

As a judge, what stood out to you with this year’s group of 40 Under Forty winners?

How do these busy people make time for community service? It’s really impressive that a large percentage of this year’s winners are not only succeeding professionally but also “giving” in a number of ways. I’m excited to meet these men and women and ask what motivates them, and how they manage their time!

Wilson Camelo, Class of 2008

Now

• Title: Founder, President
• Company: Camelo Communications, Hartford
• Age: 45

Then

• Title: Agency Principal
• Company: Bauza & Associates
• Age: 37

What’s changed professionally for you, since you won 40 Under Forty?

Since my recognition as a 40 under Forty recipient, my dream of owning my own marketing communication agency has come to fruition. I have always had the entrepreneurial spirit living inside of me, and all the experiences I’ve had in my career have prepared me for the success I’m having today. I’m blessed to have had the opportunity to start and grow an agency that is ensuring companies are effectively marketing to the rapidly-changing demographics of our country.

As a judge, what stood out to you with this year’s group of 40 Under Forty winners?

What stood out for me is how more well rounded the candidates were in terms of not only contributions to their profession, but also to their communities. Candidates were finding time to give back while progressing in their careers. In addition, there were candidates from many different types of private, public and nonprofit organizations, demonstrating how the Greater Hartford economy is fueled by a wide variety of organizations.

McKinley Albert, Class of 2014

Now

• Title: Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
• Company: Hartford’s Camp Courant, Hartford
• Age: 33

Then

• Title: Director of Development
• Company: Hartford’s Camp Courant
• Age: 31

What’s changed professionally for you, since you won 40 Under Forty?

Last June, I was promoted to executive director and CEO of Hartford’s Camp Courant, the oldest and largest free summer program in the United States. It has been a wild and amazing ride, with a focus on major capital upgrades at our campsite in Farmington. In the past year, I have overseen the construction and installation of a brand new, state-of-the art pool, along with raising the necessary funds to build two new classroom spaces at Camp, buy new educational components for those spaces, and finding the funding for a new handicap accessible bathroom.

As a judge, what stood out to you with this year’s group of 40 Under Forty winners?

What stood out to me more than anything was the breadth of knowledge and talent we have here in the Greater Hartford community. I wish the group was actually “100 under 40” because it was next to impossible to select only 40 winners. The 2016 40 Under Forty winners are truly remarkable, and I am confident that this community will thrive under their leadership. I hope the next time someone gets down on Hartford or the state of Connecticut, they pick up the July 25 issue of the Hartford Business Journal. There are 40 incredible young professionals doing everything in their power to ensure that our community is the best place to live, work and play.

See the complete list of Forty Under 40 Winners for 2016!