Harris County Chamber of Commerce President Jayson Johnston has been named to an elite company of Georgians by Georgia Trend Magazine.

The magazine released its annual “Top 40 UNDER 40” list this month and Johnston, who has been with the Chamber since 2012, was among those selected.

Georgia Trend bases its picks on “outstanding” leadership targeting those under 40 it believes are “people making their marks” in the areas of business, government, education, the arts or non-profits.

“Jayson has brought a new energy to our community,” said Court Dowis, current chairman of the Harris County Chamber’s Board of Directors. “In less than two years, he has been able to identify the true assets in our county and build the cooperation needed among business and county government”

Dowis goes on to add that Johnston’s leadership and service have improved the Chamber’s past programs while “he continues to create new resources that benefit our county and our chamber on a daily basis.”

The magazine pointed out that in his first year alone, Johnston’s efforts helped increase membership some 25 percent while member retention rate was more than 98 percent. “By focusing on what the Chamber was doing well and what could be improved, Johnston has enacted big changes,” wrote Trend.

“From time to time, every organization can benefit from a new set of eyes,” said Pine Mountain Mayor Jim Trott.  “Jayson Johnston has been the right set of eyes for the Chamber.  He has built on the Chamber’s strengths and has charted a new direction in outreach.  He truly embodies what Georgia Trend's 40 under 40 is designed to capture.”

Johnston is a native of Columbus and a graduate of the University of Georgia. He and his wife, Laura, have one son, Raylan.  He came to Harris County after spending 14 years in Charlotte, N.C., where he worked in the areas of special event production, community development, promotion and marketing.

“It’s truly an honor to be listed among a select group of Georgians by Georgia Trend,” said Johnston.  “But no one can be successful without a lot of help from others, and I have been fortunate to be associated with outstanding individuals who are committed to doing what’s best for Harris County.”

This is the 16th consecutive year Georgia Trend has issued its top 40 list.