UT Knoxville Alumni recently unveiled the 2024 class of Volunteer 40 Under 40 award winners. This year’s class included five alumni from the College of Education, Health & Human Sciences.
Volunteer 40 Under 40 recognizes forty alumni under the age of 40 who have excelled personally and professionally since completing their degree at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This honor celebrates outstanding Volunteers and shares their accomplishments with our alumni, campus, and community.
Nate Bain
Master’s in sport management (’14)
Emmy Award-winning Director of Influencer Marketing at Tennessee Titans, Championing Youth Mentorship and Digital Innovation
Occupation: Director of Social Media and Influencer Marketing for the Tennessee Titans
Bio: Nate Bain, a Pulaski, Tennessee, native, excels as the Director of Influencer Marketing for the Tennessee Titans. With over 10 years in the NFL, he has earned prestigious accolades, such as a Gold Clio Sports Award and an Emmy for his innovative work in social media and content creation. Notably, Bain developed the Titans’ first celebrity marketing program and served on the NFL’s inaugural Influencer Steering Committee. Dedicated to mentorship, Bain actively engages with youth through various programs across Tennessee, fostering growth and opportunities in professional sports. His commitment to education and community service embodies his passion for uplifting others.
Trey Fisher
Bachelor’s in biochemistry and molecular biology (’09)
Master’s in kinesiology (’12)
PhD in comparative and experimental medicine (’19)
CEO Driving Innovation in Genetic Medicine
Occupation: President and CEO, Orion Therapeutics, Inc.
Bio: Trey Fisher is the President and CEO of Orion Therapeutics, Inc. and a co-inventor of the innovative GENESYS™ lipid nanoparticle delivery platform. He also founded Fisher Consulting Services, LLC, leveraging his extensive industry expertise. Additionally, he serves as the Director of Formulation at T&T Scientific Corporation. Fisher is a three-time UT graduate holding a doctorate in comparative and experimental medicine, a master’s in kinesiology, and a bachelor’s in biological sciences. His multifaceted roles underscore his contributions to therapeutic development and drug delivery technologies.
Courtney Holder
Bachelor’s in communication studies (’10)
Master’s in higher education administration (’12)
Championing Student Success Through Leadership and Community Service-Learning at the University of Maryland
Occupation: Assistant Director of Stamp Student Union, Director of Leadership and Community Service-Learning, and Co-Director of the Leadership Studies Program at the University of Maryland, College Park
Bio: Courtney Holder is dedicated to fostering student success through leadership and community service-learning at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD). As a professional in this field, she empowers students to become effective leaders and active community members. Her involvement extends beyond the classroom, collaborating with various organizations and stakeholders to create meaningful service opportunities that enhance personal growth and societal impact. This year, she received UMD’s Division of Student Affairs Outstanding Service Award due to her nationally recognized work with a student voting initiative and alternative breaks program.
Jerod Mayo
Bachelor’s in sport management (’07)
History as the Youngest and First Black Head Coach of the New England Patriots
Bio: VFL Jerod Mayo has enjoyed a long and successful career in the NFL. A former linebacker, Mayo was drafted by the New England Patriots 10th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft after a standout college career at UT. At Tennessee, Mayo was selected for first-team SEC and second-team All-American honors. He is a 2014 Super Bowl Champion and made the Pro Bowl after the 2010 and 2012 seasons, leading the league in tackles each season. He led the Patriots in tackles in each of his first five seasons and won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award. As a player, Mayo was named captain for seven consecutive seasons. After retiring from playing in 2016, Mayo served as an executive with Optum before returning to the Patriots as Inside Linebackers Coach in 2019. From 2019-23, the defense finished in the top 10 in total defense four times. He served as Head Coach of the Patriots for the 2024–25 season, succeeding Bill Belichick and becoming the NFL’s youngest head coach and the Patriots’ first Black head coach. Mayo holds a bachelor’s degree from the UT College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.
Brooks Savage
Bachelor’s in sport management (’08)
Master’s in sport management (’10)
From Lifelong Vols Fan to ETSU Head Coach and Community Advocate
Occupation: Head Men’s Basketball Coach East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee
Bio: Brooks Savage, a lifelong Vols fan, earned both his bachelor’s and master’s in sport management from UT. As a student manager and later Graduate Assistant Coach for the men’s basketball program, he contributed to significant achievements, including the 2008 SEC Championship. Savage’s career includes roles at Tulane, Northwest Florida State College, Presbyterian College, UT-Chattanooga, East Tennessee State (ETSU), and Wake Forest. Since 2023, he has been Head Coach at ETSU. A community advocate, he founded the “OUTLIVE – Tennessee Fights to Beat Cancer” initiative inspired by Chris Lofton’s battle with cancer in 2008. Savage emphasizes volunteerism and service leadership within his team and personal life.
Click here to view the class of 2024 Volunteer 40 Under 40.