Now in its 26th year, our annual Best & Brightest 35 and Under issue celebrates the women and men who are rising stars in the business community.
Even though they have many more years in the workplace, these Best & Brightest have made an impact at their businesses and in our community.
We appreciate their dedication to making our state a better place to live, work and play.
Each one is unique, and we’re privileged to let them tell their stories here.
The 2020 Best & Brightest 35 and Under is sponsored by KPMG, Northwestern Mutual, Graycliff Capital Partners, DeHollander & Janse Financial Group, Infinity Marketing and AMEC, LLC.
Please join us in saluting these future leaders.
Morgan Allen
Executive Director
euphoria Food, Wine & Music Festival
Age: 35
Bio: I am the executive director of euphoria, Greenville’s four-day food, wine and music festival that consists of exclusive tastings, cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, multi-course dinners, live musical performances and more. After graduating from Georgia Southern University, I started my career in hospitality in St. Simons Island, Ga., which is also where I grew up, before moving to St. Thomas, USVI, to further my passion for the industry.
In 2016, I relocated to the Upstate, not knowing how much I would fall in love with the area and the thriving culinary scene. I quickly joined euphoria as the event director of food & beverage before transitioning to the executive director position in 2018. I am proud to be a part of euphoria’s mission to shine a spotlight on Greenville’s thriving culinary arts scene while giving back to the community. It feels great to know we’re impacting the hospitality and tourism industries while supporting dozens of local charities. I feel blessed to have a career that makes a difference in my community and allows me the flexibility to share experiences and spend time with my family.
What is your favorite quote?
“Life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it.”
– Charles Swindoll
Who was your most influential mentor?
My parents
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
Try not to grow up too quickly, don’t be afraid, and explore life.