Forrest L. Alton

His job: Executive director, S.C. Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

Age: 31

Family: Single

Education: Bachelor’s degree, health promotion, Coastal Carolina University; master’s degree, public health, USC

Community involvement: Coastal Carolina Distinguished Alumnus (2008); past board member, S.C. Association for the Advancement of Health Education; advisory committee, Arnold School of Public Health Campus-Community Partnerships for Health; S.C. Interagency Coordinated School Health Workgroup; member, State Alliance for Adolescent Sexual Health; member, Delta Omega Society, Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce; Young Leaders Society, United Way of the Midlands; member, Columbia Opportunity Resource; member, American Public Health Association, American School Health Association

From his nomination: “Forrest’s leadership has increased the visibility of (the S.C. Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy) beyond the scope of a traditional non-profit to include partnerships with the business community and media outlets throughout South Carolina.” — the board and staff of the S.C. Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

How do you define success? “I have been raised (to believe) that success is a journey, not a destination. I’ve been blessed in my life to have two great parents and a whole host of mentors that have instilled in me a belief that if you work hard — really hard — and keep doing things the right way, success will come.”

What slogan do you live by? “Benjamin E. Mays once said, ‘Every man and woman is born into the world to do something unique and something distinctive, and if he or she does not do it, it will never be done.’ ”

If you could cure the ills of the world, where would you start? “It starts with investing in young people, ensuring they are prepared for their future and helping them to prevent pregnancy. Teen pregnancy is inextricably linked to a host of other ills in the world like infant mortality, abuse, poverty, juvenile delinquency, an undereducated workforce.”

How much of your success do you attribute to luck and how much to work? “I’ve benefited from both hard work and being in the right place at the right time. … I’m a big believer in ambition, dedication and hard work, but there is something to be said for the influence of family, surroundings, positioning and a little luck.”

Despite the down economy, what are you optimistic about? “The difficult times we are in have forced us to become closer as a people and learn how to work together more efficiently, have encouraged creativity and innovation.”