Pike County Young Professionals will have many opportunities this year to hear inspirational speakers, beginning with Troy University Athletic Director John Hartwell.

Hartwell is responsible for the day-to-day administrative oversight of the football, men’s basketball and baseball programs, along with other duties. But Hartwell’s expertise doesn’t stop at sports.

Hartwell is a 1987 graduate of The Citadel and spent more than four years as a certified public accountant before serving as director of internal audit at The Citidel.

“We try to select speakers who will be of interest in the business world and are charismatic and inspiring individuals,” said Kathleen Sauer, president of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, sponsor of PCYP. “We are very fortunate to have John Hartwell join us.”

Hartwell will speak on Thursday at noon during a PCYP meeting that is open to the public, but reservations are required.

PCYP meetings are geared toward ages 45 and younger, and there are no fees associated with the group. Members are only asked to pay for their lunch at each event.

“We started up a few years ago as a way to give young professionals in our community a chance to come together and meet each other,” said Leigh Anne Windham, PCYP member and Membership and Community Development director for the chamber. “It is great for networking and learning from successful community and business leaders.”

The group will also host an after hours event on Feb. 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Johnson Center for the Arts where members will be able to learn about two exhibits at the center. One exhibit features holocaust survivors and the other celebrates African American art.

For more information about PCYP or to RSVP for the Thursday luncheon, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 566-2294, or PCYP Chairman Heath Deramus at heath@troycountryclub.com.