By Sicilia Reed

W hen Evan Karanovich reflects on receiving a distinguished honor, he doesn’t view it as a personal trophy or a testament to his own achievements. Instead, for the Principal Program Lead for Government Relations at Chick-fil-A Inc. and U.S. Navy Reserve public affairs officer, the recognition serves as a mirror reflecting the community of people and places who invested in him along the way. 

The 2012 Georgia College & State University alumnus was just named to Georgia Trend’s annual ’40 Under 40’ list. 

"This is certainly a distinguished recognition. It does, however, have me thinking less about it as an accomplishment and more about an acknowledgment of all the investment and encouragement that have been gifted to me throughout my personal and professional journey," Karanovich said. "I’ve been the beneficiary of so many others' mentorship and recognize I’m not a 'self-made' man." 

That foundation of humility, mentorship and service was heavily shaped during his time at GCSU. As a student, Karanovich immersed himself in campus life, serving as Student Government Association President, Vice President and Senator, a Student Judicial Board member, Student Ambassador, Orientation Leader and a volunteer firefighter with Baldwin County Fire Rescue. His campus leadership earned him accolades including the Transformational Leadership Award, the ODK Emerging Leader of the Year Award and the prestigious Eve Puckett Giving Tree Award, alongside involvement in his social fraternity, Kappa Alpha Order, and multiple collegiate honor societies. 

For Karanovich, who joined Chick-fil-A in 2016, GCSU provided the essential framework for experiential leadership, strategic thinking and long-term career success. 

"GCSU and my experience provided me an incredible foundation for life. It was forged by real results and relationships that remain even today," Karanovich explained. "From my academic to extracurricular pursuits, campus served as a learning, leading, and living laboratory for me. It was a safe place for me to call home, build that foundation, and launch into my career."  

Beyond academic preparation, the university provided critical lessons in character. Karanovich credits his pivotal years on campus with replacing youthful ego with a permanent, enduring commitment to continuous learning and servant leadership. 

"There were many times that my arrogance might have convinced me that I had all the answers, but my time at GCSU first taught me that forever curiosity is far greater than any hubris," he reflected. "That and many lessons remain with me today!" 

Today, Karanovich’s dynamic career spans public service, corporate strategy and community engagement. Through every milestone and professional achievement, he continues to draw strength, perspective, and direction from the roots he planted in Milledgeville. 

"It’s been remarkable to, even today, find these lessons learned and relationships gained while at GCSU speak life into me daily. I’m better for it with my life being enriched by it," Karanovich noted. "I hope my impact is greater in service to others for it. This honor certainly wouldn’t have been recognized without their contributions."

Georgia College & State University alumni are consistently included on Georgia Trend's prestigious '40 Under 40' annual list. Last year, alumna Sara Murph {'11) earned the honor. And in 2025, three GCSU alumni earned a '40 Under 40' designation: Adam Hammond (’08), Michele Howard (’09) and Dr. Joy King (’09, ’15, ’17).