Join us in celebrating Adam Cardwell, the Executive Director of the Kernersville Family YMCA, who has been recognized as one of Black Business Ink’s 2025 40 Under 40 Most Influential African Americans in the Triad. This prestigious award honors young professionals who are making a significant impact in businesses and communities across the triad. This year’s awards banquet theme, “Leaders Leading from the Front for Positive Change in Our Community,” reflects Cardwell’s dedication to service and civic leadership.
With over 11 years of experience with the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina prior to becoming the Executive Director at Kernersville, he has now been in his current role for almost two years. A Stokes County native, he graduated from Appalachian State University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and a minor in Exercise Science. His journey with the YMCA has included leadership in wellness operations, youth programs, and executive roles—most recently as Associate Executive Director of the Jerry Long Family YMCA before moving to the Kernersville Family YMCA.
Beyond his work at the Y, Cardwell is deeply involved in community service and leadership. He serves on multiple committees and councils, including the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina’s Belonging & Inclusion Committee and the National Advisory Council for Y-USA’s Boys & Young Men of Color Strategy. He has also contributed to the African American Resource Network Communications Committee with Y-USA.
In addition to his YMCA leadership, Cardwell is an active member of the Kernersville community and surrounding areas. He is a board member for Agape Faith Church, Impact Preparatory Christian Academy, a Rotarian with the Kernersville Rotary Club, and actively engaged with the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce. A member of the Leadership Kernersville Class of 2025, he will graduate from the program in May 2025. Most recently, he was named Treasurer of the Kernersville Rotary Club Board of Directors.
Please join us in congratulating Adam Cardwell and all of the 2025 40 Under 40 honorees. His leadership, passion, and dedication continue to make a lasting impact on our staff, members, the Kernersville community, and the surrounding areas.