Physicians, financial advisors, artists, and members of local government. A podcast host, a gym owner, and the head of a handcrafted honey production company. On the surface, the 2024 class of 40 Under 40 honorees is as diverse as they come. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find a shared passion and commitment to transforming the Pittsburgh region that sits at the heart of each of their professional and community contributions.
A partnership between PUMP and Pittsburgh Magazine, the annual 40 Under 40 awards program has recognized Pittsburgh area change-makers for the last twenty-five years. This year’s list, announced last month and featured in the latest issue of Pittsburgh Magazine, includes two Pitt Public and International Affairs alumni: Dwight Boddorf (MPPM ’17) and Prince Matthews (MPA ’20).
Dwight Boddorf (MPPM ’17) - Borough Manager, Tarentum
Tarentum Borough Manager Dwight Boddorf has worked in government for more than fifteen years, with roles spanning the federal, county, and local levels. His dedication to service reaches back even further, however, as he served his country in the Marine Corps from 2005 to 2008 and earned a Purple Heart and a Combat Action Ribbon in Iraq.
Boddorf received his Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM) from Pitt in 2017. Prior to his role in Tarentum, Boddorf was the township administrator in Stowe Township and chief veterans’ affairs officer for Allegheny County. He also served as the outreach coordinator and patient advocate for the Department of Veteran Affairs.
Outside of the office, he works with Veterans Affairs to research veteran suicide and identify prevention practices and serves as a mentor in the military mentoring network, Veterati. He also sits on the board of directors for Travelers Aid of Pittsburgh.
Prince Matthews (MPA ’20) - Founder and CEO, MAJESTECH And Viral Pyramid Marketing
A Pittsburgh native, Prince Matthews has been dedicated to the work of public service in his home community for more than half his life. He has worked within state and local government, in higher education, and for various community organizations and initiatives, Currently, he is responsible for coalition-building and grant programs with the POISE Foundation and Black Equity Coalition. He is also the Founder and CEO of Viral Pyramid Marketing, a digital marketing agency that provides a variety of services to businesses, entertainers, nonprofit organizations, and social media influencers around the globe.
Matthews received his Master of Public Administration from Pitt in 2020, graduating with a concentration in Public and Nonprofit Management. He also participated in the Leadership Portfolio Program through the School’s Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership, where he served on the board of directors for the South Pittsburgh grant-making organization, the Birmingham Foundation. He remains a member of the Foundation’s board to this day. Matthews was one of two students chosen to speak at the University Commencement Ceremony in 2020 and a White House Fellows Regional Finalist that spring.
A full list of this year’s awardees can be found online and in the November issue of Pittsburgh Magazine.