Business Expert and Author Dr. David Washington Selected as Top 25 Finalist for the Outstanding Young Americans by the United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees)

RALEIGH, N.C., April 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. David Washington, Managing Partner of Washington & Company and author of Life Is a Choice: A Guide to Success in Life, was recently selected to be in the top 25 finalists to compete for the Ten Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA) award presented by the United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees).

The TOYA award is one of the most prestigious awards in the country and is given to people who exemplify immense accomplishment and/or leadership in the community. The award was initiated in 1938, has been awarded annually since 1940, and has included such individuals as President John F. Kennedy, President Bill Clinton, Vice President Joe Biden, and Quarterback Peyton Manning.

"I am incredibly humbled by this recognition and honor," says Dr. Washington, who also speaks to business organizations, associations and educational institutions about leadership, strategy and motivation. "It is great to be considered for such an illustrious and distinguished award as the TOYA."

Winners are selected on their achievement or contribution in at least three of the following areas: personal improvement or accomplishment; financial success or economic innovation; social improvement to major contemporary problems; philanthropic contribution or voluntary service; politics or government service; scientific or technological contributions; legal reform; cultural achievement; academic leadership or accomplishment; moral and religious leadership; athletic accomplishment; success in the influence of public opinion; any other important contribution to the community, state, or nation.

Dr. Washington was nominated on the basis of his personal accomplishment of overcoming a difficult childhood and his ability to achieve success. "My childhood required me to grow up very fast to help my family survive," explains Dr. Washington. "I was raised with limited resources; however, I thank God for a strong mother and the determination to achieve success."

Dr. Washington reached great levels of success by earning his Ph.D. by age 27 from North Carolina State University, becoming an assistant dean of the Poole College of Management by age 28, and winning the Outstanding Teacher and SGA Distinguished Professor awards.

Dr. Washington chronicles many of his challenges and successes in his new book, Life Is a Choice: A Guide to Success in Life. "My book was my opportunity to share with the world how faith and hard work can help anyone to overcome their obstacles," explains Dr. Washington. The book has also garnered acclaim by winning the Best Business Book of Year at the Los Angeles Book Festival.

The 74th annual TOYA ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 30th in Des Moines, Iowa.

About the United States Junior Chamber

The United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees) gives young people between the ages of 18 and 40 the tools they need to build the bridges of success for themselves in the areas of business development, management skills, individual training, community service, and international connections.

To learn more, visit http://www.usjaycees.org.

About Dr. David Washington

Dr. David Washington is the Managing Partner of Washington & Company, a business consultancy and training company. He has worked with various corporate and social organizations. He is a former faculty member of the Poole College of Management at North Carolina State University, where he received the Outstanding Teacher and the SGA Distinguished Professor Awards. Prior to his work in academia, Dr. Washington was a Noncommissioned Officer in the U.S. Army. He holds a MBA from Webster University, MSA from Central Michigan University, and Ph.D. from North Carolina State University. His passion is to educate, encourage and entertain people to reach their full potential.

For more information about the book, please go to http://www.LifeIsAChoiceBook.com.

SOURCE Washington & Company