Abilene Young Professionals

Check your inbox - we send email newsletters to keep you updated with AYP happenings. We continually invite you to attend events where you can connect with people who are like you living and working in Abilene. For ongoing updates, keep up with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Nope, you sure don't! Anyone can attend our events, and we don't card at the door.

Your first AYP After Five networking event is on the house - come check out what AYP is about for FREE. Every AYP After Five networking event after your first event is only $10 unless you sign up to become a member for $100.

Luncheons do require an additional cost so that we can feed you.

AYP is led by a steering committee made up of 17 young professionals in Abilene. Six members of the committee are representatives from the AYP Foundation Sponsors. 

Our steering committee serves two roles: be the voice of young professionals for the Abilene Chamber of Commerce initiatives and act as a community advocate on issues impacting young professionals. They meet monthly and represent young professionals at a number of Chamber and community events.

All of the steering committee members must be employed by a Chamber member and serve three-year terms. Interested in joining the AYP steering committee? Reach out to us.

Contact Cameron here. 

Whatever feels comfortable to you! The majority of attendees dress in business casual clothes.

Job Title: Client Advisory Services Manager

Fun Fact: Meredith and her husband, Chase, were both born and raised in Abilene. Meredith attended Abilene Christian University where she received her undergrad and master’s degrees in accounting before beginning her career in public accounting in Dallas. Shortly after the birth of their son in 2016, the Churchills moved home to Abilene because they’ve always believed our town to be the best place to raise a family. Their son is now eight and they also have a five-year-old daughter. Meredith enjoys playing tennis for fun and competitively, and plays every chance she can when her busy work and family schedule allows.  

Job Title: Cybersecurity Program Specialist

Fun Fact: I graduated from Embry-Riddle University with a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and minors in Cybersecurity and Forensic Accounting. I also had the privilege of studying counter-terrorism in Israel. As a Cybersecurity Program Specialist, I'm passionate about the continuous learning opportunities the ever-evolving field presents. In my free time, I love going camping with my beautiful wife, our five awesome kids, and our biggo bulldog!

Job Title: Chief of Public Affairs

Fun Fact: Hannah was born in Kentucky and graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2018 before heading to Europe for five years to serve in the Air Force. Hannah and her also active-duty spouse, Mike, were welcomed back to the U.S. with their move to Abilene in July 2023. She loves competing in triathlons and sharing her passion for civic education and local government with anyone who will listen. She’s excited to get plugged into the Abilene Chamber and serve the AYP!

Job Title: Human Resources Business Partner

Fun Fact: Sharayah went to Angelo State for her undergraduate degree and quickly moved to Abilene afterward due to marrying her now husband, Austin. Sharayah started working for Hendrick soon after and quickly discovered her passion for customer service and the importance of working for a company that holds such strong value in their mission and purpose. She has now been at Hendrick for over six years and plans to continue to grow at Hendrick for much longer. In her free time, Sharayah loves to play with her dog named Brindle, read a good book, or go hiking with her husband.

Job Title: Assistant Vice President Commercial Lender

Fun Fact: Collin Heidenheimer was born and raised in Anson, TX, where he graduated from Anson High School and went on to attend Texas Tech University. Collin Heidenheimer received both a BBA and MSA in Accounting. In 2019, Collin moved back to Abilene to work at First Financial Bank as an Analyst and has worked his way up to commercial lender at the Antilley Location. Collin is very excited about joining the AYP steering committee and is looking forward to continuing to network and meet more of the young professionals in the Abilene community.

Job Title: Project Manager, Civil Engineering - Municipal Services

Fun Fact: Emma is originally from the small town of Breckenridge, TX.  Emma graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University, College Station. Following graduation, Emma moved to Dallas for 2 years and now has come back to West Texas with her husband, Stetson, with plans to make Abilene home. She loves people and has a desire to serve AYP and others within the community. Emma is excited to be amongst a group of individuals with aspirations to progress in Abilene.

Job Title: Internal Medicine Physician

Fun Fact: After graduating from Wylie High School, Austin Lunney, MD, attended Texas Tech University and received his undergraduate degree in chemistry and then a medical degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in Lubbock. Dr. Lunney then completed his internal medicine residency at Baylor Scott and White in Temple. He is thrilled to be back home and enjoys giving back to the community he grew up in by serving on various boards within the Hendrick and Abilene communities. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Brenna (Harper) for 10 years and enjoys spending time with their two boys, Grant & Cason.