The annual list puts a spotlight on 40 exemplary individuals from the state of New York, all under the age of 40, who have already achieved transformative changes.

Caroline McGraw, Labor Relations Project Manager with SMACNA, was named to City & State’s 40 Under 40 list of Rising Stars.
The list features a remarkable cohort of young leaders from all across the state of New York. The annual list puts a spotlight on 40 exemplary individuals, all under the age of 40, who have already achieved transformative changes.
Before her time with SMACNA, McGraw created the state’s first municipal solar pollinator garden in 2016 as a project that won her the Girl Scout Gold Award, the organization’s highest honor. McGraw’s efforts to promote pollination did not stop there. McGraw followed up her work by successfully lobbying the state Legislature to provide $300,000 for pollinator research and to pass the Pollinator Friendly Solar Act of 2018.
In her current role with SMACNA, she works on educational programs and creating a more inclusive workplace.
McGraw was the youngest woman delegate to the 2020 Democratic National Convention and New York’s youngest woman delegate to last year’s convention.
Click here to learn more about City and State’s 40 Under 40.
Oct 21, 2025 — Member Update
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Feb 25, 2026 - Veteran sales management professional with two decades of experience will take the lead on several of SMACNA’s key initiatives, including our Premier Partners and Associate Member program.