Age: 39

Job: Assistant operations officer, U.S. Navy

At work: I serve as both a leader and tactical subject-matter expert. My role requires coordinating and supporting ship operational readiness, guiding sailor training and ensuring our team functions with precision, discipline and unity.

Home and family: Chesapeake with husband Justin and two fur children, Snooky and Jazzy.

Volunteer activities: Founder of the Kicking Butts Campaign, board member of Keep Virginia Beautiful and current Mrs Elemental 2025.

Motivating factor: Impact through service. Whether it was my 20 years of military service or my work in environmental advocacy, I’ve always been driven by the opportunity to inspire others, give back and create lasting change in my community.

Advice to young people: Embrace service and use your passion to fuel purpose. Focus on the impact you can make by leading by example; when you serve others with integrity, opportunities and success will follow naturally.

Professional goal in five years: Elevate my Kicking Butts Campaign into a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

The one thing I’d change about Hampton Roads: I would love to see a recycling program return to residential communities. There is a wonderful opportunity to help our environment and reuse materials we are not taking advantage of!

Region’s biggest asset: Our rich history of military culture and our ability to blend diverse people into a thriving community that is full of potential.

Downtime: I love to work toward new fitness goals by bodybuilding and playing beach volleyball.

What really gets under my skin: Tardiness and hypocrisy; I value punctuality and integrity because these traits show respect and commitment for others’ time.

https://www.pilotonline.com/2025/10/27/top-forty-under-40-2025-amber-zufelt/