Erica Coulston, of Bloomfield Hills, was named the winner of the 2013 Elite 40 Under 40 Thursday just before L. Brooks Patterson's 19th State of the County Address at Detroit Country Day in Beverly Hills.

The co-founder of Walk the Line to SCI Recovery in Southfield, took the stage first and introduced the long-time county leader, who is still recovering himself from a serious car crash in August. Paralyzed from the chest down after a car crash in California in 2001, Coulston was chosen a finalist because of her inspirational attitude and dedication to helping others in the community.

She thanked Patterson and commended him for inspiring her.

“For me, Brooks encompasses an unwavering determination and drive, and lives his life with profound passion and purpose," the 34-year-old said in a news release. "I am excited to work hand in hand with the Elite 40 Under 40 Class of 2013 and Brooks’ administration to continue to inspire our community.”

"What a remarkable young lady," Patterson said when he took the stage, in a chair.

Public voting for the finalist took place on the Advantage Oakland website all of last week. Also nominated were Ajay Chawla, of Troy, and Ziad Kassab, of Rochester Hills.