Augusta, GA - On October 17, 2024, JA of Georgia will honor two distinguished laureates and showcase the impact of Junior Achievement programs on the next generation of entrepreneurs. This year’s gala is presented by Georgia United Credit Union, Georgia’s Own, and Piedmont Augusta. 

The gala will be held at the Augusta Marriot Convention Center, bringing together influential business figures, community leaders, and supporters of Junior Achievement to celebrate the lifetime achievements of Dave Brendza, Division Vice President and General Manager for the ADP offices located in Augusta, GA and Louisville, KY and Stephanie Stuckey, Chair of Stuckey’s. As this year’s Laureates, Brendza and Stuckey will be inducted into the JA of Greater Augusta Business Hall of Fame. 

JA of Georgia's President and CEO, John Hancock, shared, "We are thrilled to recognize the incredible business endeavors of Dave and Stephanie during this year’s eagerly awaited return of the JA of Greater Augusta Business Hall of Fame. I am excited for the years ahead and the exceptional business leaders we will have the privilege to honor." 

Dave Brendza is the Division Vice President and General Manager for ADP's Augusta, GA, and Louisville, KY offices. Since joining in 2014, he has spearheaded initiatives like facility upgrades and wellness activities, significantly growing the Augusta facility and earning it recognition as one of Georgia Trend Magazine's Best Places to Work. In 2020, Dave took on the Louisville office, driving growth and community support, earning a Boom Award for Leadership in the Community. With 40 years at ADP, Dave has held various senior roles and holds a BA in Accounting and Management Information Systems from Robert Morris University.

Stephanie Stuckey serves as the Chair of Stuckey's, a renowned pecan snack and candy company located in Wrens, Georgia. A proud alumna of the University of Georgia, she holds both a BA and JD. Stephanie's diverse career includes roles as a trial lawyer, a state representative, and the Director of Sustainability for the City of Atlanta. She is also the author of “Unstuck: Reviving an American Icon.” In her leisure time, Stephanie loves embarking on road trips to discover quirky attractions like the world's largest ball of twine. 

Along with the induction of Brendza and Stuckey, the gala will recognize Rafy and Hannah Bassali as 2024 Rising Stars. Hannah and Rafy Bassali own The Swank Company, Escape Outdoors, and Posh Tots, operating eight storefronts and three e-commerce sites. Rafy also leads RB Capital Investments and serves on multiple local boards, while Hannah is active on the Salvation Army Advisory Board and the Augusta Training Shop Board. As parents of three, they are committed to supporting their community through various charitable activities. 

The JA of Greater Augusta Business Hall of Fame will feature a cocktail reception, silent auction, seated dinner, and JA program. Proceeds from the event will benefit JA of Georgia and its efforts to empower the next generation to build a better future for themselves and their community.  

To learn more about the event or sponsorship opportunities, or to purchase tickets, visit HERE.

About Junior Achievement of Georgia 

Junior Achievement (JA) of Georgia is a business-integrated education partner with expertise in experiential learning that successfully develops key mindsets and skills for students to lead meaningful and successful lives. JA’s high-impact programs drive long-term outcomes in areas of financial literacy, career readiness, and fostering the entrepreneurial spirit, and are they delivered by corporate and community volunteers. JA of Georgia offers multiple programs, with a focus on middle and high school students, including JA BizTown, JA Finance Park, and 3DE by Junior Achievement. JA of Georgia serves more than 110,000 students statewide in an average year. JA of Georgia has offices in Atlanta, Cumming, Dalton, Gainesville, Lawrenceville, and Savannah. For more information, visit georgia.ja.org