Atlanta, GA – Junior Achievement (JA) of Georgia is proud to announce the 2025 JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame Laureates, T. Dallas Smith and Tim Tassopoulos. February 22, 2025, marks the 35th annual induction ceremony, during which Smith and Tassopoulos will become the 104th and 105th distinguished individuals to be inducted into this prestigious laureate society.
JA of Georgia President and CEO, John Hancock, shared, “We are delighted to recognize and induct two extraordinary members of the Atlanta business community.” Hancock continued by stating, “Dallas Smith and Tim Tassopoulos exemplify the best of Atlanta business success and community engagement. The transformative impact on their respective industries has set new standards and inspired countless people. We are honored to celebrate their incredible achievements and contributions.”
T. Dallas Smith is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of T. Dallas Smith & Company, a leading firm specializing in tenant representation in commercial real estate. With over 40 years of experience, he began his career in 1982 and broke barriers as the first African American broker at Cushman & Wakefield of Georgia. He has led significant projects across the nation, encompassing over eight million square feet of space and five thousand acres of land acquisitions, totaling over $16 billion in aggregate value. Smith is celebrated for his innovative leadership and commitment to diversity, earning numerous accolades such as the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Most Admired CEO and Georgia State University’s Distinguished Alumni Award. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Georgia State University and actively contributes to various boards, including the Georgia Research Alliance and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.
Tim Tassopoulos began his career at Chick-fil-A in 1977 as a high school student and hourly team member. Over the next several decades, he held various roles within the company, becoming President and Chief Operating Officer in 2016. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in transitioning Chick-fil-A from a mall-only concept to free-standing locations, contributing to its growth into the third-largest restaurant chain in the U.S. by sales and the top chain in customer satisfaction for nine consecutive years. Tim's strategic vision and leadership not only propelled Chick-fil-A to unprecedented heights but also left a lasting legacy of innovation and customer-focused excellence. Tassopoulos retired in December 2023 after 46 years of service. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Oglethorpe University and an MBA from Georgetown University. He is deeply involved in youth and education-focused organizations and serves on several academic and charitable boards, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta and the Tull Charitable Foundation.
The 35th annual JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame is presented by Chick-fil-a and Delta Air Lines. The gala will take place on February 22, 2025, at Flourish in Buckhead. In addition to the induction ceremony, the evening will include a silent auction, the JA famous “Wall of Wine,” a cocktail hour, and more.
For information regarding sponsorship opportunities or ticket sales, please visit our website at georgia.ja.org/atlanta-hall-of-fame.