Shan Cooper and Terry McGuirk will join the prestigious group of individuals inducted into the JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame.

ATLANTA– Junior Achievement (JA) of Georgia and the Atlanta Business Chronicle are pleased to announce that Shan Cooper, Founder and CEO of Journey Forward Strategies, LLC, and Terry McGuirk, Chairperson and CEO of Braves Holdings, LLC will be inducted into the 34th JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame. They will join the group of 101 influential Atlantans previously inducted for their significant contributions to Atlanta’s civic and economic vitality.

The JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame, a black-tie gala to benefit JA of Georgia, is celebrating its 34th year to honor dynamic leaders who have shaped Atlanta into the booming city it is today. The 2024 Atlanta Business Hall of Fame will be held on the evening of Saturday, February 24.

John Hancock, President & CEO of JA of Georgia noted, “What a pleasure it will be to induct these two exceptional people into the JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame. Mr. McGuirk has been a stalwart of Atlanta business for nearly 50 years. Through his various and progressive business roles, he has advanced our region’s reputation around the country and the world, especially in matters of media and sports. He is a model of progress, innovation, and integrity. Similarly, Ms. Cooper has exhibited an enormous range of achievement at the highest and most complex echelons of corporate and civic leadership. Her business results coupled with a modest style and people-centered approach has endeared her to so many she has led and worked alongside.”

Shan Cooper has over 30 years of diverse experience and expertise delivering sustainable results for her clients. Ms. Cooper believes a successful business strategy is most effectively executed when a sound people strategy exists. She lives by the motto “Mission First. People Always.” Ms. Cooper is the current Founder and Chief Executive Officer for Journey Forward Strategies, LLC. She is the former Chief Transformation Officer of WestRock and led the Recycling and Waste Services Division comprised of 22 recycling plants across the US.

Prior to her time with WestRock, Ms. Cooper served as the Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company. Outside of her impressive and extensive roles in the corporate world, her heart is for giving back to her community. Ms. Cooper is the former Executive Director for the Atlanta Committee of Progress (ACP), where she served as the Mayor of Atlanta’s external advisory board.

Before Terry McGuirk became the Chairman and CEO of Braves Holdings, LLC, he had a 35-year career with Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. Mr. McGuirk started as an account executive with WTCG, and worked his way up to President and CEO of Time Warner Inc. During his career with TBS, he was instrumental in securing coverage of the Olympics for cable television for the first time and oversaw the comeback of the Atlanta Braves. Mr. McGuirk maintains all aspects of the Braves franchise, including all team business operations and representing the Braves at Major League Baseball ownership meetings. His role with the Braves continues with the Braves Development Company, where he also serves as the Chairman. As of 2010, Mr. McGuirk was placed into the Cable Television Hall of Fame. He currently serves as the Trustee Emeritus for Piedmont Healthcare and The Westminster Schools.

The JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame will feature a cocktail reception, silent auction, seated dinner, and laureate induction ceremony. The 34th annual gala will be held at Flourish in Buckhead on February 24, 2024. 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, visit georgia.ja.org/atlanta-hall-of-fame.