Gainesville, GA — Junior Achievement of Georgia is excited to announce the 2025 Laureates for the JA Northeast Georgia Business Hall of Fame. This year's distinguished honorees are Darrell and Brian Rochester, and Mark Sosebee, three outstanding leaders whose contributions have significantly impacted the Greater Gainesville business community.
Darrell and Brian Rochester lead Rochester | DCCM, a top civil engineering and land surveying firm renowned for impactful infrastructure projects across the Southeast. Darrell, as Coordinator of Strategy and Operations, oversees client development and manages projects for federal, state, and municipal clients, along with over 50 universities. His commitment to quality has earned him notable roles, including Chairman of ACEC Georgia and recognition in Georgia Trend Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40. Brian, as President and COO, directs daily operations and has been instrumental in developing key regional projects. Active in the community, he serves on boards such as the Gainesville Hall Development Authority and multiple non-profits. Together, Darrell and Brian drive Rochester | DCCM’s mission to strengthen and serve Southeastern communities.
Mark Sosebee is the Founder and CEO of Gold Creek Foods, a leading poultry processing company based in Gainesville, Georgia, employing around 4,000 people across 12 plants in two states. Since founding the company in 2000, he has guided its growth with a focus on trust, collaboration, and empowering his team to dream big. Before Gold Creek Foods, Mark served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at King's Delight and holds degrees in political science and business administration from the University of North Georgia. Married for 30 years to his wife Shonda, with two sons involved in the family business, Mark is also passionate about philanthropy, music, boating, and racket sports.
The JA Northeast Georgia Business Hall of Fame, now in its 15th year, honors exceptional business leaders who have demonstrated excellence in their industries and a deep commitment to the community. The event will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Ramsey Conference Center at Lanier Technical College. The evening will include a cocktail reception, a live auction, and formal induction ceremony of the honorees' lasting impact on the economy and future leaders. In addition to celebrating the accomplishments of this year’s laureates, the evening will also recognize Christina Jones, 2025’s Rising Star. The Rising Star award highlighs the next generation of excellence within the community.
Christina is a partner and wealth manager with Windsor Wealth Planners & Strategists and a Certified Financial Planner™ professional since 2008. A Gainesville resident since 1991, she graduated cum laude from Piedmont College with a degree in Business Administration. Christina is deeply involved in the community, serving in leadership roles with the Rotary Club of Gainesville, North Georgia Community Foundation, and the Arts Council. Her passion for service and financial expertise has helped families and organizations thrive.
This annual event supports Junior Achievement of Georgia’s mission to prepare young people for success through financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness programs. Proceeds from the event help ensure that JA can continue to reach students across Georgia with its impactful programs.
For more information about the event, sponsorship opportunities, or to learn more about the 2025 Laureates, please visit our website: georgia.ja.org/gainesville-hall-of-fame