Junior Achievement of Georgia to Induct Smith and Tassopoulos

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. 

Junior Achievement (JA) Celebrates the Return of the JA of Greater Augusta Business Hall of Fame Gala

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 

Atlanta Business Leaders to Be Honored for Contributions and Achievements to Atlanta Business Community

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. 

Shan Cooper

Terry McGuirk

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.