Join Us for the 2026 JA Business Hall of Fame
Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans (JA) is proud to host the 2026 JA Business Hall of Fame, one of the organization’s most anticipated annual celebrations. Established in 1984, the Hall of Fame honors exceptional business leaders whose innovation, leadership, and commitment to community reflect the spirit of entrepreneurship that drives our region forward.
This year’s celebration will take place on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, bringing together business and civic leaders from across the region for an evening recognizing those who have made a lasting impact on our economy and community. The evening begins with a 5:30 p.m. reception, followed by dinner and the awards presentation at 6:30 p.m.
Honoring the 2026 Laureates
JA is honored to induct an extraordinary group of leaders into the 2026 Business Hall of Fame:
Benjamin G. Bordelon, President & CEO, Bollinger Shipyards, L.L.C.
Dr. Rebekah Gee, Founder and CEO, Nest Health
A.Thomas Leonhard, Jr., CEO, HRI Hospitality & Communities
Aulston G. Taylor, President and CEO, St. Augustine High School
Clark A. Todd, President and CEO, Blessey Marine Services, Inc.
Each of these individuals represents the entrepreneurial vision, leadership, and dedication to community that define the values of Junior Achievement.
Special Honors
The evening will also recognize additional outstanding leadership and corporate impact:
Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree: Ronald V. Burns, Sr., Chairman and CEO, Global Parking Systems, LLC
Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust Business of the Year: Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, LLC
These honorees embody the long-term leadership and community investment that inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and professionals.
Why the Hall of Fame Matters
The JA Business Hall of Fame is more than a celebration of business leadership; it is an investment in the future of our region’s young people. Proceeds from the event support Junior Achievement’s work preparing students for what’s next by connecting them with the skills, experiences, and opportunities they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Through career-connected, experiential learning in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness, JA helps students build the transferable skills and competencies needed to achieve academically today and economically tomorrow. By working in partnership with educators, employers, and community leaders, JA is expanding access to robust learning experiences that help students become confident, capable, and connected.
Together, we are helping ensure that more young people across our region gain the skills, confidence, and access to opportunities needed to build successful futures while strengthening the workforce and economic vitality of our community.
Join Us
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Tickets are $1,000 per couple, with table sponsorships and event partnerships available for organizations that want to support JA’s mission while celebrating the region’s business leadership.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, visit:
Join us for an inspiring evening as we celebrate the leaders shaping our region and invest in the young people who will lead it next. For more information, please contact Gail Smith at gail@jagno.org.