Gainesville, GA — Junior Achievement of Georgia (JA of Georgia) has named David Barnett, Debbie Lawson Davis, and Ron Quinn as the 2027 JA Northeast Georgia Business Hall of Fame Laureates.
JA of Georgia is proud to host the 17th annual gala and continue the tradition of honoring titans of the Northeast Georgia business community. The elegant event will take place on Thursday, February 4, 2027, in the Ramsey Conference Center at Lanier Technical College.
Dr. David L. Barnett became the 11th President of Brenau University in 2024, bringing decades of executive leadership and a deep commitment to student success to the role. Under his leadership, Brenau oversees a $200 million enterprise serving more than 3,000 students annually and employing more than 600 people across four locations in Gainesville and Norcross, generating an estimated $150 million in economic impact. Dr. Barnett’s career includes executive leadership roles at six universities across Georgia and Kentucky, as well as extensive academic and professional experience focused on improving student outcomes and strengthening learning communities. Deeply invested in higher education and regional progress, he serves on several civic and educational boards, including the Lake Lanier Olympic Foundation, Quinlan Visual Arts Center, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Independent Colleges Association, and Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education.
Debbie Lawson Davis is a second-generation owner of Lawson Air Conditioning & Plumbing, a family-owned business that has served Northeast Georgia since 1946. After beginning her career in communications, including roles with the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce and Lakeshore Mall, Debbie joined the family business in 1985 and has helped lead the company alongside her husband and business partner, Vince Davis, for more than four decades. Under their leadership, Lawson Air Conditioning & Plumbing has grown to more than 95 employees and continues its legacy as Georgia’s oldest Carrier dealer, while remaining grounded in integrity, customer service, innovation, and community commitment. A dedicated community leader, Debbie has served on numerous civic and nonprofit boards, including the United Way of Hall County, Habitat for Humanity, Brenau University, Lakeview Academy, Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, and Junior League Northeast Georgia Advisory Board.
After earning his BBA in Economics from the University of Georgia, Ron Quinn began his banking career in 1980 and went on to earn a degree from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. In 2004, he founded Peach State Bank & Trust to meet the growing need for a community bank in Gainesville, opening its doors in 2005 with fewer than 10 employees and growing the institution to more than 75 employees. A longtime community leader, Ron has served on numerous civic, nonprofit, and business boards, including the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, Boys & Girls Club of Lanier, United Way of Hall County, and Rotary Club of Gainesville. Today, he serves as President and CEO of Peach State Bank & Trust and remains active in community leadership as Chairman of the Smithgall Arts Council Executive Board, a member of the ICBA Board, and a member of the Junior Achievement Northeast Georgia Advisory Board, among other organizations.
In addition to the formal induction of David, Debbie, and Ron, the 17th JA Northeast Georgia Business Hall of Fame will welcome guests to a cocktail hour, a seated dinner, followed by a tribute to the revolutionary programs JA of Georgia is bringing to over half of Georgia’s middle school students and beyond.
“This year, we are delighted to be recognizing three incredible individuals,” said Juli Hayes, Director of Development for JA of Georgia in Northeast Georgia. “I believe their character speaks volumes to the level of impact they have on our community.”
To learn more about the JA Northeast Georgia Business Hall of Fame, sponsorship opportunities, our laureates, or to purchase a ticket, please visit georgia.ja.org/nega-hall-of-fame. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the event, please email Juli Hayes at jhayes@georgia.ja.org.