Junior Achievement of Georgia has named Brenau University President David Barnett as one of three 2027 JA Northeast Georgia Business Hall of Fame Laureates.
Debbie Lawson Davis and Ron Quinn are the other two honorees this year.
“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.”
The trio will be honored at the organization’s 17th annual gala on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2027, in the Ramsey Conference Center at Lanier Technical College.
Barnett became the eleventh 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 is a $200 million enterprise that serves more than 3,000 students annually and employs more than 600 people across four locations in Gainesville and Norcross. The university generates an estimated $168 million in economic output.
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 Park Foundation, Quinlan Visual Arts Center, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Independent Colleges Association, the Commission on Colleges and Universities, and Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education.
Davis is a second-generation owner of Lawson Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc., a family-owned business that has served Northeast Georgia since 1946. Davis 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.
Quinn, president and CEO of Peach State Bank & Trust, began his banking career in 1980 and founded Peach State in 2004. Quinn 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. He is 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.
Numerous current and former Brenau Board of Trustees members and university benefactors, along with Emeritus President Ed Schrader, have been selected for this honor, including, most recently, Mike Smith, current chair of Brenau’s Board of Trustees and CEO of VitalSpace, and his wife, Dixie Truelove.
