Washington Business Hall of Fame Announces 2025 Laureate Class

Washington Business Hall of Fame Announces 2025 Laureate Class
Laureates Class to be Inducted at the Washington Business Hall of Fame Gala

WASHINGTON, DC (April 30, 2025) – The Washington Business Hall of Fame proudly announces its 2025 Laureate Class. Laureates are chosen for their sustained excellence and visionary leadership, which elevate the quality of life and inspire future leaders in Greater Washington. Representing Greater Washington’s signature lifetime business achievement award, nearly 200 leaders have received this prestigious designation since its founding in 1988. The four exemplary local leaders being inducted into the Washington Business Hall of Fame are:

  • Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick: Interim CEO, American Cancer Society & American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

  • David Kay: Co-Founder, CrossCountry Consulting

  • Susan Lacz: Principal and CEO, Ridgewells Catering

  • Todd Stottlemyer: CEO, Acentra Health

The Laureates will be celebrated at the annual Hall of Fame gala, held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. This distinctive event honors the region's business trailblazers while providing an unparalleled opportunity for local students to connect with and learn from inspiring leaders. At the gala, students and luminaries come together, showcasing the Hall of Fame’s mission of connecting the best in business with the next in business.

Proceeds from the Hall of Fame celebration support Junior Achievement of Greater Washington (JA), a non-profit organization commemorating its 60th anniversary this year. Through innovative, experiential learning experiences in financial empowerment, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, JA fosters economic mobility and creates opportunities for students to succeed. JA’s century-long legacy of bridging the gap between business and education continues to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.

"The Washington Business Hall of Fame is more than a celebration of achievement — it’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when visionary business leadership meets purpose,” said Dr. Monica Goldson, CEO and President of Junior Achievement of Greater Washington. “This year’s Laureates embody the values we strive to instill in the thousands of young people we serve across the region. As we mark Junior Achievement’s 60th anniversary, we are proud to honor these trailblazers whose legacies will inspire the next generation to lead boldly, dream fearlessly, and build a more inclusive and prosperous future."

About Junior Achievement of Greater Washington

Junior Achievement of Greater Washington is on a mission to prepare students to be future-ready. We partner with schools and businesses to deliver hands-on, practical experiences in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship to serve more than 38,000 students in our region. We envision a world where all young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities.

Media Contact:                                                                      
Angie Crews
Junior Achievement of Greater Washington
202-263-5814 | angie.crews@ja.org