Junior Achievement of Central Virginia Announces 2026 Greater Richmond Business Hall of Fame Honorees

As Richmond experiences significant economic growth — attracting new industries and investments in our infrastructure — Junior Achievement of Central Virginia (JACV) is asking a critical question: how do we ensure that young people in Central Virginia have exposure to pathways that lead to similar personal economic growth?

"We can all be proud to see Richmond and the metro area on the rise. However, rapid growth can bring challenges," said JACV President & CEO Kelly Gee. "Students today need exposure to career pathways, access to professional networks, and skills in financial management so they can gain practical insight that leads to economic advancement.”

Acknowledging mentorship as a key lever that can influence mobility over time simplifies the selection process for the Greater Richmond Business Hall of Fame: an annual celebration of leaders who've gone beyond building successful companies by using the power of business for good.

JACV is proud to announce the 2026 laureates:

• Edward H. Baine, Executive Vice President – Utility Operations and President – Dominion Energy Virginia, Dominion Energy
• Keith Middleton, Chief Strategy Officer & Co-Founder, Fahrenheit Advisors
• Rich Reinecke, President & Co-Founder, Fahrenheit Advisors
• Dan Schmitt, Founder, RMC Events, Inc. and Brookland District Supervisor, Henrico County Board of Supervisors

Gee made the announcement on On the Mic with Mike, the daily business radio program hosted by Mike King on 106.1 ESPN Richmond, on March 10. The designation of JA Laureate celebrates not only their achievements in business but also their meaningful engagement in the life of our community. As a role model to young people throughout Greater Richmond, this year’s honorees now join an extraordinary group of JA Laureates equally committed to shaping the future of our region.

King's reaction to the full class was immediate: he called Dan Schmitt "an excellent example of an entrepreneur and a community-minded man," and greeted Ed Baine’s name with equal enthusiasm. On Fahrenheit Advisors co-founders Keith and Rich, King told Gee: "I knew what [they] did in the community before I knew what Fahrenheit was." Gee agreed, and said it as true of all four: "That is how you run a good business. People want to work at places like that."

These four leaders embody the same values JACV works to instill in more than 32,000 students annually, supported by 1,200 volunteers.

The 38th Annual Celebration | May 13, 2026 at The Jefferson Hotel

The laureates will be honored at the 38th Annual Greater Richmond Business Hall of Fame on May 13, 2026, at The Jefferson Hotel. As this year's celebration also marks JACV's 60th anniversary in the community, the evening will include a special look back at students whose lives were shaped by JACV programs.

[Learn more and secure your sponsorship for the 38th Annual Celebration →]