Washington Business Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Laureate Class

Image caption: 2026 Laureate Class

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Cyndi Sutton for Junior Achievement of Greater Washington
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Washington Business Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Laureate Class

WASHINGTON, DC (April 7, 2026) – Junior Achievement of Greater Washington proudly announces the 2026 Laureate Class of the Washington Business Hall of Fame, the region’s signature lifetime achievement honor recognizing business leadership and the enduring economic impact of the region’s most influential executives and entrepreneurs.

The four visionaries being inducted represent decades of transformational leadership across real estate development, media, professional services, government relations, and global advisory services—building and leading enterprises that have shaped industries, driven regional economic growth, and positioned Greater Washington as a national and global business center.

The 2026 Laureates are Monty Hoffman, Founder and Chairman, Hoffman & Associates; Cathy Hughes, Founder and Chairwoman, Urban One, Inc.; Steve Proctor, President and CEO, G.S. Proctor and Associates; and John B. Veihmeyer, Retired Global Chairman, KPMG International.

“The Washington Business Hall of Fame fundamentally symbolizes the lasting impact that’s possible when professional ambition aligns with social responsibility,” said Dr. Monica Goldson, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Greater Washington. “This year’s Laureates have not only helped build this region into what it is today, but they also understand that continued economic strength depends on the best in business inspiring the next generation of leaders. The thousands of young people we serve across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia have certainly benefitted from these Laureates’ time and talent over the years and we are honored to celebrate them.

2026 Washington Business Hall of Fame Laureates

Monty Hoffman formed Hoffman & Associates in 1993 with a single townhouse conversion and grew the firm into a nationally recognized real estate development company with a diverse portfolio spanning the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Under his leadership, the company has delivered large-scale, mixed-use developments that have transformed urban corridors, generated significant economic activity, and redefined placemaking across multiple markets.

Cathy Hughes is a pioneering media entrepreneur who founded Radio One (now Urban One), building it into one of the nation’s largest Black-owned multimedia companies. When the company went public in 1999, she became the first Black woman to lead a publicly traded corporation. Her leadership fundamentally reshaped the media landscape and created enduring platforms for content, culture, and commerce.

Steve Proctor founded G.S. Proctor & Associates, Inc., establishing it as one of the most respected government and private sector advocacy firms in the region, consistently ranked among the Top 10 lobbying firms in Maryland. His firm has played a critical role in shaping policy outcomes and advancing the interests of major institutions and industries operating across the region.

John B. Veihmeyer spent 40 years with KPMG, serving in senior leadership roles, including U.S. Chairman and CEO and Global Chairman of KPMG International. During his tenure, he led the firm through periods of significant global growth and transformation, influencing the direction of one of the world’s largest professional services organizations while championing strong governance, inclusion, and corporate responsibility.

Established in 1988, the Washington Business Hall of Fame, the region’s signature lifetime achievement honor for business leadership, has recognized more than 150 leaders whose careers exemplify sustained excellence, innovation, and economic influence. The 2026 Laureates will be formally inducted at the Hall of Fame Gala on December 1, 2026, at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.

This year’s 2026 Washington Business Hall of Fame is led by Evelyn Lee, EVP and Chief C&I Lending Officer at EagleBank, and Jindo Lee, Head of Engineering Strategy and Execution for Platform Services I Banking Capital Markets at Chainlink Labs, who are serving as Co‑Chairs, guiding the Host Committee and leading fundraising efforts in support of Junior Achievement of Greater Washington’s mission. Last year’s event raised a record $1.8 million in support of Junior Achievement of Greater Washington’s mission.

The Washington Business Hall of Fame is presented with the support of the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Washington Business Journal, the official business partners of the Hall of Fame.

To sponsor or register to attend the Washington Business Hall of Fame Gala on December 1, 2026, visit https://greaterwashington.ja.org/events/2026-washington-business-hall-of-fame.

About Junior Achievement of Greater Washington
Junior Achievement of Greater Washington delivers high-impact, career-connected learning experiences that prepare students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. By bringing the strength of community and corporate partnerships into schools and districts, JA provides hands-on education that accelerates economic mobility and expands access to opportunity-filled futures. For more information, visit https://greaterwashington.ja.org/.