For forty years, JA San Diego has inducted local leaders into the San Diego Business Hall of Fame in recognition of their commitment to uplifting their community through business, civic, and philanthropic excellence. As Lifetime Laureates, our Business Hall of Fame honorees serve as role models for our students.

The Business Hall of Fame is an annual fundraising event that supports JA’s mission in expanding access to opportunity and driving economic mobility outcomes for San Diego youth. We invite our attendees to participate in our Fund-Their-Future paddle raise and invest in the boundless potential of young people.

JA San Diego is thrilled to announce the 2026 class of Lifetime Laureates: Rudolph A. Johnson III, President & CEO of the Neighborhood Housing Association, and Ben & Nikki Clay, philanthropists and co-founders of Clay Company.

Rudolph A. Johnson III, President & CEO of the Neighborhood Housing Association
As an accomplished senior executive, Johnson has a career record of providing business insight, transformational leadership, and strategic vision. For the past 20 years, Johnson has been President & CEO of the Neighborhood Housing Association (NHA). With over 800 employees and a budget exceeding $100 million, NHA is one of the largest social service organizations in the region. In fact, as a child, Johnson participated in NHA programs which is why he leads the organization with passion and a vision that has transformed it into one of the nation’s model human services agencies.

Ben & Nikki Clay, philanthropists and co-founders of Clay Company
Ben and Nikki have had distinguished careers in public service before entering the private sector. Ben worked at the City and County of San Diego before co-founding Carpi & Clay, now known as Clay Company, in 1986. Nikki started her career at the County of San Diego and went on to serve as a senior vice president for Stoorza, Ziegaus, & Metzger before joining Capri & Clay in 2000. Ben and Nikki have served on and chaired numerous community and civic organizations including San Diego Symphony, Downtown San Diego Partnership, San Diego Holiday Bowl, and together, remain huge supporters of their alma mater, San Diego State University.

Join us for an inspirational evening as we celebrate the legacy and achievements of San Diego leaders and uplift the next generation of leaders.

For general event information or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jessica Woodyard at jwoodyard@jasandiego.org.

Learn more about last year’s event and view our event photo gallery here.

Event Sponsors