Distinguished Achievement
Dan Alban (00C)
Inspired by a persuasive speech researched and delivered while at Berry, Dan Alban has become a champion for others as a constitutional litigator at the Institute for Justice, a nonprofit public interest law firm representing individuals whose rights have been violated by local, state or federal government. The cum laude graduate of Harvard Law School specializes in litigating challenges to violations of economic liberty and property rights, including civil forfeiture (the aforementioned speech topic), eminent domain abuse and occupational licensing regulations. He also co-directs the institute’s National Initiative to End Forfeiture Abuse. Dan has shared his expertise in testimony before Congress and through print and electronic media including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The New York Times, FoxNews.com, CNBC and CSPAN.
Outstanding Young Alumni
Josh Etress (09C)
Josh Etress strives to live out Berry’s motto through his life and career. As chief operating officer of Anchor Investments, he is passionate about building “America’s Most Generous
Real Estate Company.” The Mission Hotels brand, for example, directs the majority of its profits to aid those experiencing homelessness, aiming to provide one million meals, beds and showers by 2028. Under Josh’s guidance, Anchor has earned “Best Places to Work” recognition from the Nashville Business Journal. He has won additional acclaim as a “Rising Star in Technology” and “Best Real Estate Investment Expert.” Active in the community and on LinkedIn, the devoted husband and father of four mentors young professionals seeking guidance and growth. He is thankful for Berry’s impact on his life and desire to serve others.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Leroy Hite (08C)
With determination and work-ethic learned from his seven siblings and a love of entrepreneurism instilled at Berry, Leroy Hite stoked the embers of what was intended to be a side hustle into one of Atlanta’s fastest growing businesses, boasting 600% revenue growth in four years. Renowned for high-quality products and white-glove service, Cutting Edge Firewood reshaped an entire industry with innovation and a deep commitment to craft, boasting a nationwide customer base, celebrity fans and a robust media presence by the time the company was sold in fall 2024. Leroy is excited to begin his next adventure, which makes us think previous 40-under-40 recognition by the Atlanta Business Chronicle and Best Self Atlanta Magazine is only the beginning for this red-hot entrepreneur.
Distinguished Service
Jen Welch (08C)
Experience as a Berry Bonner Scholar spurred a self-described “lifestyle of service” for Jen Welch, including two terms with the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, eight years as AmeriCorps program director at Clayton State University and, most recently, several different leadership roles with Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity, east of Atlanta. Starting as volunteer coordinator in 2018, Jen has helped the Habitat affiliate achieve impressive growth in annual new home builds and total households supported. Now serving as deputy executive director, her contributions include development of a successful grant proposal resulting in
$3 million in funding for plumbing- and septic-related repairs benefiting more than 750 families. Under her leadership, the organization also received the Georgia Affiliate Hammer Time Repair Award.
