Mark H. Willes, former CEO of Deseret Management Corporation and former president of the Hawaii Honolulu Mission, was honored with the Global Leadership Award by the BYU–Hawaii student chapter of the BYU Management Society Tuesday night at their Annual Global Leadership Award Gala Dinner.
Through his career, Willes has served as president and CEO of KSL Television and Radio, as well as at Times Mirror. He was the publisher of the Los Angeles Times, executive vice president, CFO, president, COO and vice chairman of General Mills, and served as both the president and first vice president in different banks of the Federal Reserve System.
Kyle Cashen, president elect for the BYU–Hawaii student chapter of the Management Society, was the emcee for the evening. “Mark was chosen because of the variety of reputable leadership [positions] he has held in the business world and the community,” said Cashen at the opening of the event.
Ryan Chaffin, current president of the chapter, presented the Global Leadership Award. “This award is given for global leadership. The vision of the BYU Management society is to grow moral and ethical leadership around the world,” said Chaffin. “At BYU–Hawaii we integrate both spiritual and secular learning so students with character and integrity can provide leadership in their families, their communities, their chosen fields, and in building the kingdom of God. Mark Willes’ life provides a great example of leadership in each of these areas for us.”
After receiving the award, Willes shared his thoughts on the principles of leadership and incorporated both personal and professional examples to support each principle. He said that leaders must lead, be ethical, allow others to grow, and kindle passion. While some goals in both business and life may appear daunting, he said, “When you set high standards, you think differently.”
“From the few minutes we were able to hear from him at the event, his words were more than enough counsel for the students and professionals in attendance to practice and become great leaders themselves,” said Cashen. Continually highlighting the influence of the gospel, Willes shared, “Every key principle that I know, I have learned in the Church.”
This was the third Annual Global Leadership Award Gala Dinner and was organized by students of the BYU–Hawaii student chapter, with the aid of Dr. Helena Hannonen, BYU–Hawaii professor and member of the BYU Management Society Global Steering Committee. Past recipients of this award include Cary Wasden and Elder Kent D. Watson.
Earlier in the day, Willes was the university Devotional speaker and addressed the campus community on the topic of “Building a Zion Community.” To hear his devotional address, visit devotionals.byuh.edu.