Six businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies that embody the spirit of ethical leadership were recognized at the 2022 Utah Ethical Leadership Awards.

The awards recognize organizations that embody the spirit of ethical leadership exhibited by Bill Daniels, a pioneer in the modern cable industry and former owner of the Utah Stars. Daniels believed deeply in ethics and integrity, and the importance of absolute ethical principles. An exceptionally honest businessman, Daniels always based his decisions on what he believed was right — not just what he thought was best for himself or his company. This attitude earned him respect and loyalty throughout the business world.

“The eight principles of the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative reflect the values Bill Daniels felt were critical to his business success, just as they have guided the businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations here today,” said Daniels Fund President and CEO Hanna Skandera. “All the organizations recognized today should be celebrated as great examples of ethical leadership in the State of Utah.”

This year’s awards honor six organizations — three winners and three finalists — who embody that spirit. Two businesses, two nonprofits, and two government agencies were recognized.

This year’s winners and finalists, honored the morning of Sept. 30, are:

Bill Daniels Ethical Leadership Award in Business

Overall Winner: Mountain America Credit Union

Finalist: BHI

Nonprofits

Overall Winner: Adopt A Native Elder Program

Finalist: Catholic Community Services

Government Agencies

Overall Winner: Summit County Sheriff’s Office

Finalist: Salt Lake County Council on Diversity Affairs

The honorees were announced at a breakfast celebration on Friday, Sept. 30 at the David Eccles School of Business. All finalists were invited to attend the event.

The awards program is sponsored by the Daniels Fund, the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Collegiate Program at the David Eccles School of Business, the Community Foundation of Utah, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, and Utah Business Magazine.

Winners exhibit exemplary demonstration of the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Principles:

    • Integrity – Act with honesty in all situations
    • Trust – Build trust in all stakeholder relationships
    • Accountability – Accept responsibility for all decisions
    • Transparency – Maintain open and truthful communications
    • Fairness – Engage in fair competition and create equitable and just relationships
    • Respect – Honor the rights, freedoms, views and property of others
    • Rule of Law – Comply with the spirit and intent of laws and regulations
    • Viability – Create long-term value for all relevant stakeholders

About the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Collegiate Program at the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business

The Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Collegiate Program at the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah is a resource for principle-based ethics education, serving students, educators, and the business community. The David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah is one of twelve participating schools in the initiative and is one of the original members of the Consortium. The Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Collegiate Program at the University of Utah seeks to strengthen the teaching of principle-based ethics, promotes the practical application of ethics-based principles in the curriculum, provides student opportunities to practice ethical leadership and ethical decision-making, and engages the business community. Learn more at www.danielsfundethicsinitiative.business.utah.edu.

About the Daniels Fund

The Daniels Fund, established by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels, is a private charitable foundation dedicated to making life better for the people of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming through its grants program, scholarship program, and ethics initiative. Learn more at www.danielsfund.org.

About the Community Foundation of Utah

The Community Foundation of Utah (CFU) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to enriching our community by making charitable giving easy, meaningful and lasting. At our core, CFU is a collection of charitable funds started by passionate Utahns committed to bettering our communities. However, CFU is much more than a financial steward. We serve as a community convener and champion of social good by working with nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individuals to identify and support innovative solutions to the most pressing needs in our community. Learn more at www.utahcf.org.