Ethical Leadership Is Not Optional — It’s Imperative
At a time when global trust in corporations remains fragile, the Annual Ethical Leader of the Year Award, presented by the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund in partnership with SHRM, shines a vital light on leaders whose values are as strong as their results.
Last year’s honoree, Brian Moynihan, Chairman and CEO of Bank of America, exemplifies how ethical leadership drives long-term success—for businesses, employees, and communities alike.
Some may ask why the Ethical Leader of the Year Award matters. To them, we would simply say that it helps raise the bar for stakeholder capitalism.
Founded to recognize CEOs who put purpose alongside profit, the award celebrates the idea that business can—and must—serve more than shareholders. Through four years of these awards, SHRM and the McGowan Fund have together helped underscore a core belief: principled leadership and financial success are not mutually exclusive.
Yes, leading with integrity goes beyond legal compliance; it shapes culture and secures both employee and customer loyalty. SHRM’s network of nearly 340,000 HR professionals knows that ethical CEOs set the tone for human-centered workplaces—where well-being and accountability go hand in hand .
Ultimately this Award highlights that role models make ethics actionable. Concrete examples inspire emulation.
By spotlighting leaders like Brian Moynihan, we offer a blueprint: ethics in action, with measurable outcomes and visible impact.
Last year’s selection was no doubt supported by compelling evidence, exemplified by Bank of America’s “Responsible Growth” strategy; whether it’s the $1.25 billion commitment to community initiatives—spanning small business, affordable housing, workforce development, and healthcare; or, the company’s goal to activate $1.5 trillion in sustainable finance by 2030—channeling capital into environmental and social impact ventures.
Or let’s simply talk about Bank of America’s transformative wage journey: from $10/hour in 2010 to $24 today, rising to $25 in 2026—a 150% increase.
These metrics aren’t just feel-good stats—they’re proof that ethical priorities scale, even in Fortune 500 companies .
Ethical leadership isn’t a luxury—it’s a strategic necessity. The Ethical Leader of the Year Award serves not only to honor exceptional leaders like Brian Moynihan—but also to inspire a cascading effect: organizations with stronger cultures, employees who stay, communities that thrive, and shareholders who reap the long-term benefits.
As we salute last year’s awardee, consider this a call to action—for CEOs, for HR professionals, and for all those with influence—to embed ethics in every boardroom discussion, every policy, and every decision.
Let us continue to honor, learn from, and amplify the voices of ethical leaders—because the future of work depends on it.
