Call for Nominations
2026
Daniels Fund Ethical Leadership Award
The Wyoming Business Alliance/Wyoming Heritage Foundation, in partnership with the Daniels Fund and the University of Wyoming College of Business, is excited to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 Daniels Fund Ethical Leadership Award.
The award honors Wyoming business leaders who represent the very best in ethical leadership — individuals who have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to integrity in their professional lives, their communities, and their personal conduct.
To nominate a deserving individual, complete the nomination form below. Nominations must be submitted to WBA President Renny MacKay, rmackay@wyoba.com no later than July 31, 2026.
About the Award
The Daniels Fund Ethical Leadership Award is a joint initiative of the Daniels Fund, the University of Wyoming College of Business, and the Wyoming Business Alliance/Wyoming Heritage Foundation. It was established to recognize Wyoming citizens who embody the ethical leadership principles of Bill Daniels — a cable-television pioneer who launched his professional career in Casper and built a legacy defined by integrity and service.
Nominees are evaluated on the following Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative principles:
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Integrity: Act with honesty in all situations.
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Trust: Build trust in all stakeholder relationships.
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Accountability: Accept responsibility for all decisions.
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Transparency: Maintain open and truthful communications.
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Fairness: Engage in fair competition, and create equitable and just relationships.
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Respect: Honor the rights, freedoms, views and property of others.
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Rule of Law: Comply with the spirit and intent of laws and regulations.
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Viability: Create long-term value for all relevant stakeholders.
2024 Award Recipient
Justice Marilyn Kite, who grew up in Laramie, has been selected for the Ethical Leadership Award in 2024 due to her commitment to public service and continued display of integrity. Her distinguished career included working for the Wyoming Attorney General, Holland and Hart law firm, and a long tenure on the Wyoming Supreme Court from 2000 to 2015. She was the first woman in Wyoming to serve as a Supreme Court Justice and was elected Chief Justice by her fellow justices, serving from 2010 to 2014. In that role, Kite advocated for improvements to court security, expansion of civics education, justice for indigent people, and creating opportunities for women to pursue interests in the law. Throughout her time serving the judicial system, Kite consistently displayed an ethical presence and performed her duties with honor.