Utah’s business community celebrates local leaders for their service and positive impact on communities across Utah
SALT LAKE CITY (April 24, 2025) — Utah’s business community celebrates local leaders for their service and positive impact on communities across Utah
Today, the Salt Lake Chamber honored Lisa Eccles, president and COO of the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, as the 46th Giant in our City. The award, widely known as the most prestigious business award given in Utah, recognizes those with exceptional and distinguished public service as well as extraordinary professional achievement.
“Lisa Eccles’ legacy as an engaged, devoted philanthropist and leader can only be described as transformative for Utah’s community and culture,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. “From the start of her career, she has been a champion for Utah’s nonprofit community while also enriching the state’s culture through advocating for education, the arts, health and wellness, social services, historic preservation and conservation. By honoring Lisa with this award, we are recognizing her tremendous impact and thanking her for her ongoing commitment to guiding Utah into a better future.”
Here are some of Lisa’s accomplishments:
- Philanthropic Leadership: For over 30 years, Lisa has led the Foundation’s vast grantmaking program, awarding nearly 400 grants annually and contributing close to $1 billion to nonprofits to date. Through her work at the Foundation and board membership, Lisa has supported hundreds of nonprofits and bolstered the state’s cultural, social and economic vitality.
- Civic and Economic Contributions: Lisa co-founded the Utah Community Builders, bringing together the business community, nonprofits and thought leaders to drive social impact for good. In addition, she spent eight years on the University of Utah’s Board of Trustees and served on its National Advisory Council. Her dedication extends across numerous other boards and committees focused on advancing the state’s economic vitality and community growth.
- Arts Advocacy: Lisa has been instrumental in supporting the arts throughout Utah, both through nonprofits backed by the Foundation and direct personal advocacy for arts organizations like Ballet West and the Eccles Theater. She has also served on the boards of the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera, Utah Shakespeare Festival and Utah Museum of Fine Arts.
- Preservation: Lisa has played a pivotal role in preserving and restoring historic, cultural and environmental sites across the state, like the Peterson Dance Hall, Brigham Young Academy and the Grafton ghost town. Her service on the boards of Preservation Utah, the National History Museum of Utah and the National Park Foundation has been a catalyst in fostering enduring appreciation for Utah’s extraordinary landscapes, history and culture.
- Awards and Recognition: Lisa received the Sundance Institute’s 2019 Women’s Leadership Award and has been recognized by Utah Business Magazine as one of “Utah’s Most Influential Women” in 2024 and a “Forty Under 40” honoree. She was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Utah State University and received the University of Utah’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2025.
“My parents instilled in me and my siblings a deep love for Utah and for all those who live here. It’s been a tremendous honor and joy over so many years to partner with outstanding organizations that enhance our quality of life,” Lisa Eccles said. “I’m humbled by this recognition. I hope this award will shine a light on the incredible work of our dedicated nonprofits that help Utah children, families and communities thrive.”
The Salt Lake Chamber, in partnership with the Utah Community Builders, also recognized Joseph Grenny, co-founder and board chairman for The Other Side Academy and The Other Side Village, with the 7th annual Utah Community Builder Award. This award recognizes an inspirational individual who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to address critical community needs.
“Joseph Grenny’s impact on our community has been far-reaching and profound,” said Utah Community Builder Co-chair Heather Brace. “By combining purposeful and compassionate leadership with his dedication to fostering critical personal and business skills worldwide, Joseph has empowered countless individuals to change their lives for the better. His unwavering commitment to service and personal development exemplifies what it means to be a true Utah Community Builder.”
Attendees of the Giant in our City celebration were treated to a musical performance by Loren Allred and William Joseph and experienced the floral artistry of Utah native Jeff Leatham, as well as watched video montages of congratulatory salutations from business and community leaders across the state.