SHRM and William G. McGowan Charitable Fund Honor Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan as 4th Annual Ethical Leader of the Year at SHRM 2025 Conference in San Diego
The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund in partnership with SHRM announced its 2025 Ethical Leader of the Year Award-winner.
San Diego, CA – Today, the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, a family foundation of William G. McGowan, in partnership with SHRM announced its 2025 Ethical Leader of the Year Award-winner, Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan, during the SHRM 2025 Annual Conference & Expo held in San Diego, CA.
Now in its fourth year, the Ethical Leader Award, dedicated to furthering compassionate philanthropy and ethical leadership, was presented by William G. McGowan Charitable Fund Executive Director Brian Peckrill. The award recognizes Moynihan’s unwavering commitment to ethical leadership, stakeholder accountability, and advancing inclusive growth in the financial sector.
“It is an honor to receive this recognition from the McGowan Fund and SHRM,” said Brian Moynihan, CEO of Bank of America.
“Our work is guided by a simple principle—responsible growth. That means creating opportunity for all we serve: clients, our teammates, our communities and our shareholders. I accept this award on behalf of the more than 200,000 teammates at Bank of America who live these values every day.”
"As the voice of SHRM and its nearly 340,000 members, I am honored to co-host the 4th annual Ethical Leader of the Year Award in partnership with the McGowan Fund," said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, President and CEO of SHRM. "Building a strong organizational culture requires a clear commitment to understanding, defining, and living workplace ethics. It is a privilege to celebrate Brian Moynihan at our 2025 annual conference—a CEO who truly embodies the principles of ethical leadership and stewardship."
“Brian Moynihan’s leadership reflects the core ideals of ethical governance and long-term thinking that the McGowan Fund strives to uplift,” said Brian Peckrill, Executive Director of the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund. “His commitment to responsible growth has not only shaped Bank of America’s trajectory but also set a powerful example for global corporate leadership in 2025 and beyond.”
Under Mr. Moynihan’s leadership, Bank of America has prioritized sustainable, organic growth, and responsible business practices, while maintaining strong financial performance and accountability to shareholders.
About SHRM
SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate, and thought leader on issues and innovations impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, SHRM touches the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally. Discover more at SHRM.org.
About the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund
The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund has, since its inception, maintained a vision to impact lives, to create sustainable change, and to empower future generations to achieve their greatest potential. The Fund brings that vision to life through grant-making efforts in three program areas: Education, Human Services, and Healthcare. They prioritize programs that have demonstrated success, measurable outcomes, plans for sustainability, and aim to end cycles of poverty and suffering.
The Fund is managed in accordance with values held by its benefactor, William G. McGowan. Among these are ethical leadership and the belief that every life has equal value.
For more information, please visit https://williamgmcgowanfund.org/ and learn more on Twitter.