MountainWest Capital Network Names Financier, Philanthropist Spencer Fox Eccles 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year

SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MountainWest Capital Network (MWCN) announced it has selected Spencer F. Eccles, former Chairman & CEO, First Security Corp, and current Chairman and CEO of the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, to receive its 37th annual Entrepreneur of the Year award. Each year, MWCN recognizes entrepreneurs who create industry-shaping businesses in Utah, inspire others with their entrepreneurial vision and give back to the community.

A true pioneer in Utah's banking industry, Eccles spent nearly two decades as Chairman and CEO of First Security Corporation, the oldest multi-state bank holding company in the United States until its historic merger with Wells Fargo in 2000. His leadership extends far beyond banking, as he has served on the boards of numerous prestigious organizations including Union Pacific, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Parks Foundation, Wells Fargo, and Intermountain Healthcare.

"My connection to Utah runs deep through generations of the Eccles family, and I've dedicated my life to ensuring the vitality and growth of our great state," said Eccles. "From banking to philanthropy, my goal has always been to support and advocate for the people of Utah. I am humbled by this recognition from MountainWest Capital Network, which reflects not just my efforts, but the collaborative spirit of our entire community."

Eccles' impact on Utah has continued long after his decades in the banking industry. As chairman of five Eccles family foundations, including the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, he has championed countless initiatives in education, health and wellness, the arts, community development, and preservation and conservation of Utah's beautiful landscapes and historical places. His dedication to higher education, and the University of Utah in particular, has been transformative as has his commitment to youth sports and the Olympic movement, earning him the IOC's prestigious Pierre de Coubertin award. He is a member of countless boards, including the U of U's National Advisory Council and the David Eccles School of Business National Advisory Board.

"Spence Eccles embodies the very essence of entrepreneurial leadership and community building that our Entrepreneur of the Year award celebrates," said Ryan Dent, Chairman of MWCN and managing partner of PwC, LLP. "His vision and dedication have not only shaped Utah's banking landscape but have also created lasting positive impact through his leadership and philanthropic initiatives that will benefit generations to come."

Since its founding in 1983, MWCN has been committed to recognizing entrepreneurial success. Entrepreneur of the Year is a key feature of MWCN's outreach to foster business relationships and recognize outstanding members of Utah's business community.

Eccles joins other entrepreneurial giants and pioneers who have been named Entrepreneur of the Year since 1983, including Robert Redford, David S. Layton, Sam and Kacie Malouf, Hanko Kiessner, Dr. Steve Neeleman, Fred Lampropoulos, Ryan Smith, Jeremy Andrus, Aaron Skonnard, Peter and Nicole Mouskondis, Tom Dickson, Todd Pedersen and Josh James.

To register to attend the luncheon, visit: www.mwcn.org.

About MountainWest Capital Network

MountainWest Capital Network is Utah's first and largest business networking organization devoted to supporting entrepreneurial success and dedicated to the flow of financial, entrepreneurial and intellectual capital. Learn more at www.mwcn.org.

SOURCE MountainWest Capital Network