MountainWest Capital Network Honors Philanthropist and Financier Spencer Fox Eccles as 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year

MountainWest Capital Network Honors Spencer Fox Eccles

On February 13, 2025, MountainWest Capital Network (MWCN) proudly announced Spencer F. Eccles as the recipient of its 37th annual Entrepreneur of the Year award. This prestigious recognition is given to outstanding entrepreneurs in Utah who are not only innovators in business but also demonstrate a strong commitment to community engagement and support.

A Legacy of Leadership

Spencer Eccles is renowned for his significant contributions to Utah's financial landscape. Having served as the Chairman and CEO of First Security Corporation, the oldest multi-state bank holding company in the United States, Eccles played a pivotal role during nearly two decades of leadership until the company’s historic merger with Wells Fargo in 2000. His extensive experience goes beyond banking; Eccles has held board positions at various prestigious organizations, including Union Pacific, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Parks Foundation, showcasing his commitment to multiple facets of community service.

Eccles expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, "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. 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."

Philanthropic Efforts

Beyond his banking career, Eccles has significantly impacted various sectors through his philanthropic work. He is currently the Chairman and CEO of the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, directing funds towards education, health and wellness, the arts, community development, and environmental conservation. His dedication to higher education is particularly notable, especially regarding the University of Utah, where he has been instrumental in numerous initiatives to support students and educational programs.

Eccles’ impact resonates through his involvement in youth sports and the Olympic movement, further honored by the IOC’s prestigious Pierre de Coubertin award. His commitment extends to various boards, including the National Advisory Council of the University of Utah and the David Eccles School of Business National Advisory Board.

Recognition of Entrepreneurial Excellence

Ryan Dent, Chairman of MWCN and managing partner at PwC, LLP, remarked, "Spence Eccles embodies the very essence of entrepreneurial leadership and community building that our Entrepreneur of the Year award celebrates. 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 inception in 1983, MWCN has committed itself to recognizing success as an essential feature of its outreach. The Entrepreneur of the Year award is a testament to MWCN’s mission to foster relationships within the business community in Utah, highlighting the achievements of inspiring figures like Eccles, who have significantly shaped the state’s entrepreneurial landscape.

The honor places Eccles among a prestigious list of past Entrepreneur of the Year winners, including notable names such as Robert Redford, David S. Layton, and Jeremy Andrus, to name a few. Their collective contributions highlight a legacy of innovation and philanthropy in Utah’s business circle.

For those interested in celebrating this achievement, registration for the annual luncheon can be made on the MWCN website.

About MWCN

MountainWest Capital Network is Utah's largest business networking organization focused on supporting entrepreneurial success across the region. The organization is dedicated to facilitating the flow of financial, intellectual, and entrepreneurial capital, further solidifying Utah’s reputation as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. For more information about its initiatives and events, visit www.mwcn.org.