#United States #Chicago #Operations Council #COO of the Year #Vivienne Wei

Discovering Excellence in Leadership at the 2025 COO of the Year Awards

On February 2, 2026, the Operations Council proudly announced the winners of the 2025 COO of the Year™ Awards. These awards recognize the dedication and accomplishments of Chief Operating Officers (COOs) and other operational leaders who have excelled in their respective fields over the past year. The process commenced in October 2025 with nominations and a rigorous judging phase, affirming the significant impact these leaders have on their organizations.

Understanding the Award Process

The COO of the Year Awards aim to celebrate those who have demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities. Nominees, which included COOs and Vice Presidents of Operations, could apply through a straightforward online nomination form. This form required anonymous data regarding the nominee's financial achievements in 2025, their professional experiences, as well as their involvement in volunteer or philanthropic activities and educational history. After a meticulous screening process aided by an algorithm, the nominations were evaluated by esteemed board advisors from the Operations Council.

The awards are categorized based on organizational size and sector, recognizing winners and runners-up in several divisions. Categories range from large enterprises to startups and not-for-profit organizations, ensuring that a diverse group of leaders is recognized and celebrated.

Award Winners and Their Contributions

The winners reflect a wide array of industries, demonstrating the talent and innovation present in the field of operations management. Here are some notable winners from the 2025 awards:

National COO of the Year

Winner: Vivienne Wei, Salesforce
Vivienne Wei has been recognized not only for her strategic vision but also for effectively steering Salesforce towards increased growth and innovation.

Enterprise/Public Category

Winner: Jennifer Kaiser, Marex
Runner-Up: Vijay Srivastava, Jubliant Ingrevia Limited
These leaders exemplified operational excellence and organizational growth in their sectors, driving substantial results and fostering collaborative work environments.

Medium Sized Businesses

Winner: Ryan Mayes, FIT House of Brands
Runner-Up: Amit Agarwal, Tracxn
Ryan and Amit have shown how effective leadership can navigate complexities in medium-sized organizations, promoting resilience and strategic initiatives.

Small Private Organizations

Winner: Beau Schwieso, Caf2Code LLC
In the highly competitive small business world, Beau has managed his organization with agility and foresight, setting an inspiring example for fellow entrepreneurs.

Not-For-Profit

Winner: Donna McCullough, Alzheimer's Association
Donna’s leadership has been pivotal in advancing the association's mission, furthering initiatives aimed at raising awareness and enhancing care.

These awardees represent only a fraction of the excellent leadership recognized at the event, showcasing the diverse talent operating at various scales and sectors across the country.

The Significance of the Awards

Neil Brown, COO of the Operations Council, highlighted the ongoing contributions of COOs, noting that, "The COO of the Year Awards illuminate the hard work and dedication inherent in operational leadership. We congratulate the winners and the runners-up for their achievements and hope their successes serve as a benchmark for aspiring leaders everywhere."

As business landscapes evolve rapidly, COOs are more critical than ever in driving strategic initiatives, aligning resources, and fostering innovation. The Operations Council offers various resources to support COO development, including training programs, networking events, and research initiatives.

Looking Ahead

Applications for the 2026 COO of the Year Awards will open in October 2026, inviting new leaders to showcase their achievements and vision. This ongoing celebration of leadership continues to inspire excellence in operations management.

For more information about the awards and the Operations Council, visit www.operationscouncil.org/COO-awards.