What Does Ethical Leadership Look Like Today?

Now more than ever, we need models of ethical leadership. The Bruce Kennedy Ethical Leadership Lecture was created to offer just that. This year’s Ethical Leadership Lecture is titled: “Wisdom & Leadership,” and it will take place at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 3, at Seattle Pacific University.

Named in honor of Bruce Kennedy, Alaska Air’s chairman and CEO from 1979 to 1991, the May 3 event will feature a lecture from Dr. Uli Chi, Center for Faithful Business Fellow, Chair of the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health System in the Pacific Northwest, and Vice Chair of the De Pree Center for Leadership at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena; a response from Brad Tilden, chairman of Alaska Air Group, the parent company of Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air; and a Q&A panel discussion, which will include Dr. JoAnn Flett, Executive Director of the Center for Faithful Business at Seattle Pacific University.

“The Center for Faithful Business delights in convening important and timely conversations for our Seattle community,” said Dr. JoAnn Flett. “Our hope is that business leaders, students, pastors, and local residents will be afforded a chance to engage in thoughtful learning opportunities. Both Dr. Chi and Mr. Tilden, themselves remarkable leaders, have been influenced and impacted by Mr. Kennedy. Our speakers’ insights in this lecture are a fitting way to honor Bruce and Karlene Kennedy, and Bruce’s continued legacy of ethical leadership throughout the PNW.”

Following his leadership of Alaska Airlines in 1991, Bruce Kennedy continued to serve on the company’s board of directors until his death in 2007. Kennedy is credited with expanding Alaska’s routes into southern California and to Mexico, as well as developing Alaska’s Horizon Air subsidiary.

After 32 years with Alaska Airlines, Kennedy left to pursue humanitarian efforts.

At the time of his death, Kennedy served as the chairman of the board for Quest Aircraft Co., an airplane manufacturer for humanitarian routes in remote and conflicted parts of the world.

Kennedy’s leadership legacy continues to have impact at Alaska Airlines. This year, an independent survey, based on interviews with 10,000 passengers, named Alaska Airlines the top US airline for customer satisfaction.

Registration is now open for this year’s Bruce Kennedy Ethical Leadership. This event is free and open to the public. Dessert and drinks will be provided.

We hope you will join us for this timely lecture.