As we approach the end of another successful year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to four exceptional individuals whose dedication and hard work have significantly shaped the future of executive education through their service on the UNICON Board.
We are honored to thank Jean Choy (University of Washington), who has just finished hear year as Chair and will continue her board service for another year, Katharina Lange (IMD), Lisa Hughes (Harvard), and Mark Lewis (University of Chicago) for their remarkable contributions and commitment as they conclude their board service.
Honoring Jean Choy’s Leadership
Jean Choy, our esteemed UNICON Board Chair for 2023-2024, has been a guiding force and an inspirational leader. Reflecting on her journey so far, Jean shares:
"UNICON means a great deal to me – it has provided a growth journey, support group, and invaluable connections that advance better learning experiences for my clients as well as theirs. These relationships we build with one another as members of the consortium take time, effort, and intentionality, but with openness to learning and a desire to get involved, it’s a long game that will yield positive rewards.
For me, this has manifested in new business opportunities, introductions to key content creators, raising the visibility of our School, and important insights into growth strategies in this space. I started with just attending conferences but as I met others with the same goals and struggles, attendance shifted from learning as an individual to a group of allies with empathetic ears who welcomed sharing of ideas.
Soon, I was more actively involved in a committee that made impactful decisions. The progression led to joining the Board and as Chair of the Board in 2023-24, I am humbled and excited to see such a high level of engagement.
UNICON Board Member 2017-19, 2022-25
University of Washington
Jean’s dedication and vision have been instrumental in driving UNICON’s mission forward. From her early days attending conferences to leading the board, her contributions have left an indelible mark on our community.
Recognizing the Contributions of Katharina, Lisa, and Mark
Alongside Jean, we recognize the invaluable contributions of Katharina Lange, Lisa Hughes, and Mark Lewis.
- Katharina Lange (IMD): Serving as Membership Committee Co-Chair, Katharina says she has found a collegial network of profound kindness at UNICON. “Some of the most powerful mentoring conversations in my career happened during the UNICON conferences and I am deeply grateful for the eye-opening learning. It changed my life,” she reflects.
- Lisa Hughes (Harvard Business School): As Co-Chair of the Research Committee, Lisa’s expertise and passion have significantly contributed to our research paper initiatives, advancing the knowledge base and best practices within executive education. Lisa says: “It was a pleasure and honor to have served on the UNICON board after many years of work on its Research Committee. My colleagues and friends at UNICON are lasting and impactful relationships and stand out as some of the best collaborative partners in my 30+ year career”.
- Mark Lewis (University of Chicago): Retiring from his role and having served as Co-Chair of the Benchmarking Committee, Mark’s wisdom and insights have been invaluable to the board and the consortium.
About the UNICON Board
The UNICON Board is a working board, not just a governing one, with members selected through a combination of annual elections and appointments by the board upon recommendation of the Continuity Committee. Their roles involve making impactful decisions, contributing to strategic initiatives, and ensuring the continuous advancement of our mission.
Looking Ahead
As we bid farewell to these remarkable leaders, we welcome new faces and fresh perspectives to continue their legacy. Their contributions have set a high standard and will inspire future board members and the entire UNICON community.
Please join us in congratulating and thanking Jean Choy, Katharina Lange, Lisa Hughes, and Mark Lewis for their exceptional service and dedication.
Warm regards,
Melanie Weaver Barnett
UNICON Executive Director
