The 2026 Hall of Fame Class
Chancellor Douglas Girod
Bonnie Lowe Fr Mick Mulvany Kevin O’Malley
The purpose and intent of the Lawrence Business Hall of Fame event is to recognize prominent business leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to Lawrence, earned the respect of the local community, and called attention to the Free Enterprise System and its value to our country and citizens in shaping our local way of life. Individuals introduced into the Hall of Fame have demonstrated business excellence, have vision and are courageous thinkers, are innovative and inspiring leaders and are community minded. They have worked to lead our community to a better, higher level.
ABOUT JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT
Junior Achievement is proud to address this critical issue by ensuring that every child in America has a fundamental understanding of the free enterprise system by providing economic education programs to students in kindergarten through twelfth grade classrooms. Each of our JA programs educate our students about entrepreneurship, financial literacy and workforce readiness for the student that participate in our programs each year. By participating in these types of programs, students are able to develop the desire to stay in school, have a positive attitude toward work and appreciate lifelong learning, and become prepared for a future of success and leadership. Volunteers from local businesses bring JA’s real world economic lessons into classrooms, serve as role models, share their working lives, and help students gain a new sense of self-esteem, respect for others and understanding of how to turn challenges into opportunities. During the 2024-25 academic year, Junior Achievement of Kansas will have worked with 19,348 children including over 5,017 children in the Lawrence area. This school year Junior Achievement in the Lawrence school district we will continue to reach more than 5,000 students. Junior Achievement programs are provided at no cost to the school district and is funded through local fundraising events throughout the year.
Thank you for all your help and support!
The 2026 Hall of Fame Class
Douglas Girod KU Chancellor
“Chancellor Girod sees the big picture. He will say often that what is good for KU is good for Lawrence and what is good for Lawrence is good for KU. In that respect, in his knowledge and his compassion is what makes him an effective leader.”
BY BONNIE LOWE, The Chamber of Lawrence Kansas
The Chamber of Lawrence Kansas
“Bonnie knows what it takes to run a small business, which is why she is such a great advocate for our business owners now. She knows what small businesses can mean to a community and why it is important to invest and lift those businesses up.”
BY MICHELE HAMMANN, SSC CPAs+Advisors
Douglas A. Girod began as the 18th chancellor of the University of Kansas in July 2017. In this role, Chancellor Girod leads KU’s mission to educate leaders, build healthy communities and make discoveries that change the world. Chancellor Girod has established a bold vision for the University of Kansas to be a destination for top scholars from across the world, an engine of economic growth for Kansas, and one of the nation’s leading research universities. In pursuing this vision, Chancellor Girod seeks to elevate the university’s national stature and enhance KU’s membership in the Association of American Universities. Under Chancellor Girod’s leadership, KU has recorded its highest overall enrollment in university history, earned the highest national designation for the KU Cancer Center, increased research expenditures for nine straight years, and established new medical oversight models for student healthcare services. Most recently, he has launched the Gateway District campus development project in Lawrence, initiated a $2.5 billion fundraising campaign to support student and faculty success, and restructured KU’s organizational model to better align the university’s multiple campuses. In addition to leading KU, Chancellor Girod currently serves as chair of the Association of American Universities board of directors; chair of the Big 12 Conference’s board of directors; and as a member of both the NCAA Division I board of directors and the NCAA board of governors. Together these roles have positioned him as a national leader on key issues affecting higher education. Previous roles before becoming chancellor, Dr. Girod served as executive vice chancellor at KU Medical Center, where he oversaw the educational, research, patient care and community engagement missions of the schools of Medicine, Nursing and Health Professions.
Q&A with Douglas
What do you consider to be the most important attributes of a successful business leader? I believe important attributes of a successful business leader are the willingness to listen and the ability to learn and adapt. Organizations succeed when leaders remain open to new ideas, honest feedback, and changing circumstances.
So many businesses/careers struggle early on. What tips can you provide future business leaders to help them get through those early challenges? My advice to help get through early challenges would be to appreciate that challenge and struggle are part of success. Every successful business leader will experience moments of uncertainty, criticism, and difficult decisions. Don’t avoid the struggle- but learn how to grow through it.
Bonnie Lowe was born and raised in WaKeeney, Kansas, and earned a bachelor’s degree in business finance from Fort Hays State University. She moved to Lawrence in 1986 and began a career in banking, where she served as Market President before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office as a Financial Investigator. Lowe joined The Chamber of Lawrence in 2019, initially as Chief Operating Officer before being named President and CEO. Deeply engaged in both local and regional organizations, Lowe has held leadership roles with Missouri/Arkansas/Kansas/ Oklahoma (MAKO) and the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas (CCEKS). Locally, she has served as Board Chair of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce,
Q&A with Bonnie
What do you consider to be the most important attributes of a successful business leader? I have been fortunate to have effective mentors over the years. Those attributes that I fully embrace are integrity, vision, adaptability, and strong communication. These leaders inspire trust, adjust to change, and empower their team to achieve shared goals.
So many businesses/careers struggle early on. What tips can you provide for future business leaders to help them get through those early challenges?
The challenges you encounter when starting your business are part of leveling up. Keep your vision in front of you, stay curious, and lean on your people. You chose this career because of the impact you want to make. Remember your “why,” have confidence in yourself, and surround yourself with those who encourage and challenge you.
A head-and-neck surgeon, Girod first joined the KU Medical Center faculty in 1994 and quickly rose through the academic ranks, becoming chair of the Otolaryngology department in 2002. In that role, he was instrumental to the University of Kansas Health System being named in the U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” national rankings. He also served as interim executive dean of the KU School of Medicine and as senior associate dean for clinical affairs at the medical center. Chancellor Girod earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of California at Davis and his medical degree from the University of California at San Francisco. He completed his residency and an NIH research fellowship at the University of Washington in Seattle. Prior to joining the University of Kansas Medical Center, Girod served as vice chairman and research director in the Department of Otolaryngology at the Naval Medical Center in Oakland. He served in the United States Navy Reserve from 1982 until 1997, rising to the rank of lieutenant commander and earning the Meritorious Service Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1997.Committed to caring for patients throughout the world, Girod has led or participated in a dozen international medical missions in places such as Uganda, Guatemala, Mali, the Philippines and Mexico.Girod has also been active within the community, serving on the board of the Civic Council of Kansas City and on boards of the chambers of commerce in Lawrence and Greater Kansas City, as well as MRI Global. He is on the steering committee for the regional civic community effort known as KC Rising to develop long term economic prosperity for the Kansas City region. He was recognized with a Regional Leadership Award from the Mid America Regional Council in 2016 for his work with KC Rising. Girod has served as president of the American Head and Neck Society, and vice president of the Triological Society, in addition to other national leadership roles. Of his numerous awards and honors, he is perhaps most proud of his 2006 Student Voice Award for Teaching on a Surgical Rotation, bestowed by students at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.In his free time, Chancellor Girod enjoys spending time with his wife, Susan, and their three children, riding his motorcycle, attending Kansas Athletics events, serving as the advisor to the KU Car Club, and flyfishing.
“The Chancellor has the ability to position KU incredibly well for the next era. What’s occurring with the entrepreneurship hub, the crossing, the gateway district and new KU welcome center are all good for KU and local businesses. He really has KU positioned in a way that I think gives us a chance to reach our incredible high ceiling potential as a university.”
BY HEATH PETERSON, KU Alumni Center
President of the Bert Nash Governing Board, and Co-Chair of the United Way campaign with her late husband, Jamie. She currently serves on the boards of KU Innovation Park, and Peaslee Tech. Lowe is also an Advisory Board member for the KU Center for Research Audit and Finance Committee and the Treatment and Recovery Center. She is also a member of the Major Cities Council for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. In addition, Lowe served as a Lawrence city commissioner and Mayor. Lowe is the proud mother of four children—Danielle (and husband Joey), Taylor (and husband Nathan), Nolan, and Kinsey—and grandmother to three grandchildren: Patrick and twins Olivia and Jay.
“Bonnie’s business accomplishments are certainly her empowering the Chamber to have an elevated voice in this community and how the challenges of the community are met in a way that not only serves the community but really serves the business community more effectively.”
BY CHANCELLOR DOUGLAS GIROD, Kansas University
Bonnie Lowe
“When Fr. Mick was at Corpus Christi, he was involved in building a church and school. That comes with a big budget with teachers, staff, future building and equipment cost. These are the same characteristics for running a business, so he’s the CEO of that church”
BY LES DREILING, Great American Bank
The 2026 Hall of Fame Class
Michael “Mick” Mulvany has spent his life building not only churches and schools, but communities rooted in hope, compassion, and shared purpose. A Lawrence resident for nearly two decades, Mick served as pastor of Corpus Christi Catholic Church for sixteen years, leading a period of growth and renewal that extended far beyond parish walls. Through vision and collaboration, he helped raise nearly $50 million across parishes and nonprofits, supporting everything from Heartland Community Health Clinic, Family Promise of Lawrence and O’Connell Children’s Shelter. Mick always focusses on his community by helping with heath care, housing initiatives, education endowments and youth programs. Born in 1960 to Blake and Rose Ann Mulvany in Kansas City, Kansas, Mick was the third of nine children in a large Irish Catholic family where faith, laughter, and service were daily lessons. He graduated from Bishop Ward High School and Rockhurst University before earning a Master of Theology from St. Meinrad School of Theology. His ministry has included assignments across Kansas, in Leawood, Topeka, Osage City, Lawrence
Q&A with Mick
What do you consider to be the most important attributes of a successful business leader?
A successful leader isn’t just someone who gets results, they’re someone people trust. The best leaders walk with people, not ahead of them. They listen well, bring others together, and understand that real success is measured not just by what you build, but by how you build up the people around you.
So many businesses/careers struggle early on. What tips can you provide for future business leaders to help them get through those early challenges?
Every worthwhile effort is a struggle at the beginning. Don’t be discouraged by the ‘no’s’, focus on the purpose behind what you’re doing. If it’s truly for the good of others, stay with it. In a strong community, people will eventually lean in and share their gifts, and that’s when things begin to take root.
Born in Manhattan Kansas to Frank and Bobbie Sue O’Malley. At the age of ten, his family moved to Lebanon Missouri where he graduated from Lebanon High School. Kevin returned to Kansas to continue his education at Benedictine College in Atchison where he also played football. During his freshmen year, his coach coined the nickname “Too Tall” and many of Kevin’s close friends call him “Too Tall” to this day. One of his proudest moments was being named team captain in his senior year. Kevin graduated in ’79 with an undergraduate degree and he later received his MBA in 1997, also from Benedictine College.
The summer of 1978 Kevin interned with Anheuser-Busch in Washington DC. It was during this internship that Kevin found his passion for the beer business. After graduation, Kevin went to work for Anheuser-Busch where he spent seven years living and working in Kansas City, South Bend Indiana, Austin Texas, and St. Louis Missouri. In 1985, along with his father Frank and brother Pat, purchased the Anheuser-Busch distributorship in St. Joseph Missouri and founded O’Malley Beverage. At the time, the operation had the lowest market share in the state. They built it up to one of the highest market shares in the state with over 70% share. In 2005 they formed O’Malley Beverage of Kansas and purchased the Anheuser-Busch
“Kevin gives everyone around him the opportunity to be their best selves. Kevin creates this environment where people can be the best of themselves and you can see that in the results of his successful business.”
BY GARY REXROAD, Microsoft Practice Director (Retired)
Q&A with Kevin
What do you consider to be the most important attributes of a successful business leader?
Hire people smarter than you, set the strategy and let them do their job. Be a good listener and value their input. Always do the right thing. Show people you care.
So many businesses/careers struggle early on. What tips can you provide for future business leaders to help them get through those early challenges?
Work hard to learn the business, get your hands dirty, show up early and don’t be the first to leave. You have to be a good follower before you can be a good leader.
and Eudora, each marked by his gift for uniting people and inspiring generosity of spirit. Mick’s leadership philosophy is simple: walk with people, not ahead of them. That conviction shaped every homily, committee meeting, and capital campaign he led. It also inspired his 2023 book, With Your Spirit: 30 Years Preaching the Sunday Scripture, a collection of reflections born of decades of dialogue with parishioners, community members and the Holy Spirit. His writing, like his ministry, captures his belief that faith and community thrive where compassion meets presence.
Beyond his parish work, Mick has served as a mentor, civic partner, and advocate for countless local causes, quietly guiding efforts that strengthen families and serve those most in need. Whether preaching, planning, or simply listening, he has lived his calling to “walk beside” others with grace and humor. Through his life and leadership, Fr. Mick Mulvany has shown that true success is measured not in what we build, but in how faithfully we build one another.
“Fr. Mick has even given me some ideas for McDonald’s as far as the drink shack and some other things which is very interesting to me. He has a varied background, and he’ll do whatever it takes to accomplish a goal whether it’s in business or more importantly the Catholic faith and church.”
BY TOM DOBSKI, McDonald’s
distributorship in Lawrence Kansas. Kevin moved his family to Lawrence to lead that operation. In 2017, O’Malley Beverage of Kansas’s success was recognized by Anheuser-Busch and they were presented with the Gold Ambassador of Excellence Top Performer award. One of only seven out of 450 wholesalers to receive the award. Today they’ve received a total of six AOE Gold awards, and in 2019 claimed the National Championship and the trophy dubbed “Big Jake.”
Kevin was appointed to the Anheuser-Busch Wholesaler Advisory Panel in 2006 and again in 2022, making him one of the few wholesalers who have been asked to serve a second term. Kevin is also an active member of the National Beer Wholesaler Association and the Kansas Beer Wholesaler Association. Currently serving on the boards of the Lawrence and Douglas County Economic Development Corporation, founding member of the Lawrence Police Foundation and serves on the Advisory Board of Commerce Bank - Lawrence. Past board member of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce.
Kevin is married to Colleen “Cocoa” McGraw and have five children Mike, Joe, John, Dan & Murphy and three beautiful grandchildren.
“Kevin’s greatest business accomplishment is the fact that he is running a highly successful family business. There is a specific dynamic that you need to have to run a successful family business. I look at Kevin’s operations, and I have a high degree of respect for his families business success.”
BY DAVID MATTERN, Mattern Wealth Management
JA
Junior Achievement expresses our appreciation to the sponsors, companies and individuals who supported the 2026 Lawrence Business Hall of Fame. Junior Achievement is proud to present this tradition in Lawrence.
SPONSOR
LAUREATE SPONSORS
CHAIRMAN’S SPONSORS EVENT SUPPORTERS LEGACY
