Celebrating a Legacy of Impact: The Inaugural Dan Lang Award Honors Purpose-Driven Leadership at OWS25

By: Sandy Frinton, PULSE Editor

At an annual event where Dan Lang always had a larger-than-life presence, his spirit was deeply felt by all at OWS25 as industry leaders and friends gathered in Chicago to celebrate the enduring legacy of a man whose purpose-driven leadership transformed outsourcing and global sourcing.

A moving tribute to Lang, featuring photos from many past IAOP events, captured his personality as a social impact champion with bold ideas, whose heart and humor uplifted everyone around him. The video showcased the infectious joy that reflected his loving, fun, energetic spirit.

IAOP honored Lang’s remarkable impact with heartfelt remarks and the presentation of a new award— the inaugural Dan Lang Award for Purpose-Driven Leadership. This accolade aims to perpetuate his inspiring ideals, calling current and future leaders to follow his example of kindness, innovation, and social responsibility.

In presenting the award, IAOP CEO Debi Hamill shared her reflections on Lang’s profound influence.

“Dan believed in doing business that makes a difference,” she said. “He led with heart, inspired with purpose, and left a lasting mark on IAOP and our entire community. He was my friend and my mentor.”

Lang was not only a respected leader at Sutherland but also a passionate advocate for social impact. His work with the IAOP Center for Social Impact and numerous initiatives helped set a standard for industry responsibility.

Microsoft’s Tim Hopper Inaugural Recipient

Hamill introduced Tim Hopper, Cloud Supply Chain Sustainability Manager at Microsoft, as the inaugural recipient of the award. Hopper has been at the forefront of impact sourcing initiatives, driving sustainable employment opportunities for marginalized communities worldwide.

“Tim’s dedication to creating inclusive and equitable work environments has not only transformed lives but also set a benchmark for corporate social responsibility,” Hamill said.

Under Hopper’s guidance, Microsoft has implemented innovative strategies to integrate impact sourcing into its global operations, ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are accessible to all.

Hopper was also instrumental in developing the Global Impact Sourcing coalition in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation and was a member of the steering committee in partnership with Lang and Sutherland.

A Transformative Union

Hopper shared heartfelt stories of Lang’s influence on his career and the broader impact he helped ignite. He recounted how, over two decades ago, Lang was the first supplier to embrace and launch Community Technology & Social Responsibility Centers to provide technology access and skills training to underserved communities worldwide.

That moment marked the beginning of a transformative partnership. Under Dan’s leadership, Sutherland launched its first training center in Chennai, India, within just twelve months, training 1,000 individuals and transforming their lives. This initiative sparked a movement that expanded across India, the Philippines, and Jamaica, reaching tens of thousands of workers and opening doors to new opportunities worldwide.

The movement that Lang started at Sutherland had a ripple effect, with other suppliers setting up training centers, hiring marginalized workers for business good, and launching impact sourcing.

“Dan’s impact was unparalleled,” Hopper said, his voice filled with admiration. “He opened doors in communities like I had never seen before, and his influence continued to grow wherever he went.”

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Hopper fondly recalled Lang’s humor and zest for life.

“Dan was also fun, and there was always a party to be had,” Hopper said. “Dan would just keep going - he was the Energizer Bunny - idea after idea. He would text me in the middle of the night. Some of them are crazy, but there was always, always great stuff there.”

But moreover, his goodness will always be cherished by all.

“He was just a wonderful human being, the best of us and huge shoes to fill,” Hopper said. “He was loving, kind, and opened doors for everyone.”

The Dan Lang Award for Purpose-Driven Leadership

The Dan Lang Award for Purpose-Driven Leadership now stands as a testament to his enduring influence. Named in honor of Lang, a pioneer, innovator, mentor, and champion for using business as a force for good, the award celebrates leaders who exemplify integrity, social impact, and transformative leadership.

Whether through impact sourcing, workforce development, environmental stewardship, or ethical governance, recipients are those committed to fostering meaningful change within the global business community.

Through this yearly IAOP award, Lang’s spirit—his passion for purpose, his kindness, and his unwavering dedication—will continue to inspire generations of leaders to come.