ADEC Innovations’ James Donovan Honored with Dan Lang Award for Purpose-Driven Leadership

Some leadership legacies are measured not only by what is built, but by what is carried forward. That spirit defines the Dan Lang Award for Purpose-Driven Leadership, making it especially fitting that James Donovan was selected to receive it at OWS26.

As co-chairs of the IAOP Center for Social Impact in 2014, Donovan and the late Dan Lang worked side by side to advance a shared belief that business can and should be a force for good.

At the event in Chicago, their shared legacy came full circle as Donovan, CEO and co-founder of ADEC Innovations, was recognized for carrying that mission forward through sustained, purpose-driven leadership.

“The Dan Lang Award for Purpose-Driven Leadership is named in honor of someone I had the privilege to know and work with, and many of you here know and remember – Dan Lang,” IAOP CEO Debi Hamill said to the audience of leaders gathered for the awards ceremony.

“Dan believed deeply that business should be a force for good, not as a side effort, but as a core part of how organizations operate and lead,” she said.

Established in 2025, the Dan Lang Award for Purpose-Driven Leadership honors individuals who exemplify exceptional leadership in advancing social impact in outsourcing and global sourcing in an intentional, sustained way.

“This year’s recipient truly embodies that,” Hamill said. “Jim Donovan leads ADEC Innovations, a purpose-driven organization helping companies operate more responsibly by integrating global business services, sustainability, and ESG to turn risk into measurable impact.”

She added, “Jim brings that mission to life in every human way through his leadership. His work goes beyond strategy and services. It’s about creating opportunity, advancing inclusion, and ensuring impact is not just something we talk about, but something we deliver. Through his leadership chairing the IAOP Center for Social Impact, he is helping the industry think differently about purpose, responsibility, and the role we play in building a better world.”

Continuing a Shared Legacy of Impact

In accepting the award, Donovan reflected on the importance of continuing the work he and Lang began together. He emphasized the challenges of balancing business performance with meaningful social outcomes, while reaffirming that social impact is an evolving journey requiring sustained commitment and collaboration.

“To the entire community, I am truly honored by this award,” Donovan said. “And to be very frank, it is difficult to stand in the shadow of losing a co-chair like Dan. He lived and breathed trying to make a difference. Now that sounds very easy, and it’s a catchphrase. But in practice, it’s a challenge to have that balance of doing business, bringing value to all the stakeholders, but also being impactful in that journey.”

He called on the IAOP community to stay actively involved in shaping the Center’s work by sharing input and feedback on a new platform, value proposition, and a knowledge center for both buyers and providers.

“Most importantly, thank you,” he said. “It is an honor to receive this award in memory of Dan. Together, let’s see how much more we can achieve.”

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