Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award

2024 Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award Recipients

James W. Keyes

2024 Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award

Friday, May 17, 2024

6:30 p.m. Reception

7 p.m. Dinner and Program

Hilton Anatole Hotel Chantilly Ballroom
2201 Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, Texas 75207

Sponsorship Details (to view, download or print form)

Folsom Fact Sheet (to view, download or print form)

James W. Keyes

The Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award, founded in 2005, is presented by Methodist Health System Foundation to recognize individuals whose demonstrated commitment and excellence in community leadership emulate the significant contributions of former Dallas Mayor Robert S. Folsom.

James W. Keyes exemplifies Bob Folsom’s legacy as a dedicated community leader and a proven business leader, as well as a lifelong advocate of education.

Keyes is the former CEO of two internationally recognized Fortune 500 companies, 7-Eleven, Inc. and Blockbuster, Inc. He has also had an enduring impact on inspiring others through his involvement and support of: American Red Cross, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, SMU Cox School of Business, The Cooper Institute, Dallas Performing Arts Center, Columbia Business School, Catholic Diocese of Dallas, and The College of the Holy Cross.

As a champion of education to empower others to overcome life’s challenges and adversities, Keyes serves as a founding director of the Dallas Education Foundation and is the founder of the Education Is Freedom Foundation over twenty years ago.

Jim Keyes is certainly the personification of the “American Dream” and has a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving. He came from humble beginnings and was inducted in 2005 as a member of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans.

For more information, please contact Methodist Health System Foundation at (214) 947-4555 or FolsomAward@mhd.com.