This morning Dr. Pearse Lyons presented the Alltech Medal of Excellence during the Alltech REBELation, a conference exploring innovation, inspiration and world-changing ideas in Lexington. The Medal of Excellence is Alltech’s highest distinction, awarded annually to someone of great achievement and character. Previous honorees include scientists such as Dr. Eugenia Wang for her pioneering work in microRNA and agricultural leaders such as Norman Borlaug, the “father of the Green Revolution.”

A four-star general who served four U.S. presidents in various roles, including national security advisor, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the United States’ 65th secretary of state, Colin Powell is a strategist, diplomat and leader. On Monday, May 18, Powell will be sharing his insights on leadership with the international attendees at the official opening session of the Alltech REBELation.

“What is the number one thing missing from agriculture and business today? Leadership, and when I think of leadership, General Powell comes first to mind,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech. “He is decisive, courageous and a ‘force multiplier of perpetual optimism.’ He broke down barriers as the first African-American chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and brought stability to tumultuous situations through his ability to build trust and develop alliances. For inspirational leadership, we need not look any further than General Powell, and, for this reason, he is the ideal recipient of our 2015 Medal of Excellence.”

2015 Alltech REBELation Photo Album