Business Achievement Award Recipients - 2011
The Business Achievement Award honors individuals for significant achievement in business through the traditional corporate route. The achievement may be demonstrated over a career or by a singular achievement that has advanced the field of business and contributed to a community and to humankind.
 Willie A. Deese
Executive Vice President, Merck;
President, Merck Manufacturing
Nominated by: North Carolina A&T State University
As president of Merck Manufacturing, Willie A. Deese oversees 92 manufacturing sites spanning 30 countries, an operating budget of $7.5 billion, a capital budget of $2 billion, multiple new product introductions and implementation of lean manufacturing across the division.
Under his leadership, Merck Manufacturing has seen a reduction in the operating budget and capital spending, while improving gross margins and product costs.
Deese joined Merck Manufacturing in 2004 as senior vice president, global procurement. He held the same position with GlaxoSmithKline from 2001-04.
 Dov Lautman
Founder, Lautman Fund
Nominated by: Tel-Aviv University
In 2008, Dov Lautman established the Lautman Fund for the purpose of promoting equality between Jewish and Arab residents of Israel through education. Co-founded by son Noam Lautman, the Fund is a cornerstone of family commitment to the enhancement of Israeli society and the promise of a better future for all of its citizens.
Along with his work with the Lautman Fund, Lautman serves as president of three educational funds that operate in distressed neighborhoods throughout Israel.
Lautman has received numerous prominent honors in his lifetime, including the prestigious Israel Prize in 2007, and was given an Order of the British Empire by the Queen of England.
 Martin Tuchman
Chairman and CEO, Interpool, Inc.
Nominated by: Seton Hall University
Martin Tuchman is chairman and CEO of Interpool, Inc., a leasing company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. With offices located throughout the world, it’s one of the top three international leasing companies in terms of net worth.
Tuchman is a member of the United Nations Business Council, comprised of international executives organized to promote understanding and cooperation between business and government.
Tuchman serves on the Board of Directors of the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation of Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York. He also serves as chairman of The Tuchman Foundation and The Parkinson Alliance.
 Ralph de la Vega
President and CEO, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets
Nominated by: Northern Illinois University
As president and CEO of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, Ralph de la Vega heads up all consumer marketing, sales, content and converged services, customer care and operations for both wireless and wired communications. His list of accomplishments includes leading the company through their launch of the cutting-edge Apple iPhone.
De la Vega also has authored the book “Obstacles Welcome: How to Turn Adversity into Advantage in Business and Life.” In it, de la Vega shares his personal and professional obstacles, which ultimately led to the successful merger of Cingular Wireless and At&T Wireless.
Past Business Achievement Award Recipients
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