Mayor honored for international focus

By Kara Schectman

Mayor Mike Rawlings has been named the recipient of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth’s most prestigious honor, the H. Neil Mallon Award, in recognition of his public service, civic and business leadership in Dallas that has advanced our local, national and international reputation.

“I am honored to join the distinguished list of leaders who have received this award from the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth,” said Rawlings. “I look forward to celebrating the incredible international diversity of our city and region at the Mallon Award dinner in November.”

In his two terms as mayor of Dallas, Rawlings has increased the global stature of the City of Dallas by welcoming foreign diplomats and business leaders and spearheading initiatives to foster the arts, reduce poverty and eliminate domestic violence. Coming to Dallas with only $200 and a dream of being a radio reporter, he rose within the ranks of an ad agency and eventually became CEO of Pizza Hut. 

His story exemplifies Dallas’ position as a city of opportunity. He ran for mayor to give back to the community that had given to him. Rawlings will be honored at the 36th annual H. Neil Mallon Award Dinner on Friday, November 1 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas.

The Mallon Award is presented annually to individuals who have excelled at promoting the international focus and increasing the international standing of North Texas. The award’s namesake, H. Neil Mallon, the late chairman of Dresser Industries, was the founder of the Dallas Council on World Affairs, now known as the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. 

“Mayor Rawlings has consistently met with international leaders, here and abroad, to promote the continued growth of this region and making Dallas among the leading U.S. cities in global stature. We are privileged to award him our highest honor,” Council Chairman Jorge Baldor said.

This year’s event will feature Adrian Wooldridge, political editor and Bagehot columnist of The Economist, who will have a conversation with the honoree onstage during the evening. Woolridge is a prolific author of several books, including “The Great Disruption: How Business Is Coping with Turbulent Times” and “Capitalism in America: A History,” which was co-written with Alan Greenspan. He has also contributed to The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Times of London.

Presenting sponsor for the 2019 Mallon Award Dinner is Hunt Consolidated, Inc.; underwriting sponsors are Bell, Toni Brinker, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Haynes and Boone, LLP, Texas Instruments; Platinum sponsors are Jorge L. Baldor, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, The Dallas Morning News, Fan Law Office, Foley Lardner, LLP, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, HKS, Kosmos Energy, KPMG LLP, MoneyGram International, Inc. For information about becoming a sponsor and purchasing tables and tickets, visit dfwworld.org/Mallon or call 214-695-8400.

The thirty-five previous honorees have included global technology, transportation, and energy company leaders, international and national developers, and distinguished public servants. This year, Mike Rawlings will join President George H.W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Ambassador Ron Kirk, Lucy Billingsley, Ross Perot and Ross Perot, Jr., Ray Hunt, Rex Tillerson, Trammell Crow, Sr., and Stanley Marcus as a recipient of this prestigious award.

The funds raised from this event will support the programs and educational initiatives of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. For more than 65 years, the World Affairs Council has educated the citizens of North Texas on crucial issues of international affairs, foreign policy and international business that affect the lives and security of all Americans.

About the World 

Affairs Council

The council’s mission is to educate and engage the local community in national and international affairs. For more information, visit dfwworld.org or call 214-965-8400.