For Individual Excellence in Ethical Business Practice: Donald "Duffy" Swan

Donald "Duffy" Swan has been a key business leader in New Mexico for many years. As an executive and vice president for USWEST, Duffy first earned a reputation for always "doing the right thing." Duffy began his career with USWEST while still in college. He worked his way up the corporate ladder by handling his business and personal affairs with the utmost ethical responsibility.

Over the years, Duffy has involved himself in many public and charitable efforts. His principles have guided him to help make decisions with these organizations that are right rather than expedient or cost-cutting. For example, his efforts with the Golden Apple Foundation have enhanced education in the state by helping educators receive professional development. Duffy knows that by helping educators receive professional development he is ultimately benefiting the development of New Mexico's youth.

Upon retiring from USWEST, Duffy decided he wasn't quite finished with his career. The last five years have been spent consulting with several organizations, volunteering as chairman of the Golden Apple Foundation, and taking the responsibility of President of the UNM Foundation. More recently he became New Mexico Vice President of Government Relations for VALOR Telecomm, LLC.

A life-long resident of Albuquerque, Duffy graduated from Sandia High School in 1963 and the University of New Mexico in 1968. He is married to his high school sweetheart Jean Ann Murphy. Together, they have two daughters and five grandchildren.

Duffy explains his personal ethics to be "like a piece of glass that everyone can see through, having no hidden agendas." Throughout his life Duffy Swan's commitment to ethical practice has been transparent, consistently working to help organizations "do the right thing."