Operation HOPE Founder, Chairman and CEO John Hope Bryant Recognized as One of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Leaders in 2025

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Friday, November 21st, 2025

Operation HOPE is proud to announce that its Founder, Chairman and CEO John Hope Bryant has been named one of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Leaders in Business in 2025. The annual designation recognizes 25 influential leaders across business, education, public service and healthcare who exemplify the leadership qualities Americans value most. Mr. Bryant joins a distinguished group of honorees this year including notable changemakers such as Mark Cuban, Dolly Parton, Sal Khan, Jose Andres, Michael J. Fox, and MacKenzie Scott, among others.

 

"I am deeply honored to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report alongside so many extraordinary leaders," said Mr. Bryant. "This distinction affirms the values that guide our work at Operation HOPE – empathy, generosity and belief in the potential of every individual. Our team is committed to expanding financial opportunity, building financial resilience, and helping underserved communities take control of their economic future," said Mr. Bryant.

Mr. Bryant was selected as a Best Leader based on leadership traits identified in a nationally representative survey conducted by The Harris Poll, including empathy, generosity, and humility. After survey findings were published, visitors to the U.S. News website were invited to nominate leaders they believed embodied those qualities. A panel of expert judges representing diverse industries evaluated submissions and selected 25 honorees.

 

2025 Best Leaders in Business are:

  • Dario Amodei, Ph.D., CEO and Co-Founder, Anthropic

  • John Hope Bryant, Entrepreneur; Founder, Chairman and CEO, Operation HOPE

  • Mark Cuban, Co-Founder, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company; Entrepreneur; Star of NBC’s "Shark Tank"

  • Judy Faulkner, Founder and CEO, Epic Systems

  • Alison Moore, CEO, Chief

  • Ron Vachris, President, CEO and Director, Costco Wholesale Corp.

A full list of this year’s honorees can be found here.

Mr. Bryant was recognized alongside fellow recipients on November 18 at a reception in Washington D.C.