Iridium’s Matt Desch Receives Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Ernst & Young LLP has announced the winners of its Entrepreneurs of the Year 2011 Greater Washington Awards, and winners were honored last night at the 25th anniversary gala at the Ritz-Carlton in Tysons Corner.

An independent judging panel consisting of previous winners of the award, including leading CEOs and private capital investors, selected the winner.

“These business leaders have accomplished so much and contributed a tremendous amount to the community,” said Rene Salas, program director for Ernst and Young LLP Entrepreneur of the Year. “They give is hope for what the next 25 years of entrepreneurs will bring.”

Some of the night’s winners include:

• Telecommunications – Matt Desch, Iridium Communications Inc.
• Master Entrepreneur – Richard D. Fairbank, Capital One Financial Corporation
• Technology – Kevin Mandia, MANDIANT Corp.
• Emerging – Daniel Yates, OPOWER