John S. Dyson ’65 Honored with Second Annual Dyson Alumni Leadership Award
John S. Dyson ’65, founder and chairman of Millbrook Capital Management and cofounder of Millbrook Vineyards & Winery
The Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business is proud to announce that John S. Dyson ’65, founder and chairman of Millbrook Capital Management (MCM), has been named the recipient of the second annual Dyson Alumni Leadership Award. This prestigious honor recognizes Dyson’s outstanding achievements in business, public service, and philanthropy, as well as his lifelong commitment to innovation and economic development.
Jinhua Zhao, David J. Nolan Dean of the Dyson School, will present the award at Dyson Leads on April 10, 2025, in New York City. As part of the event, Dyson and Zhao will participate in a fireside chat discussing the evolving landscape of business leadership in an era of transformation and rapid innovation.
“I am thrilled to honor John with this year’s Dyson Alumni Leadership Award,” said Zhao. “His exceptional leadership and contributions span both the private and public sectors, and he has been one of the greatest champions of the Dyson School. John’s enduring legacy and unwavering dedication to our community are truly remarkable, epitomizing our ethos: Our business is a better world.”
A legacy of business and public service
A distinguished business leader who earned his BS in agricultural economics at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Dyson founded Millbrook Capital Management in 1981, a private investment firm that is focused on middle-market companies in manufacturing, business services, healthcare, distribution, publishing, broadcasting, real estate, and the agricultural and wine industries. He is also chairman and chief executive officer of Pebble Ridge Vineyards & Wine Estates, which operates wineries and commercial vineyards in New York, California, and Italy.
Dyson has also held key government positions. He was the New York City Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Finance in the administration of Mayor Rudolph Giuliani from 1994-1996 and chairman of Giuliani’s Council of Economic Advisors from 1997-2001. In these roles, he played an instrumental part in strengthening the city’s economy, reducing deficits, and attracting business investment. Dyson served New York State as Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets, chairman of the New York Power Authority, and Commissioner of Commerce, where he oversaw and helped develop the iconic “I Love New York” tourism campaign. He advised several New York State governors on economic growth, energy independence, and environmental sustainability.
Champion for higher education and Cornell University
Dyson has made significant contributions to Cornell through his leadership and philanthropy. He served on the Cornell University Board of Trustees for twenty-five years and played a key role in guiding strategic decisions and financial matters. His family’s transformational $25 million gift in 2010 helped elevate the applied economics and management program into its own school, named in honor of his father, Charles H. Dyson.
Throughout his career, Dyson has remained deeply involved with the Dyson School and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), providing leadership and insight into agriculture, sustainability, and economic development. He received the CALS Outstanding Alumni Award in 1984 and established the Kenneth L. Robinson Professorship in Agricultural Economics and Public Policy at CALS in 1992.
A passion for winemaking
In addition to his business and policy achievements, Dyson is a respected figure in the wine industry. He and his wife, Kathe, are the founders and owners of Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, one of New York State’s premier wineries. They also own Williams Selyem in California and Villa Pillo in Italy, combining their passion for winemaking with a commitment to sustainable practices.
The Dyson Alumni Leadership Award honors individuals who embody the core values of the Dyson School — integrity, leadership, and the pursuit of a better world through business. Dyson’s exceptional career reflects these principles, showcasing how business can drive positive societal change. The Dyson School is honored to recognize his lasting impact and commitment to these values.