Pasadena Area Resident James Ellis to Receive Scouting’s Prestigious ‘Good Character’ Award

Pasadena area resident James G. Ellis, Professor Emeritus of Clinical Marketing at USC, will receive the 2022 Good Character Award from Greater Los Angeles Scouting.

Founded in 1915, the Greater Los Angeles Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America prepares young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Greater LA Scouting provides educational programs for youth and young adults that build character, citizenship, and personal fitness.

Ellis, who once served as Board chairman at the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, was the Dean of the Marshall School of Business at USC from April 2007 until June 2019, where he was responsible for the education and well-being of some 5,700 students, both graduate and undergraduate. In addition, he had a full time tenured appointment as Professor of Marketing where he was since 1997, retiring in July 2021.

Prior to being appointed Dean, he was the Vice Provost for Globalization for the University, responsible for building the USC name worldwide.

At USC, he was awarded both the “Teaching Has No Boundaries” award, given by the faculty, and the Golden Apple Award, given by students. He also was given the Outstanding Teaching and Mentoring Award from the USC Parents’ Association, and was named one of the top five USC professors.

Holding an MBA degree from the Harvard Business School and a BBA degree from the University of New Mexico, Ellis worked in the business world as President/CEO of Porsche Design, a high-end accessories company owned by Europe’s Porsche family. Additionally, he was CEO of Port O’Call Pasadena, a high end home accessory chain, and owner/ partner in six other companies. He started his career with Broadway Department Stores in Los Angeles.

Ellis was introduced to scouting at a young age. As a Cub Scout, he embodied the values of the Scout Oath and Law, and began his own journey to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes and become responsible, participating citizens and leaders of their communities.

Ellis was an intricate part of the Board of Directors of the Boy Scouts of America, San Gabriel Valley from 2000 to 2010 and volunteered his professional skills as the Vice President of Marketing for the council. 

He served as Assistant Scoutmaster to the San Gabriel Valley Council Troop for the National Jamboree, a gathering of thousands of Scouts held every four years and organized by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

He and his wife, Gail, have five children and 10 grandchildren. He has a son that is an Eagle Scout.

Ellis will be receiving the award during the 2022 Good Character Gala on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the California Club in Los Angeles. Reception is at 11:30 a.m.

For more information, visit www.greaterlascouting.org/gala.