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Through the generosity of the Lyon family, Hoag will establish the General William Lyon Leadership Center. This state-of-the-art space will give clinical and hospital leaders room to collaborate on the Newport Beach campus. This Center will honor the legacy of William Lyon, the late real estate icon and decorated military leader. It’s all possible thanks to a generous gift made by Lyon’s wife, Willa Dean, who was present—along with son Bill H. Lyon—at a demolition ceremony in November 2021 to kick off construction of the space.

In addition to a distinguished 35-year military career, General Lyon influenced the landscape of Southern California through his long career as a quality homebuilder and contributed greatly to the philanthropic and business community. He passed away in 2020.

“General Lyon left transformative legacies in business and community causes that changed the lives of many. We are so grateful that his impact will also touch Hoag,” said Flynn A. Andrizzi, PhD, president of the Hoag Hospital Foundation. “This generous gift from his family will provide a space for all Hoag leaders to envision, plan and lead together.

The Center will serve as a focal point where Hoag executive, governance and medical leadership can come together. The space will feature board and conference rooms, executive offices and large open spaces for meetings. Hoag physicians will also find spaces to refresh and recharge from their daily work, including a fitness room, lounge and quiet areas. It will renovate and expand the current James Irvine Surgical Center at the main entrance of the Newport Beach campus.

The Lyon family sees the Leadership Center as a fitting tribute to a man who valued the pioneering spirit and drive to shape the world for the better. Willa Dean said she is proud to carry on her late husband’s legacy by establishing the Center. “This Center will align with what my husband valued. He knew the importance of being a leader who looked to the future to improve the lives of others,” she said. “Hoag physicians are also looking ahead for the next best treatment or procedure to help patients, and my wish is for this space to inspire them as they do that.”