Earl Santee and Bruce Miller Win EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Heartland Award

Presented by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US), Entrepreneur Of The Year recognizes business leaders whose innovation, growth and entrepreneurial vision are creating lasting impact within their industries and communities. 

The recognition comes as Populous’ work is on display throughout the FIFA World Cup™, where the firm’s event team, stadiums, training centers and branded fan experiences are helping welcome millions of fans across North America. Over four decades, Miller and Santee have helped grow Populous from a Kansas City-based design practice into one of the world’s leading design firms, with more than 1,600 employees across 35 offices worldwide and a soccer portfolio spanning 12 FIFA World Cup™ tournaments. 

For FIFA World Cup 26™, Populous-designed venues are hosting matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico, including Kansas City Stadium, Houston Stadium, Boston Stadium, Miami Stadium, Monterrey Stadium and Mexico City Stadium. The firm also designed the FIFA Fan Festival™ Kansas City at the National WWI Museum and Memorial and the Compass Minerals National Performance Center, which is serving as Argentina’s Team Base Camp during the tournament. 

“As Kansas City welcomes the world for FIFA World Cup 26™, Populous’ impact can be seen in the places and experiences bringing people together throughout the tournament,” said Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Visit KC. “For decades, Earl and Bruce have helped shape the future of sports and entertainment while building one of Kansas City’s most successful global companies. Their leadership has elevated our region’s reputation on the world stage and helped make moments like this possible.” 

“Entrepreneurship has always been part of Populous’ DNA,” said Bruce Miller, CEO and Global Chair of Populous. “For more than 40 years, we’ve challenged ourselves to anticipate how people want to gather, connect and experience the world around them. This recognition belongs to our colleagues around the world whose creativity, ambition and commitment to excellence continue to drive our success.” 

Founded in 1983, Populous has helped shape some of the world’s most beloved destinations and venues while continually expanding its services, markets and global reach. Under the leadership of Santee and Miller, the firm has experienced significant growth, increasing contract revenue from $187.8 million in 2020 to $552.4 million in 2025. 

“This recognition reflects the collective effort of thousands of talented people who have helped build Populous over the last four decades,” said Earl Santee, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Populous. “We have always believed that great design can draw people together and strengthen communities. It is incredibly rewarding to see that vision continue to grow and evolve under Bruce’s leadership and through the work of our teams around the world.” 

The award comes during a significant chapter in the firm’s history. In 2025, Miller became Global Chair and CEO after serving as Managing Director of the Americas, while Santee transitioned into the role of Chairman Emeritus following more than 40 years leading the practice he helped establish. The leadership transition has coincided with a period of continued growth and strategic expansion, including the acquisitions of Fentress Architects and OJB Landscape Architecture, which broadened the firm’s capabilities and strengthened its position as a global design leader. 

As Heartland award winners, Miller and Santee advance to consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November during EY’s Strategic Growth Forum.