Artist: Joseph Allworthy (1892–1991)
Galo Plaza Lasso
PLAZA LASSO, GALO (1906–1987), inducted 1968
Galo Plaza Lasso, the son of Ecuador General and President, Leónidas Plaza Gutiérrez, was born in New York City, while his father was serving as an ambassador between his two presidential terms. He was educated in the United States, studying agronomy, economics, and diplomacy. After his father’s death, Plaza returned to Ecuador to manage the family ranch. He was a major importer of Holstein cattle. In 1938, he was appointed Minister of War, and then, in 1944, ambassador to the US. In 1948, Gala Plaza was elected president of Ecuador. As president, Plaza boosted economic development and advanced agriculture, greatly expanding banana, cacao, and coffee exports. After leaving office, he was a diplomat for the United Nations. In 1972, Galo Plaza was honored with a Partners in 4-H Award. The family ranch, Hacienda Zuleta, continues to be operated as a model of sustainable agriculture, as well as an ecolodge.
Source: Saddle & Sirloin Guidebook 2026, p. 159