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Forum on Leadership - The Heart of America

Event

April 16, 2026
9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Forum on Leadership is a landmark event that develops, recognizes, and celebrates leadership by bringing together notable voices for in-depth discussions on today’s pressing issues.

HONORING

David M. Rubenstein

Co-Founder & Co-Chairman, The Carlyle Group

2026 George W. Bush Medal for
Distinguished Leadership Recipient

Joni Carswell

CEO and President, Texan by Nature

2026 George W. Bush Institute Trailblazer Citation Recipient

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2026 Forum on Leadership Schedule of Events

Thursday, April 16, 2026
*Times listed in Central Time

9:00 a.m.

Morning Program Begins
Conversation One: Free Speech
  • David French, Opinion Columnist, The New York Times
  • Anne Wicks, the Don Evans Family Managing Director, Opportunity and Democracy, George W. Bush Institute (Moderator)
Conversation Two: America’s Best Idea
  • Jeff Reinbold, President and CEO, National Parks Foundation
  • Grace Lee, Executive Editor, National Park Trust
  • Kristin King, Chief Operating Officer, George W. Bush Institute (Moderator)
Awarding of the George W. Bush Institute Citation
Conversation Three: America’s Democratic Milestone
  • Mark K. Updegrove, President and CEO, LBJ Foundation
  • Michelle Ferrari, Director, Producer, Writer, 42nd Parallel Films
  • Keisha Senter, Founder and Chief Impact Officer, The Solution Senter
  • David J. Kramer, Executive Director, George W. Bush Institute and Vice President (Moderator)

11:30 a.m.

Keynote Conversation with Taylor Sheridan
  • Taylor Sheridan, Filmmaker, President of Four Sixes Ranch
  • Shilo Brooks, President and Chief Executive Officer, George W. Bush Presidential Center (Moderator)

12:30 p.m.

Networking Lunch

1:00 p.m.

Event Concludes

 

Event details subject to change.

Interested in attending or supporting the 2026 Forum on Leadership?
Please contact [email protected]