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
Eboo Patel
Founder and President, Interfaith America
2026 George W. Bush Institute Citation Recipient
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Joni Carswell
Chief Executive Officer and President, Texan by Nature
2026 George W. Bush Institute
Trailblazer Citation Recipient
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See 2026 Forum on Leadership Photos
Session Videos
The Heart of America, Remarks by Shilo Brooks, President and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, and Conversation One: At Liberty to Speak
A discussion on freedom of expression and how robust protection for all viewpoints is essential for a free society.
- 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: The Land That Unites Us
Two leading voices for our national parks on how this preserved land honors our history and inspires the next generation.
- Jeff Reinbold, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Park Foundation
- Grace Lee, Executive Director, National Park Trust
- Kristin King, Chief Operating Officer, George W. Bush Institute and Vice President (Moderator)
Awarding of the George W. Bush Institute Citation
- Eboo Patel, Founder and President, Interfaith America
Conversation Three: In Pursuit of A More Perfect Union
A panel on the hard-fought democratic milestones achieved throughout our history that have made our country and its people more free.
- Mark K. Updegrove, President and Chief Executive Officer, LBJ Foundation
- Michelle Ferrari, Director, Producer, Writer, 42nd Parallel Films
- Richie Butler, Senior Pastor, St. Luke Community United Methodist Church
- David J. Kramer, Executive Director, George W. Bush Institute and Vice President (Moderator)
