Skip navigation The George W. Bush Presidential Center.

Forum on Leadership - The Heart of America

Event

April 16, 2026
8:30 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

Eboo Patel

Founder and President, Interfaith America

2026 George W. Bush Institute Citation Recipient

—

Joni Carswell

Chief Executive Officer and President, Texan by Nature

2026 George W. Bush Institute
Trailblazer Citation Recipient

—

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:  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
  • Keisha Senter, Senior Vice President of Culture and Impact, Monkeypaw Productions; Presidential Leadership Scholars Class of 2016
  • David J. Kramer, Executive Director, George W. Bush Institute and Vice President (Moderator)
11:30 a.m. Keynote Conversation with Taylor Sheridan
A conversation about the American frontier which gave birth to some of our nation’s most compelling legends and traditions, with one of our most engaging modern storytellers.

  • 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]