Forum on Leadership - Answering the Call

The George W. Bush Institute Citation is presented annually to a leader or organization who has made extraordinary efforts to impact and improve lives.

Emily Hanford will receive the 2023 George W. Bush Institute Citation for her coverage of the nation’s reading crisis. In her efforts and journalistic integrity, has elevated an important issue to a national conversation. Her work has helped to inform decision–makers, empower families, and give voice to impacted students.

Speakers:

• Mrs. Laura W. Bush
• Emily Hanford, Senior Correspondent and Producer, American Public Media

America is a diverse nation. The health of the democratic spirit is at risk if division triumphs over cooperation. How do we unite the American people? How do we create a culture and community that better serves future generations? With years of executive leadership experience, the 74th Governor of Virginia, Glenn Youngkin will discuss governing in a polarized world and his experience in office.

Speakers:

• Glenn Youngkin, Governor of Virginia
• Ken Hersh, President and CEO, George W. Bush Presidential Center (Moderator)

Manifest destiny once took Americans westward and beyond to build opportunity. Our education system made us a global talent superpower. Together, that created formidable economic growth. In this panel, we will discuss where job opportunities, readiness to work, and regional strength connect in a post- COVID America. Where does opportunity exist now in America, and what do we need to create more of it?

Speakers:

• Nicholas Eberstadt, Henry Wendt Chair in Political Economy, American Enterprise Institute
• Rob Portman, U.S. Senator (R-OH, 2011-2023); Director, Office of Management and Budget (2006-2007); U.S. Trade Representative (2005)
• Anne Wicks, the Ann Kimball Johnson Director, Education and Opportunity, George W. Bush Institute (Moderator)

Our market economy has propelled this country forward for decades and sent growth reverbs around the world, benefiting millions – but today, the size, inefficiency, and indebtedness of the U.S. government risks becoming a threat to the future of capitalism. With the recent market turmoil, Americans are wondering if their 401k’s are safe. Entrepreneurs can’t get the bank loan to start a new business. Utilizing public and private sector perspectives, this panel will discuss the future of American capitalism and more.

Speakers:

• Bill Haslam, Governor of Tennessee (2011-2019); Sammons Enterprises Fellow, George W. Bush Institute
• Lawrence H. Summers, Charles W. Elliott Professor and President Emeritus, Harvard University
• Brian Tyler, CEO, McKesson Corporation
• Mary Moore Hamrick, the Don Evans Family Managing Director of Domestic Policy, George W. Bush Institute (Moderator)

Technology is changing how we live, work, and connect. It has advanced our lives and also added complexity. In this panel, we will discuss the long-term impacts technology has had on human connections.

Speakers:

• Mandy Ginsberg, CEO, Match Group (2018-2020); Director, Uber Technologies; Director, ThredUp; Operating Partner, Advent International
• Nikki Krishnamurthy, Chief People Officer, Uber Technologies
• Eva Chiang, Managing Director, Leadership and Programming, George W. Bush Institute (Moderator)

Artificial intelligence is all over the news. Generative AI applications like ChatGPT and DALL-E are growing more powerful almost week by week. Machine learning technologies offer a promise of dramatic improvements in economic growth and human well-being, but public concerns about the ramifications of AI’s rapid spread throughout the economic, political, and geopolitical spheres are rising as well. People and machines are destined to work alongside each other and also compete with each other. This conversation with leading AI experts will explore the co-evolution of humans and machines.

• Dave Copps, CEO and Co-Founder, Worlds, Inc.
• John Donovan, CEO, Qudit Investments; CEO, AT&T Communications (2017-2019)
• Cullum Clark, Director, Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative (Moderator)