Forum on Leadership - The Heart of America
Event
April 16, 2026
9:00 am
Symposium
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
—
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)
Schedule
Sessions
- April 16, 2026Watch ↗
Welcome Remarks
Speaker:
- Shilo Brooks, President and CEO, George W. Bush Center
- April 16, 2026Watch ↗
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.
Speakers:
- David French, Opinion Columnist, The New York Times
- Anne Wicks, the Don Evans Family Managing Director, Opportunity and Democracy, George W. Bush Institute (Moderator)
- April 16, 2026Watch ↗
Scholar Testimonial and Conversation Two: The Land That Unites Us
Scholar Testimonial
Speaker:
- Niki Marin, Founder and President, Beneath the Service; Presidential Leadership Scholars Class of 2025
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.
Speakers:
- 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)
- April 16, 2026Watch ↗
Awarding of the 2026 George W. Bush Institute Citation
The George W. Bush Presidential Center is proud to present the 2026 George W. Bush Institute Citation to Eboo Patel, founder and president of Interfaith America. The Bush Institute Citation recognizes Mr. Patel’s dedication to the idea that cooperation across our differences is key for all Americans to thrive.
Speakers:
- Chris Walsh, Director, Freedom and Democracy, George W. Bush Institute
- Eboo Patel, Founder and President, Interfaith America
- April 16, 2026Watch ↗
Scholar Testimonial and Conversation Three: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union
Scholar Testimonial
Speaker:
- Mark Reilly, President and CEO, The Washington Tattoo; Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program Class of 2025
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.
Panelists:
- 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)