Prepared. For Life. Gala

10^th Annual Prepared. For Life. Gala

October 7, 2025 • Capital One Hall, Tysons Corner
Theme: Leadership Begins Here

This year’s Gala theme, “Leadership Begins Here,” celebrates the lasting impact of Scouting and the exceptional leaders across our region who are shaping industries, communities, and the future. The evening will bring together C-suite executives, elected officials, and nonprofit leaders for a powerful celebration of leadership, service, and civic responsibility.

Proceeds from the Gala directly support Scouting America – National Capital Area Council, which serves more than 33,000 Scouts and 19,000 volunteers annually across D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Our 2025 goal of $425,000 will fund key initiatives including leadership development, STEM education, outdoor experiences, and outreach to underserved communities—with 86¢ of every dollar going directly to program delivery.

Gala Chair

Michelle Mason | President & CEO, ASAE

2025 Gala Honorees

Kevin Burke, President & CEO, Airports Council International
John H. Graham IV Association Executive Award”

Cullen Bengston, Booz Allen Hamilton
Baden-Powell Award Honoree

Eric Hoplin, President & CEO, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors
Hospitality Industry Honoree

Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.
Citizen of the Year

This is more than a celebration—it’s a strategic investment in the next generation of leaders, innovators, and engaged citizens.

Thank you to the 2025 Sponsors!

Presenting Eagle – $30,000

The Forster Family Foundation

Gold Eagles – $20,000

Silver Eagles – $10,000

Bronze Eagles – $5,000

Eagles – $2,500

Previous Gala Honorees:

2024	Michelle Mason, President and CEO of ASAE, recipient of the prestigious John H. Graham, IV Association Executive Award Kate Mattice, Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, recipient of the esteemed Baden Powell Award Kevin Keane, President and CEO of the American Beverage Association, recipient of the Hospitality Good Scout Award Stephen Skippen, Director of Business Development, SKANSKA, recipient of the Transportation Good Scout Award Kevin Brady, Senior Consultant, Akin, recipient of the Economic Development Good Scout Award U.S. Senator Joe Manchin III, recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award
2023	Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, House Committee on Agriculture, U.S. House of Representatives, Citizen of the Year John H. Graham IV Association Executive Award: Heidi Brock, President & CEO, American Forest & Paper Association Chip Rogers, President and CEO, American Hotel & Lodging Association, Hospitality Good Scout Honoree Jason Grumet, CEO, American Clean Power Association, Energy Good Scout Honoree Corey & Bethany Clemmons, Cubmaster/Volunteers Pack 1758, Baden Powell Volunteer Award
2022	Steve Caldeira, President & CEO of Household & Commercial Products Association-John H. Graham IV Association Executive Award Matt Shay, President & CEO of the National Retail Federation- Hospitality Good Scout Award Maria Korsnick, President & CEO of the Nuclear Energy Institute-Energy Good Scout Award General David Rodriguez- Military Good Scout Award
2021	Roger Dow, President & CEO of the U.S. Travel Association- John H. Graham IV Association Executive Award Greg Ferrara, President & CEO of the National Grocers Association – Hospitality Good Scout Award Karen Alderman Harbert, President & CEO of the American Gas Association- Energy Good Scout Award Holly Sullivan, Vice President of WW Economic Development with Amazon- Economic Development Good Scout Award Matthew Jones, President & CEO Of Leading Authorities, Inc- Communications Good Scout Award.
2020	Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases- Citizen of the Year Award Thomas Kuhn, President of EEI – John H. Graham IV Association Executive Award Katherine Lugar, President & CEO of the American Beverage Association- Hospitality Good Scout Award Mike Sommers, President & CEO of the American Petroleum Institute- Energy Good Scout Award Dr. J. Stephen Jones President and CEO of Inova Health System- Health Services Good Scout Award

2019	Andrew Wheeler, Administrator, Enviromental Protection Agency Charlie Tate, Partner, Tate & Tryon Leslie Sarasin, President & CEO, Food Marketing Institute
2018	Dave McCurdy, President, The American Gas Association Samuel Schreiber, President, Chain Bridge Bank Greg O’Dell, President & CEO, Events DC
2017	Thomas R. Kuhn, President, The Edison Electric Institute Kenneth E. Bentsen, Jr., President, The Global Financial Markets Association Thomas J. Baltimore, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Park Hotels & Resorts
2016	Jack Gerard, President & CEO, API Dan O’Neill, President Mid Atlantic Division, SunTrust Stephen J. Caldeira, President & CEO, The Household & Commercial Products Association
2015	Senator John Hoeven, Senator of North Dakota Governor Frank Keating, President & CEO, American Bankers Association Dawn Sweeney, President & CEO, National Restaurant Association
2014	The Honorable John D. Dingell, MI, Congressman, US House of Representatives Elliott Ferguson, II, President & CEO, Destination DC
2013	Sen. Lisa Murkowski, AK, Ranking Member, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Woody Sutton, President & CEO, The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association Roger Dow, President & CEO, US Travel Association
2012	Rep. Fred Upton, MI, Chairman, The House Energy and Commerce Committee Rob Nichols, President & CEO, Financial Services Forum
2011	Rob Nichols, President & CEO, Financial Services Forum Sen. Jeff Bingaman, NM, Chairman, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
2010	Paul G. Haaga, Chairman, Capital Research and Management Company
2008	Paul Schott Stevens, President & CEO, Investment Company Institute