An Evening of and for Leaders: 4th Annual George C. Marshall Award Gala

Marshall Center Board Chairman Tom Greenspon presents the Marshall Award in Ethical Leadership to Admiral Mike Rogers (U.S. Navy, Ret.)

On Friday, April 4, the Marshall Center hosted its 4th Annual Award Gala, bringing together distinguished guests, committed supporters and faithful volunteers to celebrate ethical leadership and honor the legacy of George C. Marshall. This fun-filled Evening for Leadership was held in the elegant setting of the Army Navy Country Club and set new marks for generosity with over $175,000 raised.

David M. Cattler, Director of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency

The evening’s program began with an outdoor welcome reception featuring remarks from David M. Cattler, Director of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. Recalling the example of Marshall, Cattler encouraged attendees to recall the moment they discovered their calling—and to renew their commitment to making a meaningful impact in the present.

After the guests moved inside, the George C. Marshall High School Clarinet Ensemble gave a stirring performance of the National Anthem. The evening program was skillfully hosted by retired Navy officer Reggie Baker, who served as Master of Ceremonies.

The highlight of the night was the presentation of the George C. Marshall Award in Ethical Leadership to Admiral Mike Rogers (U.S. Navy, Ret.), former Commander of U.S. Cyber Command and Director of the National Security Agency.

Attendees listen to the award acceptance speech by Admiral Mike Rogers (U.S. Navy, Ret.)

Admiral Rogers, who served nearly 37 years in the U.S. Navy, inspired attendees with his keynote address, reflecting on George C. Marshall’s leadership, integrity and service: “This is a man who constantly strove to be the best he could be, to try to get the best out of others and then constantly think about what can I do to make it better – what's the strategic end state that’s going to benefit both our nation and the broader world around us?”

Rogers called upon attendees to answer the call: “The world needs more George C. Marshalls.”

Following the award presentation and before dinner, Bill Brooks, Dodona Manor’s Docent Lead, offered a stirring invocation.

Bill Brooks, Dodona Manor Docent Lead

Ahead of the fundraising auction, Ethical Leadership Program director Pete Janhunen spoke about the impact of the program on the students by reflecting on the example of his great uncle Armas Laine, a World War II combat veteran. “He was of Marshall’s generation — quiet, humble and courageous. He was my ELC.”

Ethical Leadership Program director Pete Janhunen

Janhunen said he is proud to be able to share Marshall’s example with the leaders of tomorrow, and that they respond with energy, optimism and creativity. “You can trust that your donations are making a real difference in their lives, and that they will make a difference in our nation’s future."

The live auction with spirited bidding led by Brian Damewood of Damewood Auctioneers followed. Guests bid on exclusive live auction experiences, including a luxurious getaway to The Greenbrier; private dinners at historic Dodona Manor with Admiral Rogers or author and former CIA Chief of Disguise Jonna Mendez; a historic Lexington weekend on the VMI campus; and a Creighton Farms golf and dinner package.

Brian Damewood of Damewood Auctioneers

The energy and passion of the attendees were capped off by several rounds of generous donations to sponsor attendees at the Marshall Center’s Ethical Leadership Conferences for high school students. It was clear to all that the Marshall community is invested in the mission and committed to “inspiring leadership” for generations to come.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our guests and sponsors—Monoc, Fortinet Federal, Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, Toth Financial, Birch Rock Camp and Amazon Web Services—as well as our many additional sponsors and supporters who made the evening possible. Thanks to your support, we are able to educate and inspire the leaders of today and tomorrow—at no cost—by sharing General Marshall’s enduring example of ethical leadership.

The date of next year’s gala has been set for April 17, 2026 – what promises to be a special evening as America approaches its 250th birthday!