On Tuesday, November 14th, the NCAFP hosted its 2023 Gala Celebration at the Yale Club of New York City. The organization brought together over 200 luminaries from the worlds of politics, finance, academia, and the arts to celebrate the organization’s 49 years of diplomacy in action.
The NCAFP was thrilled to present the Hans J. Morgenthau Award to Admiral James Stavridis, USN (ret.), the George F. Kennan Award for Distinguished Public Service to Ambassador (ret.) Marie Yovanovitch, the 21st Century Leader Award to Mr. Terrell Jermaine Starr, and the William J. Flynn Initiative for Peace Award to Mr. Kieran McLoughlin.
The evening began with a presentation of the the 21st Century Leader Award to Mr. Terrell Jermaine Starr, Founder and Host of Black Diplomats. Mr. Starr travelled to New York City from Ukraine, where he is currently based and covering the war.
Mr. Terrell Jermaine Starr addresses the crowd.
The NCAFP then presented its George F. Kennan Award for Distinguished Public Service to Ambassador (ret.) Marie Yovanovitch, the former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Armenia, and the Kyrgyz Republic. Shed noted: "Our global leadership depends on the power of our example and the consistency of our purpose. In this increasingly dangerous world, our shining city on the hill, as Ronald Regan used to say, has lost some of its luster. There is danger, but there is also opportunity. If we remain true to our values, both internally and externally, pursue our interests in an enlightened way and leverage our alliances to address our challenges together, in these endeavors, diplomacy should be the first stop, and hopefully it should be the last stop, as well."
Ambassador Yovanovitch with NCAFP President & CEO (and longtime friend), Ambassador Susan Elliott.
The evening continued with Ms. Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Chairman Emeritus of the Ireland Funds, who presented the William J. Flynn Initaitive for Peace Award to Mr. Kieran McLoughlin, Managing Director & Co-Founder of VentureWave Capital Ltd. Both Loretta and Kieran highlighted the the important role that Irish-Americans like William "Bill" Flynn played in brokering the peace process in Northern Ireland.
Ms. Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Chairman Emeritus of the Ireland Funds, reflects on the past before presenting the William J. Flynn Initiative for Peace Award to Mr. Kieran McLoughlin.
The final award of the evening was presented by Mr. Elliot Ackerman to Admiral James Stavridis, USN (ret.). He noted, "If we are to create security in this world, we will not deliver it from the barrel of a gun."
Admiral Stavridis accepting the Hans J. Morgenthau Award.
Following the presentation of awards, the four honorees participated in a moderated discussion about the importance of transatlantic cooperation in a time of increasing security challenges. The conversation was moderated by the evening's host, Ms. Jacqueline Adams, Emmy Award-Winning former CBS News Correspondent and NCAFP Trustee.
The NCAFP would like to thank each of our honorees, as well as our incredible network of members, supporters, and corporate partners! To view the gala program, please click here.