NAB Leadership Foundation Announces Service to America Leadership Honoree

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NAB Leadership Foundation Announces Service to America Leadership Honoree

Washington, D.C. � The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) today announced that philanthropist and businesswoman Gayle Benson will be the recipient of the 2026 Celebration of Service to America Leadership Award for her exceptional civic and humanitarian contributions. She will receive the recognition during the Celebration of Service to America Awards gala, presented by Bonneville International and Hearst Television, in Washington, D.C., on June 9 at The Anthem.

One of the most powerful women in sports according to Forbes, she is a community investor, tireless advocate and corporate citizen, focused on the growth and enrichment of the Gulf South region and improving lives through her initiatives in health and wellness, cancer care, education and the arts. As the owner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, giving back to the city is a hallmark of her leadership, represented by millions of dollars annually in financial support, in-kind donations, charitable appearances and goods and services distributed to those in need.

Benson is the steward of the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation, carrying forward her husband�s vision and passion for helping others, and works closely alongside organizations like the Greater New Orleans Foundation and the Archdiocese of New Orleans. She is driven to uplift and strengthen communities; she helped to establish The Gayle and Tom Benson Disaster Relief Fund to support first responders and vulnerable families, and she is particularly devoted to initiatives for young women, such as STEM programs in schools and leadership training. She is also currently building The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children�s Hospital on the Ochsner Medical Center campus in New Orleans featuring a dedicated pediatric emergency department, a Level IV Surgical NICU and AI technology.

�Gayle Benson truly embodies the values of philanthropy through her work to support, educate and care for others, especially in her hometown of New Orleans and surrounding areas,� said NABLF President Michelle Duke. �We are thrilled to be honoring Mrs. Benson and her legacy of long-term, positive and sustainable impact with the Foundation�s Leadership Award, our highest individual commendation for service.�

Beyond her community impact, Benson is an active and respected leader in professional sports. In 2025, she was appointed by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell as co-chair of the National Football League (NFL) Legislative Committee, where she helps guide the league�s government relations strategy. She also serves on the National Basketball Association�s (NBA) Labor Relations Committee and has been a member of the NBA Foundation Board of Directors since 2020.

Benson also played a key role in launching the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network (GCSEN), a regional broadcast and digital platform designed to elevate local sports, culture and community storytelling.

About NAB Leadership Foundation

The mission of the Foundation is to develop leaders, prepare individuals for careers in broadcasting and recognize the community impact of local television and radio stations. Learn more at nabfoundation.org.

About NAB

The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at nab.org.

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