Congressional Award Board of Directors Welcomes Six Accomplished Professionals

(District of Columbia, August 1, 2023) – The Congressional Award Board of Directors proudly announces the addition of six distinguished professionals who have joined its esteemed board. These individuals bring extensive expertise and diverse backgrounds, further strengthening the Board’s commitment to empowering young Americans to explore their full potential and create a positive impact on society.

Paxton Baker, Chairman of the Congressional Award Board of Directors, expressed his enthusiasm about the new additions, stating, “I am thrilled to welcome these accomplished individuals to the Board. Their diverse backgrounds and outstanding achievements will bring fresh perspectives and strengthen our commitment to fostering leadership, service, and personal development among young Americans. I look forward to their contributions as we continue to empower the next generation.”

Dr. Vipul Dev, healthcare executive and medical professional out of Bakersfield, CA, joins the Board. Appointed by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Dr. Dev is a highly accomplished surgeon known for his philanthropic endeavors and expertise in regenerative medicine.

Ashley Hayes, Vice President of Government Affairs at Charter Communications, joins the Board. Ms. Hayes brings a strong leadership background in strategic policy, political engagement and federal relations.

Collis Jones, Vice President, U.S. Policy & Strategy, for John Deere Public Affairs, joins the Board with over 20 years of experience in governmental strategic and policy development. His expertise is in client-focused business initiatives.

Michael Kennedy is Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Intuit, the global financial technology platform that makes Intuit TurboTaxCredit KarmaQuickBooks, and Mailchimp; leading a global team focused on public policy, government relations, PR, and advocacy.

Maurice Obeid is a senior partner at McKinsey & Company‘s New York office. In his professional pursuits, Mr. Obeid is known for spearheading collaboration between private, public, and social entities.

Donald Remy, Founder and CEO of The Remy Group, joins the Board. Mr. Remy has a distinguished career that includes various leadership roles in government and corporate sectors, most recently as former deputy secretary of the US Department of Veteran Affairs.

About The Congressional Award

The Congressional Award is the United States Congress’ highest honor for young people, recognizing their voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and exploration of new experiences. The Board of Directors plays a vital role in overseeing the Award’s programs, policies, and operations, ensuring its impact on the lives of countless young individuals across the nation.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Bethie Woodall | Communications Director | woodall@congressionalaward.org