Council Honors Cindy McCain, David J. Vitale and Chris Myers for Global Leadership

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is thrilled to announce Ambassador Cindy McCain, Chicago civic and business leader David J. Vitale and Emerging Leaders Program alumnus Chris Myers as the recipients of its 2026 Global Leadership Award. The honor recognizes individuals for their extraordinary leadership and commitment to creating a more open and promising world for all.  

“At a time of profound disruption to global supply chains, the weaponization of food in conflict situations, major war in Europe, intensifying humanitarian crises and, in the United States, high levels of inequality and political polarization, bold leadership is critical,” Council President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri said. “We are proud to honor these accomplished individuals and their efforts to advance solutions to the greatest challenges facing our world today.” 

Cindy McCain is a trailblazing humanitarian, philanthropist, and businesswoman. She served as US ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture in Rome from 2021 to 2023, during which she worked to manage the global food crisis sparked by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. From 2023 to 2026, she served as executive director of the UN World Food Programme, leading efforts to combat famine and food insecurity in Gaza, Sudan and around the world. The Council award celebrates McCain’s impactful contributions and dedication to ending global hunger.  

With a distinguished career spanning public service, banking, education and philanthropy, David J. Vitale exemplifies what it means to be a civic leader. He previously served as president and CEO of the Chicago Board of Trade and president of the Chicago Board of Education, among many other leadership roles. Today, he serves on the boards of a variety of local nonprofit organizations, including the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and others. The Council is pleased to honor Vitale’s lifelong commitment to strengthening institutions, expanding opportunity and serving the public good.  

An alumnus of the Chicago Council’s Emerging Leaders Program, Chris Myers represents the next generation of global changemakers. He is a partner in EY-Parthenon's strategy consulting practice, where he specializes in complex international mergers and acquisitions. He also serves as an intelligence officer in the US Navy Reserve and is currently deployed to Germany, supporting intelligence collection and sharing with Ukraine. The Council award recognizes Myers’ continued leadership and service to his country.    

The Council will honor McCain, Vitale and Myers at its annual Global Leadership Awards Dinner on October 28. The 2026 Global Leadership Awards are chaired by Council Distinguished Fellow Ambassador Ertharin Cousin, former executive director of the UN World Food Programme, and Council Board Member Eric Larson, co-founder, chairman and co-CEO of Tilia Holdings.    

To learn more and register to attend, visit globalaffairs.org/glad2026. 

About the Council 

Founded in 1922, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing knowledge and engagement in global affairs. Our in-depth analysis and expert-led research influence policy conversations and inform the insights we share with our growing community. Through accessible content and open dialogue drawing on diverse, fact-based perspectives, we empower more people to help shape our global future. Learn more at globalaffairs.org.