Global Leadership Awards Dinner 2026

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs will honor Ambassador Cindy McCain, David J. Vitale, and Chris Myers at the 23rd Annual Global Leadership Awards Dinner.

Title slide for the 23rd Annual Global Leadership Awards Dinner

October 28, 2026, 6:00 - 9:00 PM CST
The Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, 120 E. Delaware Pl.

Please join us for the 23rd Annual Global Leadership Awards Dinner on Wednesday, October 28, at the Four Seasons, as the Chicago Council on Global Affairs honors distinguished individuals for extraordinary leadership and commitment to our city, the nation, and the world.

The evening will honor Ambassador Cindy McCain, former executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme and former US Ambassador to the UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture; David J. Vitale, Chicago business and civic leader; and Chris Myers, principal at EY-Parthenon, intelligence officer with the US Navy Reserves, and Council Emerging Leaders alumnus.

To reserve your spot for the Global Leadership Awards Dinner, use the RSVP link below. Tickets are $1,500 per person, and tables are $75,000, $50,000, $25,000, and $15,000. We hope you will join us in making the 2026 Global Leadership Awards Dinner an enormous success. If you're unable to attend, we welcome your support in any amount. Donate now.

Purchase a table for up to 12 guests by using the link below.

RSVP Now

About the Honorees

Cindy McCain

Former Executive Director, UN World Food Programme

Cindy McCain is an American businesswoman, philanthropist, humanitarian, and the widow of US Senator John McCain. She served as US Ambassador to the UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture in Rome from 2021 to 2023, and in 2023 she was appointed Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme, leading the world's largest humanitarian organization dedicated to fighting global hunger.

David J. Vitale

Chicago Business and Civic Leader

David Vitale’s distinguished career spans banking, education, public service, and philanthropy. He has served as president and chief executive officer of the Chicago Board of Trade and president of the Chicago Board of Education, among many other leadership roles. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to strengthening institutions, expanding opportunity, and serving the public good.

Chris Myers

M&A Partner, Strategy and Transactions, EY-Parthenon

Chris Myers is a partner in EY-Parthenon's strategy consulting practice where he specializes in complex, international M&A transactions. He also serves as an intelligence officer in the US Navy Reserve and is currently deployed to Germany on active-duty orders for Operation Atlantic Resolve, where he is on the front line supporting intelligence collection and sharing with Ukraine.

Table Levels & Pricing

Presenting Sponsor $75,000 | Two tables of 12 with the option to host a Council expert at your tables; VIP reception with honorees for you and your guests; prominent recognition in event materials: print, digital/email, program, and signage, including exclusive stage/podium signage; logo placement on Council website; recognition from stage; access to Council Corporate Partner program for one year

Gold Level $50,000 | Priority seating for one table of 12; VIP reception with honorees for you and your guests; logo or name recognition in event materials: print, digital/email, program, and signage; logo placement on Council website; recognition from stage

Silver Level $25,000 | Preferred seating for one table of ten; logo or name recognition in event materials: print, digital/email, program, and signage; logo placement on Council website

Bronze Level $15,000 | One table of ten; name recognition on Council website and in printed program