Jon Meacham and Judy Woodruff Named Co-Chairs of the 8th Annual George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards
WASHINGTON, DC. – Sept. 2, 2026 — Points of Light has announced that Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian Jon Meacham and acclaimed journalist Judy Woodruff will serve as co-chairs of the 8th annual George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards, the organization’s highest honor recognizing individuals whose service, generosity, and civic leadership strengthen communities and inspire others to act.
Set against the backdrop of America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s awards highlight extraordinary leaders whose work reflects President George H.W. Bush’s enduring belief in the power of service to shape a stronger civic culture. As we look to the future, these leaders show why volunteering is central to building connections in communities and strengthening our society.
This year’s honorees are David M. Rubenstein, investor, philanthropist, interviewer, author and historian; Evan Spiegel, co-founder and CEO of Snap Inc.; Karen and Morrill Worcester, co-founders of Wreaths Across America; and Olivia Zhang, founder and CEO of Cancer Kids First. “
“The substance and spirit of Points of Light is the substance and spirit of America at its best: gracious, generous, and energetic,” said presidential historian Jon Meacham. “George H.W. Bush left the country and the world a much better place than he found it, and Points of Light is an essential element of that living legacy.”
“I am incredibly honored to serve as a co-chair of the 2026 George H. W. Bush Points of Light Awards, and especially alongside my friend, the remarkable Jon Meacham,” said Judy Woodruff, senior correspondent, PBS Newshour. “At this polarized moment in our nation’s history, these awards are a powerful reminder of the critical importance of service and of giving, of looking out for others, regardless of political beliefs.”
“Judy Woodruff and Jon Meacham have each helped Americans better understand the people, principles, and moments that define our nation,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of Points of Light. “Their commitment to shining a light on important values that bring us together, like volunteering, have a meaningful connection President’s Bush vision of Points of Light and belief everyone had the power to serve.”
The celebration will take place Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C., with SiriusXM radio and CNN television host Michael Smerconish serving as master of ceremonies.
Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and additional information about The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards are available at pointsoflight.org/bushawards.
About Points of Light
Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to create positive change through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies, and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs in communities. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 32 countries.