Edward M. Kennedy Institute Honors Governors Wes Moore, Chris Sununu with Award for Inspired Leadership

Honorees recognized at Kennedy Institute’s annual dinner

March 25, 2024 (Boston, Mass.) – The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate will present Governors Wes Moore (MD) and Chris Sununu (NH) with the Award for Inspired Leadership. The two Governors will be honored at the Kennedy Institute’s annual gala event “A Celebration of Inspired Leadership,” on March 26, 2024.

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute Award for Inspired Leadership recognizes an individual or individuals who possess qualities that reflect the legacy of Senator Edward M. Kennedy: modeling exemplary leadership, inspiring others to action, and making a difference through service to the community and country. Governors Wes Moore and Chris Sununu received this year’s award for their commitment to public service, policymaking, and steadfast governance that has brought economic prosperity to their respective states. The governors’ historic and bipartisan state leadership reflect the values of Senator Kennedy’s 47 years in the United States Senate.

Moderator of NBC News’ Meet the Press, Kristen Welker, will join this year’s celebration as a special guest and master of ceremonies. Ambassador Victoria Reggie Kennedy, Board President Emerita and Honorary Chair of the event, will also be in attendance.

“With their commitment to public service and constructive civic engagement Governor Moore and Governor Sununu exemplify the qualities of the Inspired Leadership Award,” said Adam Hinds, CEO of the Kennedy Institute. “The governors’ respective impacts on advancing equity, civil rights, and economic prosperity in their states; coupled with their proven successes in office, makes them excellent examples of how state leaders can play a significant role in developing effective policies in local and national government.”

The annual event, “A Celebration of Inspired Leadership,” welcomes scores of leaders from across the state and region to the Edward M. Kennedy Institute at Columbia Point. This year’s host committee includes Kennedy Institute Chair Bruce A. Percelay, former Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash, MSNBC Commentator Mike Barnicle, former Vice Chair of Bank of America and former Chair of Bank of America Europe Anne Finucane, The Honorable Joseph P. Kennedy III, The Honorable Patrick J. Kennedy, former Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Eastern Bank CEO Robert F. Rivers, Boston Office Managing Principal at EY Jane Steinmetz, and the Honorable John E. Sununu.

Wes Moore is the 63rd Governor of the state of Maryland. He is Maryland’s first Black governor in the state’s 246-year history and is just the third African American elected governor in the history of the United States. In the first years of his tenure as Governor of Maryland, Moore has emphasized a focus on rebuilding the state workforce to strengthen Maryland’s public safety, public education, and public trust.

“Senator Kennedy spent his career fighting for communities that have been historically left behind. In Maryland, we are building on his legacy by launching a coordinated, frontal assault on child poverty,” said Governor Wes Moore. “I am honored and humbled to receive the Award for Inspired Leadership from an institution dedicated to Senator Kennedy’s life and values. And together, we will continue to work across the aisle to carry his torch forward.”

Christopher T. Sununu is the 82nd Governor of the State of New Hampshire and is currently serving his fourth term, receiving in 2020 more votes ever than any candidate in state history. Throughout his 12 years as Governor of New Hampshire, Sununu has led the Granite State to become the fastest-growing state in the Northeast with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation and the lowest child poverty rate of any state in America.

“Senator Ted Kennedy’s decades of bipartisan leadership inspired many to serve our country in public service,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “I am honored and grateful to the Kennedy Institute for recognizing me with this year’s Award for Inspired Leadership.”

The Kennedy Institute, and its annual Award for Inspired Leadership, draws its inspiration from the legacy of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, who was able to “cross the aisle” and find compromise to create bipartisan landmark legislation that benefits the American people every day. Since opening to the public in 2015, the Kennedy Institute has worked to educate, advocate, and convene national leaders to participate in constructive dialogue and policymaking to promote a more productive Senate to students, political leaders, and the public. To date, the Kennedy Institute has welcomed more than 100,000 students online and in-person for civic education learning programs that engage students directly in researching, debating, compromising, and voting on legislation.

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About the Award for Inspired Leadership
The Edward M. Kennedy Institute Award for Inspired Leadership recognizes an individual who possesses qualities that reflect the legacy of Senator Edward M. Kennedy: modeling exemplary leadership, inspiring others to action, and making a difference through service to the community and country.

About the Edward M. Kennedy Institute
The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is dedicated to educating the public about the important role of the Senate in our government, encouraging participatory democracy, invigorating civil discourse, and inspiring the next generation of citizens and leaders to engage in the civic life of their communities. Learn more via www.emkinstitute.org.