Gale V. King to Receive The ELC's 2026 Alvaro L. Martins Heritage Award for Enduring Leadership and Service

Former Nationwide executive, corporate director and former ELC Board Chair recognized during The ELC's 40th anniversary year

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) will honor Gale V. King, corporate director, former Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Nationwide, and former Chair of The ELC Board of Directors, with the 2026 Alvaro L. Martins Heritage Award at The ELC Recognition Gala on October 30, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

The Alvaro L. Martins Heritage Award recognizes an individual whose lifetime of leadership and service has advanced opportunity and helped shape the path for generations of executives. King's more than 36-year career reflects that legacy across business, corporate governance and community leadership.

As Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Nationwide, King led Human Resources, Corporate Real Estate, Corporate Security, Aviation, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. A trusted advisor to the CEO, Board and executive leadership team, she helped guide strategies that strengthened the employee experience, organizational culture and business performance.

"Gale has spent her career doing the work that lasts: building strong organizations, developing leaders and creating opportunities for others to rise," said Michael C. Hyter, President and CEO of The Executive Leadership Council. "Her leadership has touched companies, boardrooms, communities and The ELC itself. During our 40th anniversary year, it is especially meaningful to recognize someone who has given so much of her leadership to the institution and to the people coming behind her."

King served as Chair of The ELC Board of Directors from 2022 to 2024. She currently serves on the boards of AutoZone and Unum Group and has held corporate and nonprofit board leadership roles throughout her career.

Her influence extends well beyond the boardroom. A longtime advocate for education and community impact, King established endowed scholarships at the University of Florida and Santa Fe College and supports initiatives addressing homelessness and senior care. Her honors include the University of Florida Distinguished Alumna Award, YWCA Woman of Power, National Urban League Woman of Power and Black Enterprise Legacy Award.

King earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Florida.

The Alvaro L. Martins Heritage Award carries the name of one of The ELC's founding members and its first President and CEO. King joins a distinguished legacy of Heritage Award recipients whose careers have strengthened both business leadership and the communities they serve.

The ELC Marks 40 Years of Developing Leaders

King will receive the Heritage Award during a milestone year for The Executive Leadership Council. Founded in 1986, The ELC is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, marking four decades of developing leaders who perform at the highest levels of business and strengthening the leadership pipeline that sustains that excellence.

The 2026 ELC Recognition Gala will take place Friday, October 30, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning television journalist and Entertainment Tonight co-host Kevin Frazier, the black-tie celebration will feature a special musical performance by 10-time GRAMMY Award winner Chaka Khan.

The Gala is the signature fundraising event of The ELC's 2026 Gala Week, October 28–31, which will bring together more than 3,000 members, students, senior executives and business leaders as The ELC celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Gala Week is designed to span the leadership journey. The Honors Symposium connects ELC Scholars with senior executives and hiring managers as they prepare to enter the workplace. The Mid-Level Managers' Symposium develops high-performing professionals preparing for greater leadership responsibility. Corporate Board Navigator helps ELC members prepare for corporate board service.

ABOUT THE ELC

The Executive Leadership Council is an independent nonprofit founded in 1986 that opens channels of opportunity for the development of global executives to positively impact business and our communities. Learn more at elcinfo.com.

SOURCE The Executive Leadership Council