The Common Good American Spirit Awards
Thursday, November 21, 6-9:30 pm ET, at The Plaza IN NYC
The Common Good hosted an unforgettable evening filled with captivating conversations and inspiring stories of dedication, innovation, and stellar achievement.
The American Spirit Awards took place at the storied Plaza Hotel on Thursday, November 21, beginning with a warm cocktail reception followed by an elegant dinner. It was truly an inspiring night celebrating and connecting with some of America’s most remarkable heroes.
The evening reaffirmed our shared commitment to a brighter future as we honored extraordinary awardees whose dedication to the common good continues to elevate our nation.
American Spirit Awardees for 2024
Dr. Kimberly Budil, Director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
DISTINGUISHED SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENT
For Dr. Budil’s groundbreaking work in nuclear fusion and its transformative potential for clean energy and climate change mitigation.
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson
DISTINGUISHED GUARDIAN OF DEMOCRACY
For Secretary Johnson’s efforts to safeguard democracy as Co-Chair of the American Bar Association Task Force on Public Confidence in Democracy and highlighting his excellent work at the helm of one of the most complicated agencies in the U.S. government.
Director of National Intelligence James Clapper
DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE
For Director Clapper’s extraordinary contributions to national security over the decades, particularly in the challenging field of intelligence, and for his vital role in the operation that brought down Osama bin Laden.
Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta
DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE
For Secretary Panetta’s prodigious record of outstanding leadership at several U.S. agencies with mighty results at each, such as balancing the federal budget - an accomplishment which has yet to be matched in the 21st century - to advancing our military readiness and helping to defeat our terrorist foes.
Alan Schwartz, Executive Chairman, Guggenheim Partners
DISTINGUISHED BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
For Mr. Schwartz’s commitment to issues that extend beyond corporate profits, bringing to business leadership a strong sense of civic purpose by publicly addressing challenges such as income inequality, voting reform, and climate change.
this year’s INCREDIBLE HOST & PRESENTERs
JIM ACOSTA
THIS YEAR’S AMERICAN SPIRIT AWARDS HOST
Anchor of CNN Newsroom with Jim Acosta, airing weekdays at 10aET on CNN. Acosta has served as CNN’s chief White House correspondent, where he covered the Trump administration and the Obama administration from the White House and around the world. He regularly covers presidential press conferences, visits by heads of states, and issues impacting the Executive Branch of the federal government.
CONGRESSWOMAN JANE HARMAN
PRESENTER OF DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
A nine-term congresswoman from California and former ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, a position she held for four years after 9/11. She recently completed a decade at the nonpartisan Wilson Center as its first female president and CEO, where she is now president emerita and distinguished fellow. Harman is recognized as a national expert at the nexus of security and public policy issues and has received numerous awards for distinguished service.
THE HONORABLE JUDGE J. MICHAEL LUTTIG
PRESENTER OF DISTINGUISHED GUARDIAN OF DEMOCRACY AWARD
Appointed by President George W. Bush, he is the former Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. On January 6th, 2021, Judge J. Luttig advised former Vice President Mike Pence that he could not overturn the 2020 election results. He now serves cochair of the American Bar Association Task Force on American Democracy.
PHOTO GALLERY
stream this year’s Awards Below
This year’s awards were nothing short of inspiring. It was an absolute honor to hear the remarks and stories shared by each of the awardees, presenters, and hosts.
From three distinguished former cabinet-level secretaries in national security to a trailblazing scientist and a profoundly civic-minded business leader, every moment was filled with insight and inspiration.
Don’t miss the chance to tune in and experience it for yourself!
