Gale V. King to Receive ELC Heritage Award
The 2026 Alvaro L. Martins Heritage Award will honor Gale V. King at The ELC Recognition Gala in Maryland.
The Executive Leadership Council will honor Gale V. King with the 2026 Alvaro L. Martins Heritage Award at its Recognition Gala on October 30. King is a corporate director, former Nationwide executive and former chair of The ELC Board of Directors. The award recognizes lifetime leadership and service that advance opportunity for future executives. The presentation takes place during The ELC’s 40th anniversary year at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.
Career Across Business And Service
King spent more than 36 years in business, corporate governance and community leadership. As Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Nationwide, she led Human Resources, Corporate Real Estate, Corporate Security, Aviation, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Michael C. Hyter, President and CEO at The Executive Leadership Council, said:
“Gale has spent her career doing the work that lasts: building strong organizations, developing leaders and creating opportunities for others to rise. 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.”
Board And Community Roles
King chaired 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 education and community work includes endowed scholarships at the University of Florida and Santa Fe College, along with support for homelessness and senior care initiatives. 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.
Gala Week Schedule
The black-tie gala is The ELC’s signature fundraising event during 2026 Gala Week, held October 28 to 31. The week is expected to bring together more than 3,000 members, students, senior executives and business leaders.
The program includes the Honors Symposium, Mid-Level Managers’ Symposium and Corporate Board Navigator. The gala will be hosted by Kevin Frazier and include a musical performance by Chaka Khan.
