WASHINGTON – The Board of Directors of the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation today announced the recipients of the 2027 James W. Foley Freedom Awards, honoring leaders whose moral courage has advanced human freedom, press freedom, and justice.
American Hostage Freedom Award – Ambassador William J. “Bill” Burns
The American Hostage Freedom Award will be presented to Ambassador William J. “Bill” Burns, former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency and one of America’s most distinguished diplomats. Burns is being recognized for his contributions to efforts that secured the freedom of Americans held hostage abroad, including his leadership role in multinational negotiations following the October 7, 20232023, attacks in Israel that helped advance agreements for the release of hostages held in Gaza. Throughout a career spanning more than three decades in diplomacy and national security, Burns has demonstrated an enduring commitment to protecting Americans and advancing peace through diplomacy.
World Press Freedom Award – Margaret Brennan
The World Press Freedom Award will be presented to Margaret Brennan, Moderator of Face the Nation and Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent for CBS News. Brennan is being recognized for her commitment to rigorous journalism and her consistent coverage of hostage, wrongful detention, and national security issues. Through thoughtful reporting and interviews with policymakers, former captives, and family members, she has helped bring greater public attention to the challenges facing Americans unjustly held abroad and the importance of a free and independent press.
Humanitarian Award – Adrienne Arsht
The Humanitarian Award will be presented to Adrienne Arsht, business leader, philanthropist, and Executive Vice Chair of the Atlantic Council. Arsht is being recognized for her longstanding support of journalists at risk and efforts to sustain public attention on Americans wrongfully detained abroad. Through initiatives such as the Atlantic Council’s Reporters at Risk programming, she has helped elevate the stories of detained journalists, foster international engagement in support of press freedom, and encourage global action on behalf of those unjustly imprisoned.
Robert A. Levinson Excellence in Government Service Award – U.S. Government Post-Recovery Support Program
The family of Robert Levinson and the Foley Foundation’s Board of Directors jointly announced that the 2027 Robert A. Levinson Excellence in Government Service Award will be presented to the U.S. Government’s Post-Recovery Support Program, an innovative interagency effort that supports Americans returning home from hostage-taking and wrongful detention. Accepting the award on behalf of the program will be four individuals: Colonel (Dr.) Ana Elizabeth Markelz, Deputy Commander for Medical Services at Brooke Army Medical Center; and three representatives from the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs at the U.S. Department of State: Senior Advisor and SERE Psychologist Dr. Young Hoang, Family Engagement Coordinator Jeremy Cassano, and former Chief of Staff Carolee Walker. Through an integrated, human-centered approach that combines medical, psychological, logistical, and family support services, the program helps returning Americans and their loved ones navigate the transition from captivity to recovery and reintegration.
The 2027 Foley Freedom Awards will be held on April 28, 2027, at The Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Foley Foundation President and Founder Diane Foley stated:
“Moral courage is at the heart of the James W. Foley Freedom Awards. It is the courage to persist when hope seems distant, to advocate when the stakes are high, and to stand with families during their darkest hours. This year’s honorees have each demonstrated that spirit in extraordinary ways. From helping bring hostages home and supporting their recovery, to defending press freedom and advancing human dignity, they remind us that one person’s commitment can profoundly change the lives of many others. Their leadership and compassion embody the values that guided Jim’s life and continue to inspire our mission today.”
Join the Foley Foundation in honoring these exceptional awardees and supporting the Foundation’s mission to secure the freedom of Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, support their recovery and reunification, and promote the safety and freedom of journalists worldwide. Information regarding sponsorship opportunities and ticket sales for the event will be announced at a later date.
ABOUT THE JAMES W. FOLEY LEGACY FOUNDATION
Conflict journalist James W. Foley was taken hostage by ISIS terrorists in 2012 while covering the Syrian civil war. His captors tortured and ultimately brutally murdered him in 2014. The Foundation was established less than three weeks after his death. Inspired by the moral courage of James Foley, the Foundation advocates for American hostages and wrongful detainees held abroad and promotes journalist safety.
For more information or to learn how you can make an impact, please visit jamesfoleyfoundation.org or contact us here. Charitable donations to support the Foundation’s work may be made here.
