BNSF, First Command, WISE Advise and USAA have been named winners of the ninth annual Patriots in Business Award, presented by Chief Executive magazine and Thayer Leadership. The award recognizes companies for outstanding support of veterans, active-duty service members and military spouses through their business practices and community commitments. Fiserv, RecruitMilitary and Military Brands received honorable mentions. Selected by a national panel of military and business leaders, the honorees exemplify the U.S. Military Academy values of Duty, Honor and Country. Winners will be recognized November 5, 2026, at Chief Executive’s annual Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas.
WEST POINT, N.Y., Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — BNSF, First Command, WISE Advise and USAA were honored as winners of the 9th annual Patriots in Business Award for their leadership in helping America’s veterans, active-duty military and military spouses. The award, presented each year by Chief Executive magazine and Thayer Leadership, is part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness among corporate leaders of best practices in helping these important communities.
“As we teach at Thayer, values-based leadership is demonstrated through knowledge and action. The companies honored this year put that principle into practice by creating meaningful opportunities for veterans, service members, and military spouses.” Said Dan Rice, Co-President of Thayer Leadership
In addition, Fiserv, RecruitMilitary and Military Brands were awarded honorable mentions by our panel of judges. An award ceremony will take place on Nov. 5 at Chief Executive’s annual Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas. (For more info: https://chiefexecutive.net/leadershipconference/)
The Patriots in Business Award—presented this year in the categories of large, medium and small organizations, as well as a special category for military-service companies—recognizes outstanding businesses that lead our nation in supporting active-duty military members, veterans and their families and exemplify the U.S. Military Academy values of Duty, Honor and Country through their business practices and throughout their community and industry.
“Service is at the heart of both the military and the railroad industry,” said Katie Farmer, President and Chief Executive Officer, BNSF. “Veterans bring exceptional leadership, discipline, adaptability, and a commitment to mission that help make BNSF stronger every day. We are honored to be recognized with the Patriots in Business Award and grateful for the contributions of the veterans, service members, and military families who are part of the BNSF team.”
“We are deeply honored to be recognized once again with the 2026 Patriots in Business Award,” said Mark Steffe, President & CEO, First Command. “Serving those who serve is not simply a market we operate in. It is our purpose and the reason First Command exists. As the only company dedicated to serving military families through a nationwide network of Advisors providing one-on-one financial coaching, we are proud to stand alongside the men and women who sacrifice so much for our country.”
Said Diana Jaquith, CEO & Co-Founder, WISE Advise: “Being named a Patriots in Business honoree is an incredible honor because it validates something we have believed from the beginning. Military spouses are an extraordinary workforce. Their adaptability, resilience, and ability to execute are not limitations to work around; they are competitive advantages.”
Said Juan C. Andrade, President & CEO, USAA: “Receiving the 2026 Patriots in Business Award is a meaningful recognition for USAA. For more than a century, serving the military community has been the heart of who we are. We are proud to work alongside business leaders who share our commitment to creating lasting change for those who serve and their families.”
The companies rose to the top of a highly competitive, nationwide judging process in which a panel of veterans’ affairs experts and business leaders with military backgrounds, including many prior winners of the award, assessed each nominated company’s programs:
Bobbie Shamblin, VP, Talent Acquisition, ArcfieldMona Choi Dexter, VP, Military and Veteran Affairs, ComcastColby Barrett, Former Vice Chairman, GeoStabilization InternationalJoe Crandall, Executive Chairman, Greencastle ConsultingJerry Flanagan, Founder & CEO, JDog BrandsKelley Daviss, CHRO, Lendmark Financial ServicesFreddie Kim, Founder & CEO, MilSpec TalentJon Ferko, Division Senior Director and Head of Strategy, Marketing, Business Development, Northrop GrummanJJ Sutherland, CEO, Scrum, Inc.Bryan Sevener, CEO, Valor TechnologiesGreg Hamm, VP, Field & Government Recruiting, Werner Enterprises
“Nine years in, the bar keeps rising,” said Marshall Cooper, CEO, Chief Executive Group. “This year’s honorees aren’t just hiring veterans. They’re building careers for military spouses and proving that supporting this community is a competitive advantage, not a charity. That’s a lesson every CEO in America should take to heart.”
Said Dan Rice, Co-President of Thayer Leadership: “As we teach at Thayer, values-based leadership is demonstrated through knowledge and action. The companies honored this year with the Patriots in Business Award put that principle into practice by creating meaningful opportunities for veterans, service members, and military spouses. Their example challenges every business leader to consider how their organization can honor military service through a sustained commitment to those who serve and their families.”
About Chief Executive Group
Chief Executive Group is the leading community for business leaders worldwide. The Group runs some of the most extensive peer networking organizations in America, including The Chief Executive Network, the leading CEO membership organization arranged by industry, and The CFO Leadership Council, the largest networking group for financial professionals. It publishes Chief Executive magazine, ChiefExecutive.net, Corporate Board Member magazine, BoardMember.com, CFOLeadership.com, StrategicCHRO360, as well producing conferences and roundtables that enable business leaders to discuss key subjects and share their experiences with their peers. For more information, visit ChiefExecutiveGroup.com.
About Thayer Leadership
An innovative executive leader development institute, globally ranked a Top 20 Leadership Training Company by Training Industry, Thayer delivers transformative leader development experiences that inspire action and change based on their values of purpose-driven character, commitment to excellence, and innovative spirit. As a leading, global expert in values-based leader development, their proprietary and motivating multi-pronged learning approach delivers a holistic experience for participants at West Point, online, virtually, or any location around the world. Thayer has trained more than 140,000 executives and front-line leaders from over 775 global companies across multiple industries, including automotive, pharmaceuticals, financial services, and more. It is a private organization not endorsed or affiliated with the U.S. Government. Learn more at thayerleadership.com.
Media Contact
Dan Bigman, Chief Executive Group, 1 2038894980, dbigman@chiefexecutivegroup.com, chiefexecutive.net
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SOURCE Chief Executive Group
