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BNSF, First Command, WISE Advise And USAA Honored With 2026 Patriots In Business Award

The Patriots in Business Award 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.
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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.

In addition, Fiserv, RecruitMilitary and Military Brands were awarded honorable mentions by our panel of judges. An award ceremony will take place on November 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 and 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 and 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, Arcfield
  • Mona Choi Dexter, VP, Military and Veteran Affairs, Comcast
  • Colby Barrett, Former Vice Chairman, GeoStabilization International
  • Joe Crandall, Executive Chairman, Greencastle Consulting
  • Jerry Flanagan, Founder & CEO, JDog Brands
  • Kelley Daviss, CHRO, Lendmark Financial Services
  • Freddie Kim, Founder & CEO, MilSpec Talent
  • Jon Ferko, Division Senior Director and Head of Strategy, Marketing, Business Development, Northrop Grumman
  • JJ Sutherland, CEO, Scrum, Inc.
  • Bryan Sevener, CEO, Valor Technologies
  • Greg 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.”

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Chief Executive magazine (published since 1977) is the definitive source that CEOs turn to for insight and ideas that help increase their effectiveness and grow their business. Chief Executive Group also produces e-newsletters and online content at chiefexecutive.net and manages Chief Executive Network and other executive peer groups, as well as conferences and roundtables that enable top corporate officers to discuss key subjects and share their experiences within a community of peers. Chief Executive facilitates the annual “CEO of the Year,” a prestigious honor bestowed upon an outstanding corporate leader, nominated and selected by a group of peers, and is known throughout the U.S. and elsewhere for its annual ranking of Best & Worst States for Business. Visit www.chiefexecutive.net for more information.
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