Dr. Shilo Brooks

President & CEO

George W. Bush Presidential Center

Dr. Shilo Brooks has been appointed President and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center (the Bush Center) and Professor of Practice in the Department of Political Science at Southern Methodist University. Home to both the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum and the George W. Bush Institute, the Bush Center promotes policy, leadership development, and civic engagement rooted in the principles of freedom, opportunity, accountability, and compassion. Its work is inspired by the enduring legacy of President and Mrs. Bush and is focused on shaping a more hopeful and prosperous future. Shilo is a seasoned leader and academic with deep expertise in civil discourse, civic literacy, and American political thought - areas that closely align with the Bush Center’s core values. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions and as a Lecturer in the Department of Politics at Princeton University.

Dr. James Weaver

President & CEO

Music for All

Dr. James Weaver has been named President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Music for All, a national music education nonprofit dedicated to creating and providing positive life-changing experiences through music. James brings nearly two decades of experience in music education and leadership. His career reflects a consistent commitment to advancing arts education through strategic innovation, stakeholder engagement, and organizational leadership. Most recently, he served as Director of Performing Arts and Sports at the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

Heather Lancaster

Chief Development Officer

Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation

Heather Lancaster has been named Chief Development Officer at the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation (GWOTMF), a nonprofit corporation formed in 2015 to honor the service and sacrifice of all individuals who have contributed to global counterterrorism efforts since September 11th, 2001. In this executive role, she will design, lead, and execute the comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the Foundation’s goal of raising over $100 million for the construction of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Heather's career reflects a consistent dedication to service, leadership, and mission-driven fundraising. Most recently, Heather served as Executive Vice President at the U.S. Naval Institute, and she concurrently served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Naval Institute Foundation.

Jason Mahler

Senior Vice President, Government Affairs

Entertainment Software Association



Jason Mahler has been named Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). ESA promotes and protects the dynamic global marketplace for video games and enhances public trust in the industry. Jason will play an instrumental role in advancing the visibility of the video game industry among policymakers and ensuring that ESA maintains a strong presence in legislative, regulatory, and policy discussions on issues critical to the sector. Jason brings over twenty-five years of experience spanning Capitol Hill, trade associations, and senior corporate government relations. Most recently, he led government affairs at Oracle Corporation.

Tristan Brown

Vice President, Energy, Environment & Infrastructure

Business Roundtable



Tristan Brown has been named Vice President of Energy & Environment, Infrastructure at Business Roundtable (BRT), an association of more than 200 chief executive officers of America’s leading companies, representing every sector of the U.S. economy. He will serve as the primary expert and advisor within BRT on matters relating to energy, environmental, and infrastructure policy and will oversee both BRT's Energy & Environment Committee and Infrastructure Committee. Tristan is an accomplished policy and regulatory leader with over two decades of experience shaping national energy, environmental, and infrastructure policy across the executive branch, Capitol Hill, and the private sector. Prior to joining BRT, he served as Acting Administrator for the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration at the U.S. Department of Transportation.

John Schoenecker

Director, Tax, Trade & Accounting

American Petroleum Institute



John Schoenecker has been named Director of Tax, Trade, and Accounting at the American Petroleum Institute (API) - the leading trade association representing the oil and natural gas industry. In this key leadership role, John will guide API’s strategic development of policy positions related to tax, trade, and corporate accounting, working in close partnership with member companies to advance the industry’s priorities. John brings extensive expertise in tax policy, regulatory affairs, and government relations, underpinned by a strong legal background and direct experience in federal tax policy formulation. He most recently served as Head of Policy at TaxBit.