B’nai B’rith to Honor Dr. Ralph Shrader with Esteemed Achievement Award
Booz Allen Chairman & CEO to be recognized by a respected global humanitarian organization for his efforts to advance diversity and tolerance.
Founded in 1843, B’nai B’rith International is one of the world’s oldest and largest humanitarian and community action organization. On May 14, 2007, B’nai B’rith will honor Booz Allen Hamilton Chairman and CEO Dr. Ralph Shrader with its prestigious Distinguished Achievement Award for his commitment to philanthropic leadership and diversity education.
In a nomination letter to Dr. Shrader, former B’nai B’rith president Joel Kaplan said, “This award is specifically meaningful as we want to highlight the importance of diversity in our community. We share you and your company’s values in recognizing the need for tolerance and combating prejudice.”
Comprised of more than 150,000 members in over 50 countries, B’nai B’rith is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people nationwide and around the globe through programs that support youth education, senior housing, and disaster relief.
“B’nai B’rith is well known for its long-standing leadership in promoting causes to further human rights, tolerance, and community service,” says Dr. Shrader. “I’m honored to be recognized by such a respected and distinguished organization.”
The seventh chairman since Booz Allen’s founding in 1914, Dr. Shrader has a reputation for philanthropic efforts serving professional and charitable associations. He is chair of The Neediest Kids, Inc. and serves on the Board of Abilities, Inc., an organization that improves career opportunities for individuals with disabilities. He also sits on the board of ServiceSource, the largest community rehabilitative program in Virginia.
When Dr. Shrader was chairman of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA), he led efforts to improve opportunities for women and minorities in the communications and electronics fields. The association established a scholarship program in his name to assist women and minority students pursuing graduate degrees in these fields, and he received the AFCEA’s highest honor, the David Sarnoff Award.
Dr. Shrader’s leadership philosophy and professional experience mirror Booz Allen’s core values. He continues to champion diversity in the workplace with the firm’s Board Diversity Initiative, which has grown substantially under his leadership. In addition, he is a strong advocate of the firm’s corporate philanthropy and volunteerism efforts that have made a significant difference in communities throughout the nation and the world.
Both B’nai B’rith and Booz Allen are committed to advancing diversity, and to finding pathways that will create acceptance of all people.
Dr. Shrader will receive B’nai B’rith’s Distinguished Achievement Award at a gala award dinner at Union Station in Washington, D.C., where Booz Allen Vice President R. James Woolsey will deliver the keynote address and tribute co-chairs will include Senior Vice President and General Counsel C.G. Appleby and Executive Advisor Paul Berry. B’nai B’rith International president Moishe Smith will present Dr. Shrader with the prestigious award.
Honorary co-chairs will include members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and the ambassadors of Britain, Croatia, France, Guatemala, India, Israel, Jordan, Lithuania, Morocco and Paraguay.
The B’nai B’rith local affiliate in Northern Virginia nominated Dr. Shrader for the award. Past recipients of the Distinguished Achievement Award have included former Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush, industrialist Ratan Tata, and actor and activist Harrison Ford.
story posted April 18, 2007
