King, the former Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Nationwide, served as Chair of The ELC Board of Directors from 2022 to 2024. Her tenure at Nationwide involved oversight of human resources, corporate security, and diversity initiatives, positioning her as a primary advisor to the executive leadership team. Beyond her corporate roles, she currently holds positions on the boards of AutoZone and Unum Group.

Michael C. Hyter, President and CEO of The ELC, noted that King’s influence has shaped both organizational culture and the broader business landscape. Her contributions extend into philanthropy, where she has focused on education through endowed scholarships at the University of Florida and Santa Fe College, while also supporting community initiatives regarding homelessness and senior care.

The award ceremony is scheduled for October 30, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. The event serves as the centerpiece of the organization's 40th-anniversary gala week, which will feature a performance by Chaka Khan and programming designed to support leadership development across various career stages.