Celebrating Retail Leaders

The NRF Foundation provides the skills and resources needed for life-changing careers. Since 2015, the NRF Foundation Honors has raised the funds for our programs that connect people to an industry that’s a great place to start and grow.

ACT 1

7:15 P.M.

Tony Spring and John Furner

NRF Foundation board chair and Macy's, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer-Elect Tony Spring and National Retail Federation board chair and Walmart U.S. President and CEO John Furner welcome you to the 2025 NRF Foundation Honors

Presenting: Next Generation Scholarship

NRF Foundation board member and SAS Vice President of Global Retail & Consumer Goods Solutions Richard Widdowson announces the top recipient of the NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship, the highest honor the NRF Foundation bestows upon an undergraduate.

Presenting: Bright Futures Scholarship

NRF Foundation board member and Amazon VP of People, eXperience and Technology Tonya Hallett shares how the NRF Foundation Bright Futures Scholarship - a need-based scholarship - offers the opportunity for students to attend the NRF Foundation Student Program in New York City free of charge.

Presenting: University Challenge

Kohl's Chief People Officer Mari Steinmetz announces the top team in the NRF Foundation University Challenge - a team business competition that gives students real-world experience and $30,000 for the top team.

ACT 2

8:45 P.M.

A vibrant, abstract background featuring shades of purple and pink with diagonal lines and geometric shapes. On the right, NRF Foundation's 2026 The List honorees: Brieane Olson, Kathleen McLaughlin, Scott McBride, Billy May, and Kory Marchisotto.

The List Shaping Retail's Future

National Retail Federation board member and American Express President of U.S. Merchant Services Colleen Taylor and NRF Foundation board member and PwC Vice Chair of Consumer Markets Barbra Bukovac introduce The List of People Shaping Retail's Future 2025 - a dynamic group of retail leaders creating opportunities and sparking innovation.

NRF Foundation Honors Visionary Fran Horowitz poses in front of a digitally rendered backdrop of purple and red shimmering gradients.

The Visionary

The Visionary is the most coveted award in retail. For more than 100 years, the National Retail Federation has honored an individual who has served the industry with distinction throughout their career.

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