General Motors' Mary Barra to Receive Honor at Ad Council's Annual Dinner

Mary Barra to be Honored at the Ad Council's 72nd Annual Public Service Award Dinner

The Ad Council has recently announced that Mary Barra, the Chair and CEO of General Motors (GM), will be recognized at their upcoming 72nd Annual Public Service Award Dinner scheduled for December 3, 2026. This prestigious ceremony intends to honor her outstanding leadership and GM's long-standing dedication to social causes.

Lisa Sherman, the President and CEO of the Ad Council, expressed her admiration for Barra, stating, "Mary exemplifies true leadership. Her bold approach demonstrates that business can and should serve the greater good. Her vision shows that progress and purpose work hand in hand. We are proud to celebrate her contributions, innovation, and the lasting effects of her impact on the world."

Mary Barra began her journey within GM in 1980 as a co-op student at the company's Pontiac Motor Division, a part of the General Motors Institute, which is now known as Kettering University. Over the years, she successfully navigated various roles within the organization and has held the CEO title since 2014, becoming the first woman to lead a major global automaker. Additionally, she took on the role of Chair of the GM Board of Directors in 2016. Under her leadership, GM has undergone a significant transition towards electric vehicles, solidifying sustainability and social responsibility as core principles of the company's mission.

Since 1947, GM has consistently backed the Ad Council's initiatives, actively addressing critical issues that affect the nation. Their involvement on the Ad Council's Board of Directors and their recent support for various campaigns, including the acclaimed COVID-19 Vaccine Education Initiative, underlines GM's commitment to social change.

In Barra's own words, she expressed her gratitude, stating, “Being acknowledged by the Ad Council is a true honor for me and for everyone at GM. We are proud to have been associated with such an impactful organization for decades. Our primary focus remains on safety, and we recognize that our responsibility extends beyond the vehicles we manufacture, reaching out to the communities we operate in. From our recent commitment of $50 million towards educational opportunities in Michigan to our collaborative efforts with the Ad Council to deliver lifesaving messages, we are committed to making a positive difference using our scale and innovative capabilities."

The Public Service Award Dinner serves as the Ad Council's largest fundraising event, bringing together key figures from diverse sectors, including media, advertising, and technology. In 2025, this impressive gathering raised $10 million to support the Ad Council's social impact campaigns.

Mary Barra will now join the ranks of many notable previous recipients of the Ad Council's Award for Public Service, such as NFL Chairman Roger Goodell, Disney CEO Bob Iger, JPMorgan Chase's Jamie Dimon, and Verizon's Hans Vestberg.

This year's event finds itself with co-chairs who include Kirk McDonald, the new Chair of the Ad Council Board and CEO of Sundial Media Technology Group, alongside Lin-Hua Wu, GM's Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.

For those interested in attending the event, further information and table or ticket purchases can be made through the event's official website.

About the Ad Council

The Ad Council is dedicated to bringing together creative minds to educate, inspire, and unite communities. As a nonprofit entity for over 80 years, it has been at the forefront of numerous iconic social awareness campaigns including Smokey Bear and Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk. To engage further with their initiatives, visit AdCouncil.org, and connect on their social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, while also checking out campaign visuals on YouTube.