We are excited to offer two compelling programs — a virtual program presented online and an in-person evening reception in Washington, DC — both on  the evening of April 28, 2022. View the program here.

The reception and virtual program will be an opportunity to discuss the issues around hostage-taking and wrongful detention and how we can come together as a community to provide care and support for captives and their families. Hear from Liz Frank, Executive Director of Hostage US, alongside:

• Amna Nawaz, Chief Correspondent, and Primary Substitute Anchor, PBS NewsHour, in conversation with Sam Goodwin, former hostage held in Syria in 2019 (virtual)
• Dave Komendat, Vice President and Chief Security Officer, The Boeing Company, and Board President, Hostage US (virtual and in-person)
• Michael Mason, Retired FBI Executive Assistant Director and Verizon SVP-Chief Security Officer, current Hostage US Board Member (virtual)

The evening will bring together leaders from the private and public sectors, including security, HR, legal professionals, former and current government officials, and former captives and their families. The in-person event will feature a short speaking program along with drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and good conversation.

In-person Reception

Register here for the in-person reception in Washington, DC.

Virtual Program

Register here for the virtual program presented online.

Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities.

Honorary Committee

Col. Christopher P. Costa (Ret.), Executive Director of the International Spy Museum and former Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterterrorism, National Security Council, White House, 2017-18

Jessica Buchanan, Speaker, author, founder of Project You Collective, and former hostage held in Somalia

Michèle Flournoy, Managing Partner of WestExec Advisors and former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy

Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, Retired United States Army Lieutenant General, and former National Security Advisor

Nicholas Rasmussen, Former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center and former Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterterrorism, National Security Council, White House

Jason Rezaian, Global Opinions Writer, The Washington Post and former hostage held in Iran

Dana Shell Smith, Ambassador (Ret.)

Representative Elissa Slotkin, Representative for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District 2019-present

Steering Committee

José Freig
American Airlines

Paul Herring
SC Johnson

Dave Komendat
The Boeing Company

Bonnie Michelman
Massachusetts General Hospital

Mark Ricks
Double Wood Farm

Ambassador Dana Shell Smith
Georgetown University Senior Non-Resident Fellow