CHICAGO – May 10, 2016 – Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) presented Keith J. Shapiro, global vice president and Chicago office chair of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP, with the Albert Schweitzer Leadership Award for his contributions to the education and motivation of youth. The award was given at HOBY’s Annual Albert Schweitzer Leadership Awards Dinner, held at the New York Athletic Club in New York City May 9, 2016.
According to HOBY, the Albert Schweitzer Leadership Award is the highest honor bestowed by the group and is presented annually to individuals who, through their leadership, have made significant contributions to the education and motivation of youth. Prior award recipients include President Barack Obama, Former President Ronald Reagan, and former Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton, Madeleine Albright, and Henry Kissinger, among others.
In a tribute video shown during the Awards Dinner, Illinois Congressman Robert Dold stated, "I've been in Congress for a short period of time and as soon as I got here, Keith Shapiro was one of those individuals that I looked to not only for advice and counsel on important issues with regard to what's happening in foreign affairs, but what's happening locally...Keith is one of those individuals that is a volunteer in our community, helps me in terms of crafting legislation, and understanding issues better." Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner added, "Keith Shapiro is one of the pillars of the Chicago community and the entire State of Illinois."
Founded in 1958, HOBY’s mission is to inspire and develop our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation. HOBY programs are conducted annually throughout the United States, serving local and international high school students. HOBY programs provide students selected by their schools to participate in unique leadership training, service-learning, and motivation-building experiences.
Dedicated to making an impact on the community, Shapiro has leadership roles in numerous organizations, including serving as co-chairman of the Illinois Holocaust & Genocide Commission, and as a member of the Boards of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago/Jewish United Fund, The Anti-Defamation League’s Midwest Region, and the American Jewish Committee.