The Pennsylvania Society today announced that Ambassador David L. Cohen – business executive, attorney, former U.S. Ambassador to Canada, and lifelong champion of charitable and civic engagement – will be this year’s recipient of the Pennsylvania Society’s Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement. Ambassador Cohen is being honored for his exceptional leadership, commitment to public service, and enduring contributions to Pennsylvania and beyond. The award will be presented at the Pennsylvania Society’s Annual Dinner on December 13, 2025, at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.
“Ambassador David Cohen represents the quintessential success story – a leader who has consistently used his talents to elevate those around him,” said Patricia D. Wellenbach, President of The Pennsylvania Society. “His ability to bridge divides and build consensus, whether in corporate boardrooms, diplomatic settings, or community initiatives, embodies the collaborative spirit The Pennsylvania Society has celebrated for over a century. As we gather at the Waldorf Astoria this December, we look forward to recognizing not just his impressive résumé, but the character and conviction that have defined his service to our Commonwealth and our country.”
Ambassador Cohen is an accomplished businessman, attorney, and diplomat, whose influence has shaped both Pennsylvania and the Nation. Nominated by President Joe Biden, and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Cohen served as United States Ambassador to Canada from 2021 to 2025, leading a team of 1,400 professionals from 28 agencies and strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Prior to his tenure as Ambassador, Cohen built an impressive career at Comcast NBCUniversal, where he served as Senior Advisor to the CEO and Senior Executive Vice President. In these roles, he led critical initiatives in corporate communications, legal affairs, government and regulatory affairs, public affairs, corporate administration, corporate real estate and security, and community impact.
Ambassador Cohen’s influence extends into law and public and community service. He was a partner in and Chair of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP, and Chief of Staff to Philadelphia Mayor Edward G. Rendell, playing a pivotal role in revitalizing the city.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ambassador Cohen has dedicated his time and expertise to numerous philanthropic and civic organizations. He has served as chair of the boards of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Medicine, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Philadelphia Theatre Company, and the FIFA World Cup 26 Philadelphia™ Host City Bid Committee, among many others.
Ambassador Cohen joins a distinguished group of past Pennsylvania Society Gold Medal recipients, including Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer and Joseph Neubauer, the Sheetz family, Edward G. Rendell and Marjorie O. Rendell, M. Night Shyamalan, Robert Casey, George H.W. Bush, Fred Rodgers, and other influential leaders who have left a lasting mark on Pennsylvania and the world.
The Pennsylvania Society is a nonprofit, charitable organization with over 1,500 members. Since 1899, the Society has brought together Pennsylvanians of all backgrounds to celebrate service to the Commonwealth, reward excellence, and honor achievement. The Society is non-partisan and not affiliated with any particular political party, business, or profession.
Source: The Pennsylvania Society