2026 Highlights
Honored Senator Susan Collins and Rich Gold
The 2026 Annual Awards dinner was a great success, with nearly 600 people gathering to celebrate our Fellows and our two honorees. We thank our sponsors and donors for their generous support.
Bryce Harlow Award – Senator Susan Collins
Susan Margaret Collins was born in Caribou Maine, where her family runs a sixth-generation lumber business that was founded by her ancestors in 1844. Both of her parents also served as Mayor of Caribou. Her father, a World War II veteran, served in both the Maine State Senate and the State House, one of four generations of Collins family members to serve in the Maine Legislature. She began working for Maine Senator Bill Cohen when he was a Representative. In 1987, she was appointed by Maine Governor John McKernan as Commissioner of the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. In 1992, she was appointed as Director of the Small Business Administration’s Regional Office by President George H.W. Bush.
In 1996, Senator Collins was elected to the Senate, succeeding Bill Cohen. Senator Collins has earned a national reputation as an effective legislator who works across party lines to solve problems and deliver results for the people of Maine and America. She has repeatedly
been ranked as the most bipartisan member of the U.S. Senate by the Lugar Center and Georgetown University. Throughout her Senate service, Senator Collins has worked with members of both parties to advance landmark legislation to improve the lives of all Americans. Her record demonstrates significant legislative accomplishments in such critical areas as health care, small business development and job creation, education, transportation, national defense, and issues of particular interest to our nation’s seniors. Known for her Maine work ethic, Senator Collins has cast more than 9,000 consecutive votes and holds the longest perfect voting record in the history of the U.S. Senate.
Senator Collins is married to Thomas A. Daffron. They reside in Bangor, Maine, along with their beloved black lab, Pepper.
INTRODUCTION SPEECH – Please enjoy comments from former Senator Joe Manchin as he introduces Senator Susan Collins.
ACCEPTANCE SPEECH – Watch the Senator’s terrific speech as she accepts the 2026 Bryce Harlow Award.
Business-Government Relations Award – Rich Gold
Rich Gold has spent more than three decades at the forefront of public policy, embodying the principles of integrity and professionalism that Bryce Harlow championed. As leader of Holland & Knight’s acclaimed Public Policy & Regulation Group, Rich has transformed the practice of advocacy—building one of Washington’s most respected and innovative teams and guiding clients through some of the most complex legislative and regulatory challenges of our time.
From his early service in the U.S. Senate and the Environmental Protection Agency to his leadership in private practice, Rich has shaped landmark policies in energy, environment, healthcare, trade, and infrastructure. Recognized as one of the nation’s top government relations professionals, he is among a select few ranked Band 1 nationwide by Chambers USA and has earned accolades from The Hill, Washingtonian, and Legal 500.
Rich’s commitment to the Bryce Harlow Foundation spans decades. As a board member emeritus, mentor, and tireless advocate for the Foundation’s mission, he has championed the profession of advocacy and personally mentored dozens of young professionals pursuing careers in public policy. His dedication to developing talent extends beyond the Foundation—within Holland & Knight and across Washington, Rich is widely regarded as a trusted advisor and career guide, helping shape the next generation of leaders in government relations. His career reflects not only extraordinary achievement but also a steadfast dedication to the values Bryce Harlow held dear—honor, expertise, and service to sound public policy.
INTRODUCTION SPEECH – Marissa Serafino and Andy Emerson of Holland & Knight LLP (and both former Bryce Harlow Fellows) introduces Rich Gold.
ACCEPTANCE SPEECH – Please enjoy this heartfelt acceptance speech by Rich Gold as he accepts the 2026 Business Government Relations Award.
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