As part of the 2026 DCI World Championships in Indianapolis a number of individuals were recognized for their outstanding leadership during the DCI Summer Tour.
Dr. Bernard Baggs Leadership Award
Brad Harris, Blue Stars
Blue Stars Director Brad Harris has been named the recipient of the 2026 Dr. Bernard Baggs Leadership Award, which annually recognizes the World Class director of the year as voted on by World Class directors.
“It’s a little overwhelming,” Harris said of receiving the honor. “But it feels great knowing that we’re at this day in and day out, doing this challenging thing, but working together to make the member experience a great thing.”
The 2026 campaign marked a breakout season for the Blue Stars, as the La Crosse, Wisconsin corps took sixth place at the DCI World Championship Finals in Indianapolis. The result marked the corps’ highest final ranking since 1977 and its highest World Class score in organization history. The Blue Stars have now earned three consecutive top-eight finishes — a feat the corps hasn’t achieved since 2008–2010.
“Our design team has been together a long time and they’re super talented. We’ve had a crew and an admin team that’s been together for so many years, so it just felt like it was kind of our moment,” Harris said. “Early on, when we knew we had a lot of veteran members returning to the corps and we had rehearsal camps throughout the winter, we knew we had something pretty special happening.”
Outside of competition, 2026 marked another major milestone for Harris. Following the appointment of longtime Blue Stars CEO Brad Furlano as the new Chief Executive Officer of Drum Corps International, the corps announced that Harris will succeed Furlano in leading the organization.
“The Blue Stars organization means so much to so many people, and I am committed to continuing the tradition of excellence, innovation and member experience that has become the hallmark of this corps,” Harris said.
Dr. David Kampschroer Leadership Award
Kevin Valentine, Gold
Gold executive director Kevin Valentine has been named the recipient of the 2026 Dr. David Kampschroer Leadership Award, which recognizes the Open Class director of the year.
Valentine joins a rare group of individuals who have received the Kampschroer Leadership Award multiple times, having previously earned the honor in 2023, just one year after stepping into Gold’s top leadership role.
“Wow, this is super humbling,” Valentine said. “What a great group of directors we have, and the talent in the Open Class is amazing. It’s quite an honor to be recognized among that great group of folks.”
The 2026 DCI Tour marked another milestone season for Gold, as the San Diego corps remained in contention throughout the summer for the first Open Class World Championship title in the organization’s history. Ultimately finishing in third place, the result marked Gold’s seventh consecutive season earning an Open Class medal — a streak that includes four bronze and three silver medals. The corps also took home the Best Color Guard award, marking its first time winning the color guard caption and its second Open Class caption trophy overall.
“This is a fantastic drum and bugle corps this year, a great bunch of kids,” Valentine said. “We’ve seen such growth from them. It’s a little bit younger corps than we’ve had in the past, and they’ve really shown incredible growth from the beginning of the season until now.”
Gil Silva Leadership Award
Alan Katz, Hawthorne Caballeros
Presented to Hawthorne Caballeros general manager Alan Katz, the inaugural Gil Silva Leadership Award recognizes the DCI All-Age director of the year. The award was renamed this year in memory of the longtime Drum Corps Associates leader who passed away in March, honoring Silva’s lifetime dedication to all-age drum corps and his role in paving the way for the modern DCI All-Age Class.
“It’s really nice to be to be noticed your peers — by all the other directors for this award,” Katz said. “It’s a wonderful thing. We all love this activity, and we just want to put everything we can into.”
Leading the Hawthorne Caballeros for more than two decades, Katz’s leadership in 2026 was especially significant as the corps celebrated its historic 80th anniversary. The milestone season saw Katz inducted into the organization’s inaugural Hall of Fame class, while also marking his official retirement from the Caballeros.
“Al is the only director our current members have ever known,” the corps posted in a message congratulating Katz. “He is the only person who has held every job represented in our drum corps. From a baritone player to a staff member, and every administrative role at one time or all at once, Al Katz has devoted his life to the Caballeros and the entire drum corps activity.”
George Bonfiglio Chairperson’s Award
Jennifer Clevenger
Jennifer Clevenger, DCI’s Chief Financial Officer and interim CEO, has been named the recipient of the 2026 George Bonfiglio Chairperson’s Award.
Named in memory of the former 27th Lancers director, the annual honor is presented to an individual within the drum corps community who has displayed extraordinary leadership, service and dedication on behalf of Drum Corps International.
According to DCI board chair Jonathan Powell, Clevenger played a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission, stepping into the interim CEO role in May during a critical period of transition.
“For the board and personally for myself, Jennifer has served as a guiding light, especially during this transition period,” Powell said. “Without her and her support, we would not have been successful this season. It’s really about recognizing her accomplishment and her commitment to Drum Corps International.”
Upon receiving the honor, Clevenger expressed her gratitude to the broader drum corps community that helped make the season a success.
“This is an immense honor,” Clevenger said. “Navigating this season required a total team effort across our entire organization. I’m deeply grateful to our board, staff and corps leadership for their trust and support as we continue guiding Drum Corps International forward.”
