The Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership has named Kim Davis, Senior Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives, and Legislative Affairs at the National Hockey League (NHL), as the recipient of the 2026 Helen G. Drinan Visionary Leader Award.
Davis will be honoured at the Simmons Leadership Conference on March 17, 2026, in Boston, in recognition of her leadership, commitment to inclusive growth, and impact in sports and business.
At the NHL, Davis has reshaped the league’s approach to fan engagement, emphasizing outreach to multicultural audiences. Her leadership has influenced decision-making across all 32 NHL clubs in organizational culture, youth participation, social impact, and sustainability. League officials credit her with expanding access to hockey and supporting long-term business growth.
“Receiving this award is particularly meaningful because it recognizes successful, fearless women who understand that equitable leadership is the centerpiece of financial performance and competitive market advantage,” Davis said.
With more than three decades of experience, Davis is recognized as a change agent in strategic planning, organizational development, and coalition building. She combines data-driven decision-making with a commitment to social progress to achieve sustainable success.
Her work has been recognized by The Hockey News’ Top 100 Most Influential Leaders in Sport, Adweek’s 30 Most Powerful Women in Sports, Sports Business Journal’s GameChangers, and Savoy Magazine’s Most Influential Women in Corporate America. She was also featured in Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business and profiled by Essence magazine in 2012 alongside former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Davis will formally receive the award at the Simmons Leadership Conference, held at the Westin Copley Place in Boston and streamed virtually to a global audience.
The Simmons Leadership Conference brings together leaders from diverse industries to explore innovative strategies, foster inclusive workplace cultures, and advance leadership excellence. Each year, the conference connects thousands of in-person and virtual participants to share insights, inspire action, and celebrate impactful leadership.
