ABOUT THE HONOREE
Karen Kovacs
President, Advertising and Partnerships, NBCUniversal
Kovacs oversees Enterprise, Marketing, and Communications across Comcast NBCUniversal, uniting the company’s go-to-market strategy with global client solutions and revenue growth. Over six years, she has connected top CMOs with opportunities that drive consumer engagement and measurable results, bridging clients with NBCU’s content and audiences across major cultural moments, including the Olympic & Paralympic Games, BravoCon, and SNL50.
Before NBCU, Kovacs spent more than 25 years at Time Inc., rising to President of Brand Sales & Development and serving as Publisher of People, where she expanded the brand into digital and new platforms.
GALA HOST
Craig Melvin
Co-Anchor, “TODAY” and Co-Host, “3rd Hour of TODAY”
Craig Melvin is the co-anchor of NBC News’ “TODAY,” co-host of the “3rd Hour of TODAY,” and a host of syndicated “Dateline NBC” broadcasts.
He has covered a wide range of major news events, including Presidential Inaugurations, six Olympic Games, and six Super Bowls. His notable political interviews include former President Bill Clinton, then-Vice President Joe Biden, and former Ambassador Nikki Haley.
Melvin is the author of “Pops: Learning to Be a Son and a Father” and the children’s book “I’m Proud of You.”
Our venue this year is the iconic Manhattan Center in the heart of midtown Manhattan. This landmark venue sets the perfect stage to spotlight buildOn’s 35 years of igniting opportunity and hope.
Walk the red carpet and strike a pose upon arrival. Then enjoy an open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres as you connect with fellow guests and explore immersive storytelling exhibits.
Take your seat in the ballroom at showtime for a seated dinner and star-studded program featuring buildOn Founder and CEO Jim Ziolkowski, a story from a buildOn alum, and remarks from this year’s honoree, NBCUniversal’s Karen Kovacs. Craig Melvin of TODAY hosts the evening.
Tickets on sale now! This is our night to shine.
GALA VICE CHAIRS
Salesforce
Treasurer, GE Aerospace
Director, WPP
Blaylock Van
Olympic Production, NBC Sports
SPONSOR GALA 2026
Your gift to the buildOn Gala supports our continued efforts to unite people through service and education to ignite a more equitable future! We mobilize people in low-income countries to build schools. Our American youth transform their own neighborhoods through service and change the world by helping build these schools.
SPONSOR THE EVENT LEARN MORE ABOUT BUILDONTHANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
If you have questions about the event or are interested in sponsorship opportunities, contact Jon Mucciolo,
Development Director at jon.mucciolo@buildon.org