By Patricia D. Wellenbach
The Pennsylvania Society will return to its birthplace at the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria in New York City for our 127th Annual Dinner on Dec. 13 to honor Ambassador David L. Cohen with our Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement.
We are celebating a Pennsylvania leader whose impact has resonated far beyond any single city or region.
For those unfamiliar with The Pennsylvania Society, we are the nation’s longest-lived organization of our kind, founded in 1899 by Pennsylvanians living in New York who wanted to stay connected to their home Commonwealth. For more than 125 years, we’ve brought together leaders from across Pennsylvania to honor achievement, promote goodwill, and celebrate service.
We are non-partisan and welcome all Pennsylvanians who share our commitment to the Commonwealth.
Ambassador Cohen embodies the qualities we seek to honor. His career represents a masterclass in using one’s talents to strengthen communities and build bridges across divides—whether in government, business, diplomacy, or civic leadership.
When Pennsylvania faced critical challenges in the 1990s, Cohen stepped up. As Chief of Staff to then-Mayor Ed Rendell, he helped save one of our largest cities from bankruptcy, crafting a financial recovery plan that restored stability and set the stage for renewal.
After entering the private sector, Cohen rose to become Senior Executive Vice President at Comcast, where his responsibilities included corporate communications, government affairs, public policy, and community impact. But he never lost sight of his Pennsylvania roots. He worked to strengthen the Commonwealth’s business climate, advocated for policies that would attract investment across the state, and understood that Pennsylvania’s prosperity depends on all regions working together.
Cohen’s civic leadership has touched communities throughout Pennsylvania. He served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the University of Pennsylvania for twelve years overseeing a period of remarkable growth. He chaired the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, recognizing that regional economic development benefits the entire Commonwealth. His board service has included Penn Medicine, City Year, the National Urban League, and UnidosUS, among many others.
Then, after decades in the private sector, Cohen answered his country’s call once again. Nominated by President Joe Biden and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate, he served as United States Ambassador to Canada from 2021 to 2025. He strengthened the critical relationship between our two nations—a relationship particularly important for Pennsylvania given our extensive trade ties with our northern neighbor.
As Brian Roberts, Chairman and CEO of Comcast and a past Gold Medal recipient, observed: “David’s infinite energy, expert counsel, and extraordinary work ethic have benefitted everyone fortunate enough to be in his orbit. In everything he does, David’s impact is profound and lasting.”
This year’s celebration holds special significance. The Waldorf Astoria, where The Pennsylvania Society was founded in 1899, has undergone extensive renovation. Our return to this iconic venue—where we’ve held more than a century of Annual Dinners—represents both a homecoming and a renewal of our mission.
What makes Ambassador Cohen a quintessential Gold Medalist? It’s his consistent choice to invest his considerable talents in service—to his community, his Commonwealth, and his country. It’s his ability to bridge divides and build consensus. It’s his understanding that true leadership means staying committed even when easier paths present themselves.
As we gather at the Waldorf Astoria, we’re not just honoring an impressive career. We’re celebrating values that every Pennsylvanian can embrace: hard work, civic commitment, and the belief that we have a responsibility to leave our Commonwealth stronger than we found it.
The Pennsylvania Society welcomes all Pennsylvanians to join the Society and continue our 127-year tradition. Whether you’re from Erie or Pittsburgh, Harrisburg or Scranton, you’re part of this Commonwealth’s story.
I encourage you to learn more about membership and our Annual Dinner at PASociety.com. Together, we can continue honoring leaders like Ambassador Cohen and ensure that Pennsylvania’s tradition of exceptional service endures for generations to come.
Patricia D. Wellenbach, Chief Strategy and Partnerships Officer for the City of Philadelphia, is president of The Pennsylvania Society. All Pennsylvanians are welcome to join. Learn how at PASociety.com.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.