The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) proudly announces the distinguished guest speakers for the Business Programs at the 2025 NACDS Annual Meeting, scheduled for April 26-29 in Palm Beach, FL. Esteemed journalists Jonah Goldberg and Stephen Hayes of The Dispatch will headline the Sunday Business Program on April 27, while Nicholas Burns, former U.S. Ambassador to China, will command the stage on April 29 during the Tuesday Business Program.
“The 2025 NACDS Annual Meeting Business Programs are poised to deliver a compelling exploration of the current operating environment for NACDS members and for a broad spectrum of industries,” stated Steven C. Anderson, NACDS president and CEO. “Once again, we are welcoming speakers with the profound capability to address international and domestic issues, pivotal to guiding the industry’s future.”
Jonah Goldberg is recognized as one of America’s leading political commentators, noted by The Atlantic as one of the top fifty in the nation. As co-founder and editor-in-chief of the online magazine The Dispatch, Goldberg has become a prominent voice in principled, fact-based journalism. After a notable 21-year tenure at National Review, he embarked on a new path in digital media that led to the creation of The Dispatch in 2019. A senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, holding the Asness Chair in Applied Liberty, Goldberg continues to influence conservative thought and dialogue. His acclaimed New York Times bestsellers – including Liberal Fascism; The Tyranny of Clichés; and Suicide of the West: How the Rebirth of Tribalism, Populism, Nationalism, and Identity Politics is Destroying American Democracy – have cemented his status as an influential thought leader. His commentary has been featured in major publications like The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal, and he regularly provides analysis on CNN. Goldberg’s ability to dissect liberal and conservative ideologies while offering sharp insights into economic policy and the media’s evolving role makes him a vital voice in political discourse.
Stephen Hayes brings to the NACDS Annual Meeting a distinguished career in rigorous reporting and balanced analysis, and his current unique perspectives as CEO and Editor of The Dispatch. His career includes serving as editor-in-chief of The Weekly Standard and as a respected commentator on networks such as Fox News Channel and CNN. Hayes’ expertise spans domestic politics to international relations, with a commitment to excellence exemplified by his work with CNN’s Peabody Award-winning political team during the 2008 elections. Hayes is a New York Times bestselling author and an established media presence. As an NBC News contributor, Hayes continues to provide thoughtful analysis across media platforms. His interactions with top political and national security leaders offer unique insights into Washington’s inner workings and the global implications of U.S. policy decisions. Hayes is known for engaging audiences in meaningful and balanced political and policy dialogues while maintaining a commitment to facts and balance.
Nicholas Burns brings a wealth of diplomatic experience to the discussion. As U.S. Ambassador to China (2021-2025), Burns led a complex mission across multiple Chinese cities, playing a crucial role in stabilizing U.S.-China relations and competing globally on military, security, economic, technological, trade, commercial, consular, and human rights issues. His three-decade government career includes pivotal roles under six Presidents and nine Secretaries of State across political parties. As Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (2005-2008), Burns led negotiations on the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Deal and Iran’s nuclear program. His service as Ambassador to NATO (2001-2005) included historic moments like NATO’s first-ever invocation of Article 5 after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Burns will soon return to Harvard Kennedy School as the Roy and Barbara Goodman Family Professor of Diplomacy and International Politics. His accolades, including the Presidential Distinguished Service Award, reflect his outstanding contributions to American diplomacy. Ambassador Burns also has received 15 honorary degrees, the Secretary of State’s Distinguished Service Award, the Aspen Strategy Group’s Leadership Award, Boston College’s Ignatian and Alumni Achievement Awards, and the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service.
“These speakers will provide critical perspectives on the social and political challenges we face today,” Anderson said.
NACDS invites its members to participate in this transformative event from April 26-29, engaging with thought leaders who are shaping the industry’s future. More information is available on the event website.
