The Opening Reception for NAFUSA’s 2025 Annual Conference on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 was a wonderful treat for conference attendees. The view of Washington, D.C. at night from the penthouse offices of King & Spalding, our gracious hosts for the evening, was breathtaking. We should also recognize John Richter, immediate past NAFUSA president and partner at King & Spalding, for ensuring that the weather was perfect for enjoying the impressive skyline, drinks and great food with fellow members and guests on the penthouse veranda.

Again this year, the sponsor for the conference’s opening event was Guidepost Solutions. We cannot thank Guidepost enough for their generosity and continued support of NAFUSA and this well attended event. The opening reception has been one of the highlights of conferences for many years, and this year did not disappoint. The food was beautiful, abundant and delicious, service impeccable, and beverages top shelf. Thanks to the good folks from Guidepost for sponsoring this year’s reception and for joining us at the reception.

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2025 Bradford Award winners Margaret Lynaugh and Brandon Thompson, from the Southern District of New York, presented a review of the case for which they were nominated – the prosecution of Herrera Garcia and three others who operated a fentanyl packaging and distribution facility out of a Bronx daycare.

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Conference attendees enjoyed a cocktail reception in the Willard Hotel’s beautiful Crystal Room before the conference’s closing dinner. This year’s keynote speakers were former Attorney General John Ashcroft and former Deputy Attorney General Larry Thompson, led in a “fireside chat” by incoming NAFUSA president Catherine Hanaway. The two discussed the challenges faced by DOJ employees following the attacks on 9-11. Their remarks were a sobering reminder of that difficult time, but also an inspiring tribute to the work done by DOJ on behalf of the nation.