Diane Kresh to Receive 2026 Torch Award for Ethical Leadership
Arlington, VA – The Leadership Center of Arlington has selected Diane Kresh, Director, Arlington Public Library, to receive the 2026 Torch Award for Ethical Leadership, presented by Dominion Energy.
Following a distinguished career of over 30 years at the Library of Congress, Diane Kresh has spent the last 20 years as Arlington County’s Public Library Director. Her vision and creative leadership have created a library system that is truly a robust community hub of learning and civic engagement.
“Diane lives her values, even when it is difficult,” said Lisa Fikes, President and CEO of the Leadership Center of Arlington. “Her unwavering commitment to inclusivity, truth, and access to resources for all are all examples of her strength and resolve, and we are proud to highlight Diane’s example with this award.”
“Our profound appreciation for Diane’s unwavering dedication to ethical leadership and her commitment to making a positive impact on Arlington’s public library system. These attributes truly embody the values we hold dear at Dominion Energy. Since Diane became the Director of Libraries in April 2006, she has created a nurturing and welcoming environment at each library in Arlington. What’s more, Arlington Reads, a community engagement program, has thrived thanks to her leadership,” said Scott Price, Regional Policy Director, Dominion Energy. “Diane’s ability to lead with empathy, and her passion for mentoring women in the workplace and supporting young people in our community makes her a worthy recipient of the 2026 Torch Award for Ethical Leadership.”
Gaston Araoz, External Affairs Representative, Dominion Energy, will present the award to Diane at the Leadership Center of Arlington’s annual Leadership Summit & Reception on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
The Leadership Summit is an opportunity for established leaders and rising talent in the greater Northern Virginia/Washington, D.C. area to spend an afternoon connecting with one another and learning from some of the nation’s guiding voices.
The Leadership Summit also serves as the culmination of the Leadership Center of Arlington’s Lead and Ignite Classes of 2026.
Learn more and register at leadercenter.org/summit.
About the Leadership Center of Arlington
The mission of the Leadership Center of Arlington is to connect, develop, and inspire leaders for personal growth, civic engagement, and community impact. For more information, visit leadercenter.org or call (703) 528-2522.
Media Contact
Jennifer Roeder
Communications Consultant
Leadership Center of Arlington
(703) 528-2522
jroeder@leadercenter.org