Washington, D.C. -- The NAB Leadership Foundation (NABLF) today announced BELFOR Property Restoration and its CEO Sheldon Yellen as the recipient of its prestigious Corporate Leadership Award for its unwavering commitment to helping Americans rebuild their homes, businesses and communities in the aftermath of catastrophic events. The honor will be awarded during the 2025 Celebration of Service to America Awards, presented by Bonneville International and Hearst Television, on June 10 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.
The event will also honor the essential role that local TV and radio broadcasters play during times of emergency. Radio and television stations provide life-saving information before, during and after disasters – alerting residents to evacuation orders, sharing shelter locations and helping reconnect families and communities. Broadcasters’ commitment to serving the public makes them indispensable allies in disaster response and recovery.
“Broadcasters are the voice of calm in chaos,” said NABLF President Michelle Duke. “In the most critical moments, these stations ensure that accurate, timely information reaches those in harm’s way. Together, organizations like BELFOR and our nation’s broadcasters form a crucial network of support that helps communities not only survive disasters but recover and rebuild stronger than before.”
As the world’s largest disaster restoration company, BELFOR knows what it means to help others through their toughest challenges. CEO Sheldon Yellen and his wife Krissy believe in a people-first approach to property restoration with a focus on care, compassion and making sure the job is well done. Yellen believes that effective leadership means inspiring first responders, BELFOR team members and journalists to stay engaged with disaster victims long after the spotlight has faded.
In the past year alone, BELFOR’s team of experts were ready to respond when Hurricanes Helene and Milton left a path of devastation across more than 630 miles spanning the southeast, providing aid from debris clean-up and water damage repairs to structural restoration of homes and businesses. And when destructive wildfires swept across southern California, BELFOR’s fire damage restoration teams were there to assist those in need.
In addition to BELFOR’s important public service work, Sheldon and Krissy are recognized as global leaders in philanthropy and compassion-driven action. From a lifetime spent advocating for first responders, to quietly covering funeral costs for fallen first responders in honor of their sacrifices, to funding and organizing holiday shopping sprees for hundreds of underprivileged youth, to co-founding Firefly Advocates, an organization dedicated to championing and funding the release of prisoners who have been wrongly convicted, they always put others first.
“At BELFOR, our work goes beyond restoring properties…it’s about rebuilding lives and communities and restoring peace of mind,” said Sheldon Yellen, CEO of BELFOR Property Restoration. “We are deeply honored and humbled by this recognition from the NAB Leadership Foundation, which underscores the vital role of partnership in times of crisis. Just as broadcasters are the voice of hope and information, our teams secure the promise that even when faced with disasters, we will rebuild stronger than ever.”
“BELFOR exemplifies the spirit of public service through their dedication to helping communities in times of need and leading with integrity,” said Duke. “Their team goes above and beyond to help Americans across the country during incredibly trying times, and we look forward to honoring them at the gala in June.”
For more information about Celebration of Service to America Awards, visit servicetoamericaawards.org.
The mission of the Foundation is to develop leaders, recruit dynamic and talented individuals for careers in broadcasting and recognize the community impact of local television and radio stations. Learn more at nabfoundation.org.
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