More than 120 TFAS alumni, supporters and friends united in Naples, Florida, to celebrate and strengthen TFAS’s mission of advancing freedom and cultivating principled leaders at the 2025 TFAS Annual Conference. Against the beautiful backdrop of the Naples Grande Beach Resort, attendees engaged in thought-provoking discussions, built lasting connections and celebrated the mission of TFAS.
This weekend has strengthened my connections to the TFAS community and interest in the programs. The opportunity to engage with highly motivated students always ensures valuable discourse on important topics.” – Catherine Shea ’24
The conference featured dynamic speakers including former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer, U.S. Representative David Kustoff ’89 (R-TN), and The Babylon Bee editor-in-chief Kyle Mann, all of whom shared insights on leadership, free markets and the future of liberty. Their experiences sparked lively conversations on the critical role of leadership, media integrity and civic engagement in preserving freedom in America.
TFAS Board of Trustees member, president of Ullman Communications, author, and champion whistler Chris Ullman opened the weekend with a keynote address at the Founders Society dinner—an exclusive event open to members of TFAS’s Founders Society and the young alumni cohort. Ullman shared lessons from his own career and insights from his recent book, “Four Billionaires and a Parking Attendant: Success Strategies of the Wealthy, Powerful, and Just Plain Wise.”
“It is a lesson for all of us: find humanity in all of the people that we encounter and then find where there’s commonality so that you can communicate and get stuff done,” Ullman said.
He then reflected on the lasting influence of TFAS, reminding the students in the room, “You already know the impact that TFAS is having on your life, and that impact will resonate with you for years to come.”
Understanding Liberty Through Economics and Leadership
From economic policy to political philosophy, TFAS educators and leading experts challenged attendees to think deeply about current events and policy discourse. Their lessons offered a window into the classroom experience that continues to shape TFAS students into principled, courageous leaders.
TFAS faculty, alongside guest economist Dr. Victor Claar, led dynamic sessions throughout the conference, including a panel on the future of economic policymaking in the Trump administration. The panel, featuring TFAS President Roger Ream ’76, Dr. Anne Bradley and Dr. Claar, explored how economic principles influence political decisions and offered valuable insights into the nation’s future.
Dr. Joshua Mitchell shared insights on identity politics, highlighting its threat to foundational institutions such as the family, church, and civic organizations—critical pillars of a free society.
TFAS Alumni Voices
Several TFAS Alumni shared their expertise at the conference. TFAS alumnus and U.S. Representative David Kustoff ’89 provided valuable insights on key legislative priorities, including immigration, energy and taxes. As a current member of Congress, Rep. Kustoff offered attendees a firsthand perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing lawmakers today, deepening their understanding of the policy issues that will shape the future of the nation.
During the conference, TFAS President Roger Ream recorded two episodes of the Liberty + Leadership Podcast, featuring insightful discussions with TFAS alumni.
Dan Proft ’93, a TFAS alumnus and co-host of Chicago’s Morning Answer, reflected on his successful career in radio, shared highlights from his time at TFAS and offered his perspective on the early months of the Trump administration.
Catherine Shea ’24 and Caleb Davis ’24 discussed their experiences in the TFAS program and the impact it’s had on their post-graduation journeys.
Perspectives on Press, Politics and Principles
Ari Fleischer, White House press secretary under President George W. Bush and FOX News Channel commentator, shared a keynote address on lessons from his time in public service, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in one’s principles—especially when facing a challenging media environment. He also highlighted how America’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to individual liberty are shaping the nation’s future.
Reflecting on the changing landscape for young leaders, Fleischer noted how much the environment has shifted in recent years, particularly on college campuses.
“It’s amazing to me because four years ago, if I saw future leaders who were a representative of personal responsibility, economic freedom, the very things that make TFAS what it is, it’d have been a lot lonelier,” Fleischer said.
During the keynote lunch, Kyle Mann, editor-in-chief of The Babylon Bee, shared his unexpected journey from truck driver to leading one of the most influential comedic outlets today. He reflected on the power of humor to shape culture, explaining how The Babylon Bee has become a platform for truth through comedy, even in the face of criticism and challenges.
At the conference, TFAS also presented the 2025 Gary M. Walton Award for Excellence in Economic Education to Professor Robert Lawson of Southern Methodist University. The award, named in honor of Dr. Gary M. Walton, the longtime president of the Foundation for Teaching Economics (FTE), recognizes exceptional contributions to the advancement of economic education.
Professor Lawson expressed his deep appreciation to TFAS for the award and highlighted the importance of teaching economics in a way that empowers students to understand the real-world impact of different economic systems. He also emphasized the significance of the work TFAS does in shaping the next generation of leaders.
“The work that TFAS does in shaping the minds of future leaders is essential,” Lawson said. “The ideas we instill today will define the future of freedom and prosperity for generations to come.”
The Next Generation of Principled Leaders
Twelve recent TFAS summer program alumni attended the conference as Young Alumni Fellows. Their conference programming built upon the ideas they learned as TFAS students, delving deeper into the principles of freedom and liberty.
Catherine Shea ’24 shared how the weekend deepened her connection to TFAS and sparked a renewed commitment to stay involved.
“This weekend has strengthened my connections to the TFAS community and interest in the programs,” Shea said. “The opportunity to engage with highly motivated students always ensures valuable discourse on important topics.”
TFAS President Roger Ream closed the conference by expressing gratitude to attendees for their ongoing support in advancing liberty and shaping the next generation of leaders, which is an investment in the future of America.
“The only way to extend a civilization or a country’s history is by developing generations of leaders who can continue to perfect our experiment of liberty,” Ream said.
The 2025 TFAS Annual Conference fostered connections that will continue to inspire future leaders. As conversations at the conference continue to resonate, one thing is clear: the future of freedom depends on the leaders we prepare today. TFAS remains steadfast in its mission to educate rising generations about free markets, limited government and personal responsibility—and it’s only possible because of generous TFAS donors.
Stay tuned for updates and announcements about future TFAS conferences and events at TFAS.org/events.