The Distinguished Citizen Award Luncheon honors individuals who share Scouting’s belief in leadership, determination, and values, and have contributed significantly to the growth and vitality of our community. It also provides critical financial support through the Friends of Scouting campaign for all our programs across 15 counties in Central Texas.
When: Thursday, February 12, 2026 Where: Hilton Austin, 500 E. 4th St., Austin, 78701
Registration/check in opens at 11:00am Doors open at 11:30am Lunch and program at 11:45am-1:00pm
This Year’s Recipient of the Distinguished Citizen Award
2026 honorees: Nancy and Nyle Maxwell
Nancy and Nyle Maxwell never earned the top ranks in Scouting, but what they learned gave them a map that they’ve followed during their life together. From Nyle’s favorite canoe trip with his troop along the Colorado River to Nancy’s memories around the campfire in the Minnesota woods, their time as Scouts provided fun, friends, and adventure. But more importantly, Scouting helped forge Nancy and Nyle into the people they are today, with a moral compass oriented towards their “true north” of servant leadership. Their guiding principles can be found in the Scout Law’s virtues of being Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, and Kind, and the Scout Oath’s call to “Help Other People at All Times.” Together, they represent Scouting’s greatest legacy of creating civic-minded leaders ready to cooperate, collaborate, and care.
The Maxwells have been a fixture in Central Texas’ entrepreneurial and philanthropic communities since the 1990s, when they began building a family and business. They tell the story of hearing on the local news about the plight of a young family in need of an expensive procedure to treat their child for a life-threatening health condition. Nancy’s and Nyle’s response became a springboard for a life filled with generous support of multiple nonprofits. While working as a team, each leads in their own way: Nancy as a quiet yet impactful force in the background and Nyle taking center stage to inspire others to give. This advocacy led to the 2004 founding of the Central Texas Community Foundation, nurturing and inspiring philanthropy so others see the value in giving back.
For more than 35 years, Nancy and Nyle have worked as a force for good. Their generosity has taken many shapes, including stepping up to serve in important leadership roles. Nancy is a current Board Member for Williamson County Child Advocacy Center and a former Board Member for Annunciation Maternity Home and Hope Alliance. Nyle was the founding Chair and is a Lifetime Trustee for the Dell Children’s Foundation; current Board Member of Ascension Seton Williamson Foundation; Founder/Past Chair/current Board Member of Central Texas Community Foundation; current Advisory Board member of Honor Flight Austin; and current President of Texas Wildlife Association. Both Nancy and Nyle are currently Advisory Committee Members of Austin Junior League.
Event Volunteer Leadership
Event Co-Chairs
Matt Mathias, Miguel Romano
Event Planning Chair
Susan Moore
Event Vice Chairs
Chris Almendarez
Chuck Lipscomb
Joe Beal
Mike Morgan
Roy Beard
Greg Rabaey
Hollis Bone
Marietta Scott
Holly Coe
Tim Taylor
Jay Fox
Ryan Therrell
Clarke Heidrick
Ben Turner
Patrick Johnson
Phil Wilson
Connor Lammert
Mollie O’Hara Leach
Event Impact
Since 1910, Scouting America has provided programs with a mission of preparing young people for adulthood – and to be responsible citizens. Scouting offers exciting programs designed to inspire, build character, and instill the values boys and girls need to succeed today. Funds from the Award event benefit nearly 500 Scouting programs across 15 Central Texas counties serving youth regardless of ability or economic level.
