National Prayer Breakfast Foundation
Board Members
A word from our Chair, former Representative JC Watts, Jr.
It is an honor for me to succeed former Senator Heidi Heitkamp as Chair of the National Prayer Breakfast Foundation. Under her leadership, we held the first ever National Prayer Breakfasts in Statuary Hall in the Capitol. We look forward to continuing to bring our nation’s leadership together for the 74th National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, February 5, 2026 again in the Capitol complex.
Our Board of Directors continues to evolve and get stronger and stronger. We are so grateful for the services of former Senator Heidi Heitkamp, Mrs. Caroline Aderholt and former Representative Randy Hultgren, who have rotated off the board this year. Each served as inaugural members of the Board with distinction in laying the groundwork to where we have come. Now we are excited to welcome onto the Board former Senators Evan Bayh of Indiana, Tom Carper of Delaware and Tim Hutchinson of Arkansas together with former Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers of the 5th congressional district of the state of Washington. The depth of character and experience of each is really quite remarkable.
As we prepare for the upcoming National Prayer Breakfast, the differences in this country are on stark display for the nation and world to witness. However, we believe Jesus of Nazareth’s principles of loving one’s neighbor and enemy alike can provide creative space for our leaders to courageously follow conscience in the expression of disagreement—yet still come together to resolve disputes in order to lead the country forward. This is more relevant than ever as we celebrate the 250th year of our nation’s Declaration of Independence.
We expect the programming of the 74th National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, February 5, 2026 to be nationally televised again this year. We welcome you to join us in prayer for our leaders and the future of this great nation.
Yours truly,
JC Watts, Jr.
Board Members
U.S. Representative (1995 - 2003)
J.C. Watts is a former U.S. Congressman from Oklahoma, serving in the House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003. During his time in Congress, he was elected as Chairman of the Republican Conference, becoming the first Black American to hold a leadership position in the Republican Party. Watts is a prominent business leader and founder of several ventures, including his own consulting firm, and remains a strong advocate for education, economic empowerment, and incarceration reforms .
Private Investor
Mr. Austin is a private investor and adviser. Before beginning his independent investment and advisory activities, Mr. Austin worked for the US Department of the Treasury as an international financial advisor on Russia, as a Wall Street lawyer with Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton LLP in New York and as a qualified accountant, having worked with Coopers & Lybrand (now PriceWaterhouseCoopers).
US Senator (1999 - 2011)
Birch Evans (Evan) Bayh III served as a United States Senator representing Indiana from 1999 to 2011. Previously, he served as the 46th Governor of Indiana. Under President Joe Biden, he served on the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board.
US Senator (2001 - 2025)
Tom Carper served the people of Delaware in elected office from 1977 to 2025—as State Treasurer, U.S. Representative, Governor, and U.S. Senator. A retired Navy Captain, he was the last Vietnam veteran to serve in the U.S. Senate. He continues to champion clean energy, climate action, and job creation through his ongoing advocacy and bipartisan leadership.
US Representative (2015 - 2023)
Brenda Lawrence served in the House of Representatives as the Congresswoman representing Michigan’s 14th district from 2015 to 2023. Among her many accomplishments in Congress, she served as Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Jewish Relations
Caucus, Chair of the House Women’s Caucus and Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Prior to her time in Congress, she served as Mayor of Southfield, Michigan.
US Senator (1997 - 2003)
Timothy Hutchinson served in the United States Senate representating the state of Arkansas from 1997 to 2003. He was the first Republican U.S. senator to represent Arkansas since the reconstruction era. Prior to serving in the United States Senate, he served in the House of Representatives.
US Representative (2005 - 2025)
Cathy McMorris Rodgers is a former Congresswoman from the state of Washington serving in the House of Representatives from 2005 to 2025. From 2013 to 2019, she chaired the House of Republican Conference. She previously served in the Washington House of Representatives.
US Senator (1997 - 2015)
Senator Mary Landrieu served three terms as a United States Senator for Louisiana from 1997 to 2015. During her tenure, she chaired the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and played a key role in passing legislation for disaster recovery, energy policy, and children's health care. Since leaving the Senate, she has continued her work as a policy advocate, particularly in areas of energy, disaster resilience, and education.
US Representative (2009-2021)
Retired Physician
Congressman Roe is a retired physician and six term Member of Congress. He is an ardent supporter of the bipartisan Prayer Breakfast.