Don Williams Awarded CFA Medal of Honor

February 10, 2026

Rich Mastin, CFA President

I am pleased to announce that the CFA Executive Board has posthumously bestowed the Medal of Honor, CFA’s highest and most esteemed award, on Judge Emeritus Donald J. (Don) Williams for his outstanding contributions to the cat fancy.

Don, who passed away on November 17, 2025, was first elected to the CFA Board in 1977 and served almost continuously until 2004, including 14 years as CFA President.  During his tenure as President, Don attended an organizational meeting of what would become the World Cat Congress, of which CFA is a founding member.

He was recently recognized for his 60 years of service as a CFA judge.

Don was dedicated to preserving the history of the cat fancy and was instrumental in the founding of the CFA Foundation. He joined the Foundation’s Board in 2006 and served as its President from 2018 until his passing.

The Medal of Honor will be presented to Don’s family at his memorial service in May 2026.