Canterbury Honors Outstanding Alumni Ambassador J. Cofer Black ’68 & Victoria Morini Bernstein ’10

On May 21, one day before Commencement, the Sixth Form Awards Ceremony recognized the hard work and achievements of the Class of 2026. While these exceptional students have ended their journey on the hilltop, they join a new group of movers and shakers: Canterbury’s alumni community. Two particularly extraordinary alumni were also honored at the ceremony: Ambassador J. Cofer Black ’68 and Victoria Morini Bernstein ’10.

Cofer and Victoria—better known as Tori—received two of the School’s highest alumni honors: the Thomas J. Sheehy III Distinguished Alumni Award and the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, respectively.

The Thomas J. Sheehy III Distinguished Alumni Award annually recognizes an alum of Canterbury School who, through their professional, community, or public service, has brought distinction to themselves, credit to Canterbury School, and benefit to the communities they serve. Ambassador Black received this honor in recognition of his distinguished career in the U.S. Government.

Serving 28 years in the Directorate of Operations at the Central Intelligence Agency, he served six foreign tours in field management positions, including as Station Chief in Sudan, Task Force Chief in the Near East and South Asia Division, and Deputy Chief of the Latin America Division before being named Director of the CIA Counterterrorist Center in 1999. In the aftermath of 9/11, he conceived, planned, and led the CIA projection into Afghanistan and the Presidentially mandated worldwide engagement against Al Qaeda.

After his government service, Ambassador Black transitioned to the private sector and served as Vice President for Global Operations at Blackbird Raytheon Technologies, Vice Chairman of Blackwater Worldwide, and Chairman of Total Intelligence Solutions. He currently serves on the Boards of Directors at Northwest Biotherapeutics, Diloretio Energy, and Baltic International Bank.

Thomas Sheehy P '92, '98, '04 was in attendance to present the award to Cofer, who accepted with words of wisdom for the Class of 2026.

“You have one life. Have no fear,” he told them. “Failure is just the elimination of a bad option. Consider taking the risky road. At the end of your life, you’ll have better stories and your life will be far more interesting.”

The Outstanding Young Alumni Award annually honors an alum who graduated within the last 25 years who has made significant contributions to civic organizations and/or a chosen profession; whose life is characterized by creativity, curiosity, and community service; and who reflects the highest ideals of Canterbury School. Tori was recognized for her contributions to television and media.

A two-time Emmy Award-winning television producer and a seasoned leader in the media industry, Tori currently serves as the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Tory Johnson Productions, where she oversees live e-commerce segments across ABC’s premier programming, including Good Morning America, The View, The Tamron Hall Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, and ABC Secret Savings. A specialist in high-profile collaborations, Tori spearheads initiatives ranging from celebrity guest-hosted segments to "founder-based" features.

Prior to her current role, Tori spent nearly a decade as a producer for Good Morning America. Her tenure was marked by global assignments covering breaking news and marquee entertainment events like the Oscars Red Carpet. Most notably, she produced the fan-favorite Deals & Steals with Tory Johnson and managed diverse talent and content for the 8 o’clock hour.

“Canterbury wasn’t just a school for me; it was an upbringing. It’s where my foundation was built. I didn’t leave here with a perfect plan, but it started with the drive I learned on this hilltop,” she said, before closing her comments with advice to the soon-to-be graduates. “Your life is not shaped by one place alone. It is built through the people, environments, and experiences that influence you over time. Tomorrow, you graduate. Relish this moment. This isn’t the finish line; it’s just the beginning.”

Congratulations, Tori and Cofer, and thank you for sharing your wisdom and words of encouragement with Canterbury’s newest alumni.