Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust Appoints Vice Admiral Colin J. Kilrain, USN (Ret.) to the Board of Trustees

Rhea-AI Summary

Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust (NYSE: GDV) appointed Vice Admiral Colin J. Kilrain, USN (Ret.) to its Board of Trustees effective Feb. 18, 2026. Kilrain is a retired Navy SEAL with 38+ years of service and senior national security experience.

The Board noted Kilrain joins the trustee class through the Fund’s 2026 annual meeting. Longtime trustee Anthonie C. van Ekris will not stand for reelection at the 2026 annual meeting.

RYE, N.Y., Feb. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Trustees of The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust (the “Board”) (NYSE: GDV) (the “Fund”) announced the appointment of Vice Admiral Colin J. Kilrain, USN (Ret.), as a Trustee of the Fund.

Colin J. Kilrain is a retired Vice Admiral of the United States Navy who served more than 38 years as a Navy SEAL, leading special operations forces in peace and conflict around the globe. He held senior government roles on the National Security Council and served as Senior Military Advisor to both the Central Intelligence Agency and the Secretary of State. His command assignments included Commander of NATO Special Operations Command, Task Force Commander at Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), and Commander of Special Operations Command, Pacific. He is a graduate of Lehigh University and holds a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School of Defense.  

Vice Admiral Kilrain has served as a trustee of two other funds in the Gabelli fund complex since February 2025.

Vice Admiral Kilrain was appointed to the class of Trustees of the Fund whose terms continue until the Fund’s 2026 annual meeting of shareholders or until his successor is duly elected and qualified.

The Board also announced that Anthonie C. van Ekris, who has served on the Board since the Fund's inception in 2003, will not stand for reelection as a Trustee at the Fund’s 2026 annual meeting of shareholders.

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. For more information regarding the Fund’s distribution policy and other information about the Fund, call:

Carter Austin
(914) 921-5475

About The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust
The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust is a diversified, closed-end management investment company with $3.4 billion in total net assets whose primary investment objective is to provide a high level of total return with an emphasis on dividends and income. The Fund is managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, a subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (OTCQX: GAMI).

NYSE – GDV
CUSIP – 36242H104

Investor Relations Contact:
Carter Austin
(914) 921-5475
caustin@gabelli.com

FAQ

Who is Vice Admiral Colin J. Kilrain and why was he appointed to the Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust (GDV) board on Feb. 18, 2026?

He is a retired Vice Admiral and former Navy SEAL with over 38 years of service. According to the company, his leadership and national security experience are expected to add governance depth to the Fund's Board through the 2026 annual meeting.

When does Vice Admiral Kilrain's term on the Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust (GDV) board expire?

His trustee term continues until the Fund's 2026 annual meeting of shareholders. According to the company, he will serve until that meeting or until a successor is duly elected and qualified.

What is Anthonie C. van Ekris's role and what change did Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust (GDV) announce for 2026?

Anthonie C. van Ekris has served as a trustee since the Fund’s 2003 inception and will not stand for reelection in 2026. According to the company, van Ekris will step down at the Fund’s 2026 annual meeting.

Does Vice Admiral Kilrain hold other trustee roles within the Gabelli fund complex prior to joining GDV?

Yes, he has served as a trustee of two other Gabelli funds since February 2025. According to the company, those prior trustee roles preceded his appointment to the GDV Board on Feb. 18, 2026.

How can investors get more information about Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust (GDV) following the trustee changes announced Feb. 18, 2026?

Investors can request details on the Fund’s distribution policy and documents by contacting the fund. According to the company, inquiries can be directed to Carter Austin at (914) 921-5475 for more information.

Will Vice Admiral Kilrain's appointment to Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust (GDV) immediately affect Fund investments or strategy?

No immediate investment changes were announced with the appointment. According to the company, the notice only covers the trustee appointment and the upcoming 2026 annual meeting without new investment guidance.