The 2010 NCLS Speakers
The variety of speakers for the 2010 National Character and Leadership Symposium will be truly inspiring. Each speaker brings their own stories and life events to the symposium with a passion to inspire and change the lives of those who attend. This year's speakers were chosen with the theme "Guardians of Trust: Leaders in the Modern Era" in mind. We believe with the group of speakers for this year's NCLS, it will be one of the best.

Coach Brian Billick Former NFL Head Coach, TV Sports Analyst	Biography
"Competitive Leadership"  - We live in a society in which individual achievement is the predominant measure of success. As children in school and adults at work, our performance is evaluated individually. But in order for organizations to successfully compete, employees must work seamlessly as a team. So how do people of an "I" culture let go of an inherent self-interest that permeates the business culture? Perhaps lessons can be drawn from professional sports, where effective teamwork is the only way to win. After coaching collegiate and professional football teams for more than 30 years, Billick is a master at building winning teams.

Mark Bowden Author, Black Hawk Down	Biography
"War in Modern Literature" - Bowden will discuss how the success of Black Hawk Down and other recent books about war have restored the subject to its rightful place in American literature.

General Lee Butler (Ret), USAF Former Commander, United States Strategic Command	Biography
"An Unlikely Guardian" - When an introverted, underweight Army brat saw an Air Force Academy poster in his high school counselor's office, no one could have predicted he would go on not only to graduate from the premier air institute, but to rise to the top of the nation's nuclear force. General Butler will tell the tale of his military career from its less-than-charmed beginnings through the pinnacle of command for US Strategic Command and offer insight on the lessons from USAFA � and personal qualities they honed � that carried him all the way.

Dr. Annette Clark Interim Dean, Associate Professor of Law, Seattle University School of Law	Biography
"Bioethics for the 21st Century" - One of the greatest challenges we face in today's society is that medicine and science are advancing much more quickly than our ability to anticipate the new questions and challenges that those scientific advances will bring. What role does each of us play and what responsibility do we have as societal decisions are made on such bioethics issues as assisted death, abortion, rationing of healthcare, assisted reproduction, stem cell, and other human-subject research?

The Honorable Michael B. Donley Secretary of the Air Force	Biography

Dinesh D'Souza Author, The Virtue of Prosperity: Finding Values in an Age of Techno Influence	Biography
"What's So Great About America: Why America is Loved, Why America is Hated"  - America is simultaneously the most loved nation in the world and also the most hated. Not only is anti-Americanism evident in Europe, Asia, and in the Islamic world, but some of the most eloquent and harsh critics of America live in America. In this talk, D'Souza will critically examine the merits of the case against America. He will make the case for a rational patriotism that is based on loving our country for what it really is. This talk will cover both foreign policy and cultural and moral issues.

Special Agent Arthur Everett Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Chicago FBI Field Division	Biography
"Leadership: A Question of Preparation" - Three key leadership traits will be presented, representing the current FBI Leadership Doctrine adopted in the wake of September 11, 2001. Everett will use law enforcement examples to reinforce the notion that no leader can predict the exact time, place, and magnitude of the next decision to be made�but all leaders agree that you must be prepared.

Eric Greitens Chairman, Center for Citizen Leadership	Biography
"Inspired Leadership in Challenging Times" - As a celebrated author, Navy SEAL, Rhodes Scholar, and award-winning humanitarian leader, Greitens knows it is not enough to endure challenging times, we have to embrace them. In this presentation, he draws from his own experience to inspire leaders to create hope and build for the future.

General Michael Hayden (Ret), USAF Former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence	Biography
"The Demands of History" - Time and circumstance put all of us into situations we cannot possibly anticipate. At these moments, who we are � that accumulated body of experience that forms our self � is all that we have to rely on. That self needs to be nurtured.

Tommy Lasorda Special Advisor to the Chairman, Los Angeles Dodgers	Biography
"I Believe" - Tommy Lasorda has never regretted four things: his love of God, his love of his country, his love of his family, and his love of the Dodgers. Growing up in Pennsylvania, one of five sons of an Italian immigrant, he was raised to believe respect is the foundation of life. He respects those four institutions, and has used those principles along with an astounding sense of self-confidence to guide him and make him successful. Tommy will speak about self-confidence, as he believes it is the first step towards success.

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Lance McElhiney, USA Command Cheif Warrant Officer, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade	Biography
"The Army's Most Experienced Combat Aviator" - McElhiney will discuss his Warrior Ethos that developed as a result of involvement in operations spanning from Vietnam to Operation Iraqi Freedom and every major conflict in-between. He will discuss the values that keep him in the Army after 41 years, and compare two of his most recent conflicts, Desert Storm and OIF. Finally, McElhiney will detail the frustration of losing fellow aviators � not to the enemy � but to carelessness, and the lessons he gleaned from that experience.

Mike Melvill Commercial Test Pilot	Biography
"First Privately-Funded Space Flight" - Melvill will describe how a small team at a small business, designed, built and flew the first privately-funded ship to space.

Dr. Rick Rigsby Author, Lessons From a Third Grade Dropout	Biography
"Making an Impact" - In an era of astonishing technology, instant information, and rampant social networking, cultural critics argue that our society has never been shallower in communication and more superficial in appearance. For many organizations, appearance � or what Rigsby refers to as impression � has become the new corporate wardrobe. Rediscover what is truly relevant and meaningful in your professional career and personal life. Join Rigsby as he shares the wisdom of past generations � wisdom that will inspire, motivate, and empower you to make an impact rather than an impression.

Darrell Scott Father of Columbine Victim and founder, "Rachel's Challenge" Foundation	Larry Scott Uncle of Columbine Victim	Biography
"Rachel's Challenge" - Rachel Joy Scott's incredible story has been told to over 10 million people around the world, featured on numerous television programs, and has been the subject of several books. This message contains five powerful challenges taken from her life. Every listener will walk away a changed person from this heart-rending, humorous, thought-provoking, and entertaining presentation.

Nate Self Former Army Ranger, Veteran of Roberts Ridge	Biography
"Roberts Ridge" - Nate Self will give a personal account of the Battle of Roberts Ridge from March 2002 in Afghanistan, highlighting the bravery, leadership, and joint effectiveness of special operators at 10,000 feet and above. Roberts Ridge Panel - Panel members will discuss their involvement in the event known as "Rescue on Roberts Ridge," that took place on Takur Ghar Mountain, Afghanistan. On March 4, 2002, a group of Army Rangers were dispatched to rescue Navy SEAL Neil Roberts who had fallen out of a helicopter in the midst of Al Qaeda fighters. The rescue team was ambushed -- suddenly in need of rescue themselves. The ensuing battle remains burned into history as the most famous and emotional battle of the war so far, embodying the truly American principle of "Leave no man behind." Panel members will bring perspectives on the operation ranging from the ground parties and aircrew to the command and control element, and represent both the Army and the Air Force. Audience members may wish to prepare by reading a transcript of Dateline NBC interviews with Self and others at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13233811/ns/dateline_nbc//from/ET.

Coach Jim Tressel Head Football Coach, Ohio State University	Biography
"Block 0 of Life" - Coach Tressel will talk about his comprehensive approach to coaching.

Dr. Marvin Berkowitz Co-Director, Center for Character and Citizenship, University of Missouri-St. Louis	Biography
"Leading Schools of Character" - Schools, whether at the elementary, secondary, or post-secondary level, have always been obligated to positively impact the character development of students. The most central influence on whether they do so effectively is the school leader. However, many school leaders are not trained for this task. It has always been a challenging task, but is even more difficult in the modern era due to outside negative influences (many of them exacerbated by technological advances), large schools, and declining public support for education as a social force. This session will focus on both the challenges in leading schools of character and what can be done about them.

Steve Birdine Author, Diversity Educator	Biography
"Taking Responsibility For Our Own Success" - This holistic, empowering, powerful, humorous, insightful, motivational and thought-provoking presentation takes a much-needed open and honest look at issues impacting leaders. Issues addressed include leadership development, motivation, personal excellence, diversity, unity, male-female relationships, discipline, goal setting, respect and other issues impacting lives on a daily basis.

LTC Brian Birdwell (Ret), USA Survivor, Terror Attack on the Pentagon	Biography
"Refined By Fire" - Although every American was deeply affected by the events of September 11, 2001, Birdwell experienced the attack at the Pentagon firsthand. As he relives those tragic moments of trauma suffered, the listener will witness how his life was transformed.

Dr. Michele Borba Educational Psychologist, Author	Biography
Identity Development Panel - Development of one's own independent identity is a vital part of maturing into an adult. For college students, this typically centers on personal, social, and professional identity, including internalization of the ethos, social norms, and ethics of one's chosen profession. However, when organizations or social groups strive to instill a specific identity, young adults may experience a disconnect between the expected identity of the group and actual personal identity, triggering stress and resistance. Panel members will discuss how mentors can guide this journey of the human spirit, through curricular and extracurricular offerings, as well as shaping the student culture and campus social environment.

Dr. David Callahan Author, The Cheating Culture	Biography
"Beyond the Cheating Culture" - Powerful economic and cultural forces have been undermining professional and personal ethics in the United States. But individuals can stand up to this cheating culture and join growing efforts to reform institutions and create a more ethical society.

Lt Col Christopher M. Cicere, (Ret) USAF Author, Former AC-130 Gunship Mission Commander	Biography
Roberts Ridge Panel  - Panel members will discuss their involvement in the event known as "Rescue on Roberts Ridge," that took place on Takur Ghar Mountain, Afghanistan. On March 4, 2002, a group of Army Rangers were dispatched to rescue Navy SEAL Neil Roberts who had fallen out of a helicopter in the midst of Al Qaeda fighters. The rescue team was ambushed -- suddenly in need of rescue themselves. The ensuing battle remains burned into history as the most famous and emotional battle of the war so far, embodying the truly American principle of "Leave no man behind." Panel members will bring perspectives on the operation ranging from the ground parties and aircrew to the command and control element, and represent both the Army and the Air Force. Audience members may wish to prepare by reading a transcript of Dateline NBC interviews with Self and others at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13233811/ns/dateline_nbc//from/ET.

Dan Clark Author, Motivational Speaker	Biography
"Leadership: Managing Change, Demanding Execution" - Leadership is not voted on, nor is it about power and authority. Leaders earn respect by rising to each occasion to create opportunities for others to succeed. They teach correct principles and let their subordinates govern themselves. They remind us we are not paid by the hour, but for the value we bring to that hour, determined by how we make others around us better, and how we leave our job in better shape than we found it. Leaders measure everything knowing that as we increase our frequency of feedback, everybody accepts responsibility to do whatever it takes to succeed.

Derek Foster Former Cadet, Traumatic Injury Survivor	Biography
"Desire + Excellence = A Paradigm for Success"  - Foster will describe how well-learned lessons from the academy, applied during a traumatic physical challenge, resulted in recuperation of the body, mind and spirit. He will offer a personal account of his recovery and identify motivational factors that led to a successful outcome.

Frances Hesselbein Chairman of the Board of Governors, Leader to Leader Institute	Biography
"Imperatives of Leadership: Leaders of the Future"  - Hesselbein will identify and discuss her five imperatives of leadership for future organizations: 1) developing trust, 2) challenging the gospel of the status quo, 3) practicing planned abandonment, 4) dispersing leadership, and 5) managing for mission, innovation and diversity.

Capt Amy Kauvar, USAF Brain Cancer Survivor	Biography
"Perservance: Making Molehills out of Mountains" - Captain Kauvar's personal reflection of her victory over brain cancer and how survival is not the only definition of success.

COL Joe LeBoeuf (Ret), USA Professor of the Practice of Management at Fuqua School of Business, Duke University	Biography
"Identity: The Leader's Secret Weapon" - In a world of uncertainty and an age of the unthinkable, when leadership requirements and challenges are increasingly unpredictable, a leader's identity is the compass that will guide his or her behavior in what is very uncertain terrain. This compass must be built of titanium and point to True North in all the many moments that will matter, every day, when leading is required. Identity Development Panel - Development of one's own independent identity is a vital part of maturing into an adult. For college students, this typically centers on personal, social, and professional identity, including internalization of the ethos, social norms, and ethics of one's chosen profession. However, when organizations or social groups strive to instill a specific identity, young adults may experience a disconnect between the expected identity of the group and actual personal identity, triggering stress and resistance. Panel members will discuss how mentors can guide this journey of the human spirit, through curricular and extracurricular offerings, as well as shaping the student culture and campus social environment.

C.L. Lindsay Founder, Coalition for Student and Academic Rights	Biography
"Trouble Online"  - For college students, much of their character, or at least the outward appearance of it, depends on their online behaviors. This talk will teach students about the realities and consequences of Facebook pages, music and movie piracy, Internet plagiarism, sexting, and more.

Lt Col Ian Marr, USAF Fire Control Officer, AC-130H Spectre Gunship	Biography
Roberts Ridge Panel - Panel members will discuss their involvement in the event known as "Rescue on Roberts Ridge," that took place on Takur Ghar Mountain, Afghanistan. On March 4, 2002, a group of Army Rangers were dispatched to rescue Navy SEAL Neil Roberts who had fallen out of a helicopter in the midst of Al Qaeda fighters. The rescue team was ambushed -- suddenly in need of rescue themselves. The ensuing battle remains burned into history as the most famous and emotional battle of the war so far, embodying the truly American principle of "Leave no man behind." Panel members will bring perspectives on the operation ranging from the ground parties and aircrew to the command and control element, and represent both the Army and the Air Force. Audience members may wish to prepare by reading a transcript of Dateline NBC interviews with Self and others at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13233811/ns/dateline_nbc//from/ET.

Dr. David McCone Associate Professor, Dept. of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership, USAFA	Biography
Identity Development Panel  - Development of one's own independent identity is a vital part of maturing into an adult. For college students, this typically centers on personal, social, and professional identity, including internalization of the ethos, social norms, and ethics of one's chosen profession. However, when organizations or social groups strive to instill a specific identity, young adults may experience a disconnect between the expected identity of the group and actual personal identity, triggering stress and resistance. Panel members will discuss how mentors can guide this journey of the human spirit, through curricular and extracurricular offerings, as well as shaping the student culture and campus social environment.

Maj Gen Martha T. Rainville (Ret) USAF/ANG National Guard's First Female Adjutant General	Biography
"Character and Leadership: The Choices We Make" - The character of an individual serves as a foundation for leadership development and helps guide key decisions for that young leader. The choices each of us make regarding our personal values, our priorities in life, and our goals will continue to form our character and shape our leadership style and potential. We are responsible for the leaders we become.

Judithe Registre Director of Policy and Outreach, Women for Women International-UK	Biography
"What would you like to be your legacy?" - With growing global challenges, the need to make an individual and/or collective difference remains critical. Some ordinary people with extraordinary visions have changed the course of history. Through their struggles and triumphs, they shaped a better world for us. Do we have a responsibility � as we enjoy the fruits of their sacrifices � to continue the progression of their visions? What will be your legacy for the next generation? Registre will answer these questions by sharing her personal reflections informed by her experience as an international development professional.

Kaylei Deakin and Moranda Hern Co-founders of "The Sisterhood of the Traveling BDUs"	Biography
"Your Legacy Begins Today" - Military dependents and high school seniors from California, Moranda Hern and Kaylei Deakin share their journey as the co-founders of the first non-profit organization for military kids by military kids: The Sisterhood of the Traveling BDUs. Deakin and Hern discuss the moral obligation we all must address to support our own, and how you can help.

Jordan Thomas Amputee and President, Jordan Thomas Foundation	Biography
"Press On" - In the face of adversity and after losing both legs below the knee, Thomas tells of pressing on to turn this accident into something good by creating a foundation to help fund prosthetics for children of traumatic injury, and how there are new joys and challenges on this road less-traveled.

CAPT Steve Trainor, USN Chair, Department of Leadership, Ethics and Law at the U.S. Naval Academy	Biography
Identity Development Panel - Development of one's own independent identity is a vital part of maturing into an adult. For college students, this typically centers on personal, social and professional identity, including internalization of the ethos, social norms, and ethics of one's chosen profession. However, when organizations or social groups strive to instill a specific identity, young adults may experience a disconnect between the expected identity of the group and actual personal identity, triggering stress and resistance. Panel members will discuss how mentors can guide this journey of the human spirit, through curricular and extracurricular offerings, as well as shaping the student culture and campus social environment.

MSgt Kevin Vance, USAF Tactical Air Control Party	Biography
Roberts Ridge Panel - Panel members will discuss their involvement in the event known as "Rescue on Roberts Ridge," that took place on Takur Ghar Mountain, Afghanistan. On March 4, 2002, a group of Army Rangers were dispatched to rescue Navy SEAL Neil Roberts who had fallen out of a helicopter in the midst of Al Qaeda fighters. The rescue team was ambushed -- suddenly in need of rescue themselves. The ensuing battle remains burned into history as the most famous and emotional battle of the war so far, embodying the truly American principle of "Leave no man behind." Panel members will bring perspectives on the operation ranging from the ground parties and aircrew to the command and control element, and represent both the Army and the Air Force. Audience members may wish to prepare by reading a transcript of Dateline NBC interviews with Self and others at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13233811/ns/dateline_nbc//from/ET.

Michael Weinstein Founder, The Military Religious Freedom Foundation	Biography
"Quis Custodiet lpsos Custodes: Who Will Guard the Guards?" - What must military officers be prepared to do to exercise leadership excellence in their role as the most trusted guardians of our nation's most cherished Constitutional freedoms?

The Honorable Heather Wilson Former Member of Congress, New Mexico	Biography
"Honorable Service: Leading with Integrity in American Politics" - Heather Wilson shares her reflections on integrity in politics � an oxymoron in the eyes of many Americans. During her ten years of service in the House of Representatives, Wilson voted on the impeachment of a President, demanded accountability for and compliance with the Geneva Conventions for abuse of prisoners at Abu Ghraib, led oversight on wiretapping of Americans, stood up to her own party leaders who wanted to change ethics rules to protect themselves, and survived six general elections in one of the toughest Congressional districts in the country. She shares her frank thoughts on honor and politics.

Dr. Thomas D. Zweifel Leadership Professor, Author	Biography
"21st-Century Leadership: Leading Through Language" - Leadership is in crisis. And in the rough seas of a borderless economy, the Internet, and outsourcing, a seismic shift has changed the game. Virtually anyone can lead now. But how do you breed principled leaders? Is leadership a matter of DNA, culture, or coaching? In this interactive and action-packed workshop, Dr. Zweifel will show you how to lead through language. The listener will learn how to become a great communicator who builds trust and gets results through effective speaking and listening, how to avoid culture clashes and manage skillfully across cultures, how to unleash people power for performance, and how to turn breakdowns into breakthroughs.

Biographical materials are provided by the speakers, may be edited to meet NCLS publishing guidelines, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the US Air Force.
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U.S. Air Force Academy, USAFA, CO 80840, (719) 333-1110 DSN: 333-1110, Updated: 01 Aug 10