2009-10-13

Benjamin Solomon Carson (Healthcare and Healthy Lifestyle)

Ben Carson has a childhood dream of becoming a physician. Growing up in a single parent home with dire poverty, poor grades, a horrible temper, and low self-esteem appeared to preclude the realization of that dream until his mother, with only a third-grade education, challenged her sons to strive for excellence. Young Ben persevered and today is a full professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery, and pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and he has directed pediatric neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Children‟s Center for nearly a quarter of a century.

Some career highlights include the first separation of craniopagus (Siamese) twins joined at the back of the head in 1987, the first completely successful separation oftype-2 vertical craniopagus twins in 1997 in South Africa, and the first successful placement of an intrauterine shunt for a hydrocephalic twin. Although he has been involved in many newsworthy operations, he feels that every case in noteworthy – deserving of maximum attention. He is interested in all aspects of pediatric neurosurgery and has a special interest in trigeminal neuralgia (severe facial pain) in adults.

His first three books, Gifted Hands, THINK BIG, and The Big Picture provide inspiration and insight for leading a successful life. His fourth book, Take the Risk: Learning to Identify, Choose and Live With Acceptable Risk, was released in early 2008. Dr. Carson has been married for over 30 years to his wife, Candy, and is the father of three sons. And yes, his mother, Sonya Carson, who made all this possible, is alive and well.

2009-09-25

George Bodenheimer (ESPN at 30: The Evolution Continues)

An ESPN and cable industry pioneer, George Bodenheimer was named ESPN‟s fifth President in 1998, and since then he has led an unprecedented period of growth for ESPN. Bodenheimer‟s path to leadership mirrors that of ESPN itself – with his sharp focus on creativity and cutting-edge innovation, his emphasis on always enhancing value to ESPN‟s fans and business partners, and his conviction for teamwork. In 2003, he was also appointed President of ABC Sports, overseeing all the multimedia sports assets of The Walt Disney Company, and in 2004 he assumed the role of co-chairman, Disney Media Networks, encompassing strategic planning for Disney‟s media assets.

Bodenheimer’s vision has led to numerous company and industry- leading innovations in integral sales and marketing, original programming, rights and business acquisitions, and new technologies, highlighted by ESPN‟s state-of-the-art Digital Center. He established an organizational structure with leaders focusing on six areas: content across all media, technology, international, sales and marketing, finance and administration.

Bodenheimer joined the company after college in January 1981 as a driver in the mailroom. He rose through the ranks becoming Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing in 1996. He was graduated from Denison University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics, and he married with three children.

2009-09-15

Donna Barbisch (Anatomy of a Pandemic: In an Emergency, More Time is NOT an Option)

Barbisch is president of Global Deterrence Alternatives, a strategic planning organization providing policy and program guidance on integrating solutions related to the national security threats of terrorism, natural disasters, and emerging infectious diseases. She is among the nation’s most distinguished experts in terrorism and disaster preparedness and response. With more than 20 years in managing complex medical and organizational challenges, Barbisch moved her focus to the complexities of combating terrorism and complex disaster management in the early 1990s. She has been described as a visionary in reducing threats and responding to complex disasters both nationally and internationally.

As a strategic planner, Barbisch focuses on developing effective programs built on evidence-based information, measurable objectives, and best outcomes in catastrophic events. Barbisch uses research-based theory and practice reinforced by modeling and simulation to drive decision support tools at all levels from individual preparedness and response to executive decision-making for today’s escalating threat environment. Her integrated training and operational modeling are designed to produce a cultural shift in preparedness. She is a leader, educator, facilitator, and proven agent for change who can build or reform organizational cultures to deal effectively with the ambiguous and unknown challenges in today’s environment.

In addition to her other civilian accomplishments, Barbisch is a retired army major general. She served in a multitude of active and reserve assignments from Vietnam to the Pentagon. Her most recent assignment was as director of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear program integration for the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Barbisch holds a bachelor's degree from California University of Pennsylvania, a master's degree in public health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a doctorate in health administration from the Medical University of South Carolina.

2008-05-02

“Breast Cancer: Are We Making Any Progress?”

“Breast Cancer: Are We Making Any Progress?” Monica Morrow, M.D., is the G. Willing Pepper Chair in Cancer Research and the Chairman of the Department of Surgical Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center; and Professor of Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine. From 1993 to June 2004, she was Professor of Surgery at Northwestern University Medical School, and director of the Lynn Sage Comprehensive Breast Program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. From 1999 - 2001 she also served as Director of the Cancer Department of the American College of Surgeons and Executive Director of the American Joint Committee on Cancer. A native of Bucks County Pennsylvania, Dr. Morrow received her BS degree Magna Cum Laude from the Pennsylvania State University in 1974 and her MD in 1976 from Jefferson Medical College. She did her surgical residency at the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont from 1976-1981, followed by 2 years of surgical oncology training at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Dr. Morrow has received many awards, including National Merit Scholar; Clinical Fellow of the American Cancer Society; Outstanding Professional Woman from the State of Illinois Federation of Business and Professional Women; the Alpha Omega Alpha Outstanding Clinical Faculty Award from the University of Chicago, Distinguished Alumni of the Pennsylvania State University, The Women Making a Difference Award for Medical Innovations from the State of Illinois, the Speaking of Women’s Health Foundation Award and Distinguished Alumni of Jefferson Medical College. She was also named an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Glasgow). Dr. Morrow was the first surgeon to be a member of the National Cancer Policy Board of the Institute of Medicine, and has served on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Society of Surgical Oncology. She is currently the Secretary of the Society of Surgical Oncology.

2008-04-14

Eric Hegedus, President, National Lesbian & Gay Journalist Association

“Out in the Newsroom: How Gay Journalists are Bringing Fairness and Accuracy to Coverage of LGBT issues” Eric Hegedus is the National Lesbian & Gay Journalist Association‚Äôs (NLBJA‚Äôs) National President. He is a page designer for the NewYork Post, a position he has held since August 2005. Before that, Eric was a page designer for The Philadelphia Inquirer for three years. Previously, he was a photo editor at The Inquirer, working for the sports, news and features departments, as well as the Sunday Inquirer Magazine. Prior to coming to Philadelphia, he was a photo editor and award-winning staff photographer at several Gannett Co. newspapers in Upstate New York, including The Ithaca Journal and the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin. A 1984 graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, where he was a photo editor and staff photographer for the university‚Äôs Daily Collegian newspaper, Hegedus began his photojournalism career as a photographer for the former Bethlehem, PA, Globe-Times. Over the years, he has also shot assignments for various news organizations, including The New York Times, The Associated Press and USA Today. Hegedus would like NLGJA to become increasingly more effective as an organization that helps journalists with issues, peer-to-peer, before stories are published or broadcast. He also aspires for NLGJA to be recognized in the journalism industry as ‚Äúthe most innovative, effective and forward-thinking organization for new professionals.

2008-03-03

Suzanne Paterno, Community Leader and Philanthropist

“Giving Back” Sue Paterno has not had a paying job since 1963. Yet despite leaving a teaching career to raise her family, she has not stopped working. A 1962 Arts & Letters graduate of Penn State, Sue has dedicated herself to her family, her University, and her community. At Penn State, Sue helped establish the Liberal Arts Alumni Society and the Summer Institute for Academic Achievement, a program that offers underrepresented students additional preparation for college-level work. She serves as a member of the University’s National Development Council, chaired the Libraries Advisory Board, and was a volunteer for the Grand Destiny Campaign for both the College of the Liberal Arts and the University Libraries. In addition, she was the honorary co-chair of the Alumni Association’s first-ever National Service Week, the largest community service effort ever undertaken by an alumni association. In 1995, the University recognized her service to Penn State by awarding her with the Lion’s Paw; in 1996, she was named the Renaissance Woman of the Year and was named a Distinguished Alumna in 2004. She currently sits on the University’s Leadership Gifts Committee, the National Council for Penn State Philanthropy, the Libraries Development Advisory Board, the Libraries‚ and the Liberal Art Campaign Committees. Sue’s commitment to public service extends beyond her alma mater. In 1989, she began working with the Pennsylvania Special Olympics, co-chairing the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the SOPA Summer Games and a SOPA Board member since 1991. She has served as honorary chair of the United Way Campaign and as honorary co-chair for its “Day of Caring” since its inception. In addition to her time, Sue has joined her husband Joe in committing their resources to the University. In 1998, they pledged $3.5 million to endow faculty positions and scholarships as well as to support two building projects - a new interfaith spiritual center and the All-Sports Hall of Fame. She and her husband have raised five children, all Penn State graduates, and they have fifteen grandchildren.

2008-02-28

Clementine Barfield, President, Save Our Sons & Daughters

"Beyond Mourning the Death of My Son" Mrs. Barfield is the Organizer/President of Save Our Sons and Daughters (SOSAD) since 1987. She started SOSAD after two teenage sons were gunned down in a Detroit school related incident. Fifteen year old Roger was critically injured and 16 year old Derik was killed. SOSAD is a crisis intervention/violence revention program that helps survivors of homicide victims, people and communities traumatized by the same. SOSAD networks with other national and community organizations doing similar work; Detroit Police Homicide Section, Prosecutors Office, County Death Review Board, Hospital Trauma Centers, Substance Abuse Treatment Programs. SOSAD organizes an annual memorial service for all victims and is known nationally and internationally for its advocacy, awareness and direct services programs. SOSAD is not just an organization; it is a movement to change the culture of violence to peace, it involves victims and their families, children, concerned citizens, prisoners and university students from around the country working together for positive change. Mrs. Barfield is a graduate of Wayne State University and is a trainer in the field of Victomology, Grief, Crisis/Trauma Intervention, Violence Prevention, Peace Education, Substance Abuse and Parenting.

2008-02-04

Bill Cawley, Motivational Speaker

"Life on Your Terms" Since graduating in 1990 from Penn State with a BA in speech communications and for the past 15 years, Bill has led a busy and active life. He’s had a very successful professional career as a senior manager at two Fortune 500 Companies first with MBNA and then Bank of America. In 2007 he left Bank of America to become a professional motivational speaker and start his own business, Bill Cawley Consulting, which helps companies and individuals reach their maximum potential. In 1999, he founded “Family and Friends Curing Paralysis‚” a not-for-profit foundation, which to date has raised more than $700,000. Married with three small children, Bill enjoys most of all spending time with his kids going to the park, doing puzzles and spending the summer with them on the Jersey Shore. Bill and his wife maintain an active social life and keep up with a very large network of friends and family members who they see regularly. In short, Bill is just like you and me. With one exception‚ĶBill has accomplished all of these things (and many more) as a quadriplegic. Paralyzed from the chest down with limited use of his hands, Bill has been confined to a wheelchair since 1992 when he dove off a pier and broke his neck. So Bill’s had a lot to deal with these past 15 years. But his story isn’t really about his accident. Instead, it’s about how he regained his life on his terms, despite the accident.

2008-01-22

Dr. Zane Gates, Internal Medicine Physician

“The Vicious Circle of Poverty” Dr. Gates is a 1985 graduate of Bishop Guilfoyle High School and a 1991 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 1995 and did his residency at Allegheny University Hospital. He is the founder of the Gloria Gates Memorial Foundation, which is an after-school program for disadvantaged youth in the projects where Dr. Gates grew up. The program is in memory of his mother. The program is for at risk children ages 4-12 and includes an after school program to enhance their education and teach them to “Dream Again.” He is also the founder of Operation Safety Net at Bon Secours Hospital, which is a free health care clinic for adults with no access to health insurance. Dr. Gates has received the LaRoche College Award, the NAACP Award (community service), the Chester E. Smith Scholarship (medical school), the Cohen Scholarship Award (pharmacy school) and the Deborah Grand Scholarship (high school). He resides in Altoona, PA and is the father of three children.

2007-11-13

Karen Tandy, Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration

“Drug Issues” Following her nomination by President GeorgeW. Bush, on July 31, 2003, Karen Tandy was confirmed by unanimous consent of the U.S. Senate as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), a $2.2 billion agency with approximately 11,000 employees across the U.S. and in 85 foreign offices. Under Ms.Tandy‚Äôs leadership, DEA investigations resulted in criminal charges against 87 percent of the most wanted drug trafficking leaders, an 82 percent increase in the number of dismantled priority drug trafficking organizations, and a 400 percent increase in the seizure of drug proceeds and related assets, with a recordbreaking $3.75 billion in seized drug assets and revenue denied to traffickers in a two year period from 2004-2006. In 2005, Ms.Tandy also developed and launched the first website designed for teens regarding the consequences of illegal drugs, www.justthinktwice.com, which received wide acclaim from teenagers, schools, drug prevention specialists, and community coalitions. Prior to becoming DEA Administrator, Ms.Tandy was Associate Deputy Attorney General, responsible for developing national drug enforcement policy and strategies, and Director of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). Between 1990 and 1999, Ms.Tandy served in a variety of positions in the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice, supervising the Department‚Äôs drug and forfeiture litigation. From 1979 to 1990, Ms.Tandy was an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia and in theWestern District ofWashington, handling the prosecution of violent crime and complex drug, money laundering and forfeiture cases. Ms.Tandy, a native of FortWorth,Texas, graduated from Texas Tech University undergraduate school and Law School. She is married with two daughters.

2007-11-06

FBI Director Robert Mueller

"Cyber Crime" "Cyberspace has become the primary means by which we conduct business, store data and connect operating systems, from air traffic control to the power grids. That widespread use has also left us vulnerable to attack. Protecting America from terrorist attack is the FBI's highest priority. To date, terrorists have not successfully used the Internet to launch a substantial cyberattack. But in the past six years, Al Qaeda's Internet presence has become pervasive. The Internet has become a marketing tool, a moneymaker, a training ground and a virtual town square all in one." Robert Mueller was nominated by President George W. Bush and became the sixth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on September 4, 2001. After completing his education, Mr. Mueller worked as a litigator in San Francisco until 1976. He then served for 12 years in United States Attorney's Offices, first in the Northern District of California in San Francisco, where he rose to be chief of its criminal division. In 1982, he moved to Boston as an Assistant United States Attorney where he investigated and prosecuted major financial fraud, terrorist and public corruption cases, as well as narcotics conspiracies and international money launderers. After serving as a partner at the Boston law firm of Hill and Barlow, Mr. Mueller was again called to public service. In 1989 he served in the United States Department of Justice as an assistant to Attorney General Richard L. Thornburgh. The following year he took charge of its Criminal Division. During his tenure, he oversaw prosecutions, including the conviction of Panama leader Manuel Noriega, the Lockerbie Pan Am 103 bombing case, and the John Gotti mobster prosecution. In 1991, he was elected Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. In 1993, Mr. Mueller became a partner at Boston's Hale and Dorr, specializing in complex white collar crime litigation. He returned to public service in 1995 as senior litigator in the Homicide Section of the District of Columbia United States Attorney's Office. In 1998, Mr. Mueller was named United States Attorney in San Francisco and held that position until 2001. He then served as Acting Deputy Attorney General of the United States Department of Justice for several months, before becoming FBI Director.

2007-10-11

Dr. Lucia Rohrer Murphy, Performance Improvement Designers

“LeaderSpeak: Debunking the Myths that Keep Leaders Playing Small” Dr. Lucia Rohrer Murphy, aka “Doctor Murph,” is a leading authority in team development and sustainable leadership practices who has inspired organizations and individuals to leverage their unique strengths and talents to create Success that Sticks. Doctor Murph has developed her expertise from over 20 years of corporate and academic experience, using an integrated approach to draw out the genius already in her clients. On the corporate side, Lucia, a Penn State grad, has made significant contributions to marketing, strategy, and human performance technology for Fortune 500 companies, including Xerox, Frito-Lay and Campbell Soup. She has inspired and developed leaders in major corporations, worldclass academic institutions and innovative business interests of all sizes. Through her leadership of DoctorMurph.com and Doctor Murph Events she offers presentations, seminars, retreat facilitation and individual executive development. Lucia is renowned for her intelligent wit and enthusiasm, which engages and delights her audiences everywhere. Lucia is the author of the new book, “LeaderSpeak: 7 Conversations that Create Sustainable Success.” An avid runner and accomplished woman of laughter and energy, Lucia lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with her husband and children, along with various and sundry pets.

2007-05-20

Tanya Biank, journalist, author and Fulbright Scholar

"The Bride Wore Green: Marriage and the Military, an Author's Walk in her Own Storyline" Biank is a 1993 graduate of Penn State, where she received a bachelor's degree in journalism and was a member of the University Scholar's program. She is a former military reporter for the Fayetteville Observer and has traveled around the world with troops to the Middle East, South East Asia, Europe, the Balkans and the Far East. She has appeared on several national television and radio shows (Good Morning America, CNN, ABC World News Tonight, C-Span, NPR and BBC) discussing military issues. Her coverage of the 2002 Fort Bragg Army wife murders led to Congressional inquiries and changes in Army programs and policy. Her debut book, "Under the Sabers: The Unwritten Code of Army Wives," was released in February by St. Martin's Press. "Under the Sabers" has been optioned by Touchstone. Biank is a columnist for military.com and is starting work on a second book.

2007-05-06

Jacqueline Jones Royster

"Subverting Double Jeopardies: Continuities of Rhetorical Action by African-American Women Writers" Royster is the senior vice provost and executive dean of the Colleges of Arts and Sciences and professor of English at The Ohio State University. She has three complementary areas of interest in research: the rhetorical history of women of African descent, the development of literacy, and contexts and processes related to the teaching of writing. She has authored numerous articles and books that illustrate this confluence of concerns in both literacy studies and women's studies. In addition to her teaching, administrative and scholarly activities, Royster has been very active in English professional organizations. She has filled a variety of roles on committees, task forces and commissions, including serving as chair of the Conference on College Composition and Communication, chair of the executive committee on the Division on Teaching Writing of the Modern Language Association, and currently on the Writing Advisory Committee of the National Commission on Writing, established by the College Board. Such leadership roles are evident in the Columbus community as well. Royster serves on the advisory boards of the Columbus Literacy Council, the Ohioana Library Association and the Children's Hunger Alliance.

2007-04-22

Gary D. Chapman, pastor, speaker and author

"Keeping Love Alive when the Tingles Evaporate" Chapman speaks extensively throughout the United States and internationally on marriage, family and relationships. The government of Singapore invited him to present his marriage seminar there and the Chaplain's Office of NATO issued a special invitation for Chapman to speak to the NATO forces in Germany. Other engagements have taken him to England, Africa, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Sales exceeding 3 million copies earned him the Platinum Book Award from the Evangelical Publishers Association for "The Five Love Languages," which has been translated into more than 34 languages. Fifteen other books and five video series also are among his publications. On the home front, Chapman is senior associate pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. Chapman has a bachelor's degree in anthropology from Wheaton College, a master's degree in anthropology from Wake Forest University and a doctorate in adult education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.