Keynote Speakers

Opening Keynote, Lisa Ling

Correspondent for The Oprah Winfrey Show and National Geographic

A role model for today’s youth and adults, Lisa Ling is a Special Correspondent for The Oprah Winfrey Show and contributor to the Oxygen Network and National Geographic Channel. From stories about gang rape in the Congo to bride burning in India, The Oprah Winfrey Show has been sending Ling all over the world to cover vitally important stories that much of the world chooses to ignore. Prior to her recent globe trotting, Ling was known to millions of Americans as co-host of The View, where she shared no-holds-barred opinions on current events and everyday issues. Ling’s hard work continues off-camera; she serves as a contributing editor for USA Weekend and has produced eight documentaries for PBS, several of which have won awards.

Closing Keynote, Dr. Robert Ballard

Founder and Chairman of The JASON Project; discoverer of shipwrecked Titanic

Dr. Robert Ballard is Founder and Chairman of The JASON Project, a National Geographic Society Explorer-in-Residence, and professor in the Graduate School of Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island. The discoverer of numerous historic shipwrecks, including R.M.S. Titanic, Bismarck, and PT-109, he is a world-renowned scientist, explorer, and author.

Past Presidents’ Celebration Speaker, Don McMillan

Stand-up comedian with a lighthearted look at technology

Don McMillan helped designed the world's first 32-bit Microprocessor and worked as a computer chip designer. After winning the Stand-up Comedy Grand Champion on "Star Search," Don turned to comedy. He's had numerous television appearances including "The Tonight Show," "The Larry King Show," HBO, and Comedy Central. He appeared in many movies, television programs, and commercials. He is the only stand-up comedian working who uses PowerPoint to present a lighthearted look at the corporate world, computers, technology, and the high-tech lifestyle in a one-of-a-kind, multimedia comedy show.