Keynote Speaker -Captain

Mark Kelly

Commander of Space Shuttle Endeavour’s Final Mission Mark Kelly is an American astronaut, retired US Navy Captain, best selling-author,  prostate cancer survivor, and an experienced naval aviator who flew combat  missions during the Gulf War. The winner of many awards, including the Legion of  Merit, two Defense Superior Service Medals and two Distinguished Flying  Crosses, Kelly was selected as an astronaut in 1996. He flew his first of four  missions in 2001 aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour, the same space shuttle that  he commanded on its final flight in May 2011. He has also commanded Space  Shuttle Discovery and is one of only two individuals who have visited the  International Space Station on four different occasions.  Already a celebrated American, Kelly became the center of international attention  after the January 2011 assassination attempt on his wife, former US  Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. In their best-selling memoir, Gabby, the  couple shares their story of hope and resilience with the world. The inspirational  memoir has topped multiple best-seller lists, including the New York Times, the  Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon. Kelly and Giffords have captivated  the nation with their story, appearing in an exclusive Diane Sawyer interview, and  on Nightline and The Daily Show, among others, and have appeared on the  covers of People and USA Today. Named one of the Esquire’s 2011 "Americans of  the Year,” Kelly was also featured on the cover of and profiled in the magazine.  Kelly has also written two children's books about the space explorations of a little  mouse chosen for space missions, Mousetronaut: A Partially True Story, and  Mousetronaut Goes to Mars. In 2013, on the second anniversary of the Tucson  shooting, Kelly and Giffords launched a political action committee aimed at curbing  gun violence.  Kelly’s identical twin brother, Scott, is also an astronaut who served as  commander of both the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. They  share the distinction of being the only siblings who have traveled in space.  With 6,000 flight hours in more than 50 different aircraft, 375 aircraft carrier  landings, 39 combat missions and more than 50 days in space, Astronaut Mark  Kelly is one of our country’s most experienced pilots.    A sought-after keynote speaker, Mark Kelly is an American hero who inspires  others to be their best while remaining true to their core values. He exemplifies  leadership, the importance of teamwork, and courage under pressure.