Speakers on Energy

General Michael Hayden
Former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Former Director of the National Security Agency

General Michael Hayden served as director of the CIA and deputy director of National Intelligence at a time when the course of world events was changing at a rapidly accelerating rate. Appointed by President George W. Bush, Hayden understands the dangers, risks, and potential rewards of the political, economic, and security situations facing the planet.

General James Jones
Former Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Former National Security Advisor, and President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energ

Called "one of Washington's hottest political commodities" by The Wall Street Journal, General James Jones uses his keen understanding of world events to advance international cooperation on energy issues and to promote better understanding of climate change and its effects on the environment. Sought after by politicians of every stripe, Jones helps organizations define leadership and develop strategies to conquer the most trying of business environments.

General James Conway
Retired Four-Star General and 34th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps; Expert on Military’s Resources and Energy in the Field

James Conway is a dynamic, powerful speaker who impresses audiences with leadership lessons learned from the field as the 34th commandant of the Marine Corps. His vast experience makes him an authority on military operations, its role in politics, leadership, the war in Iraq, and international affairs, and his commanding presence and personal anecdotes make him an entertaining and enlightening speaker.

Steven Hadley
Former National Security Advisor

Former National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley was at the center of national strategic planning during a time when the nation found itself facing a new set of 21st century challenges. As a trusted advisor and a key figure in driving the president's initiatives, he has the insider's experience and knowledge to explain the ins and outs of the current geopolitical situation.

Ambassador Nicholas Burns
Former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Former U.S. Ambassador to NATO, and Former U.S. Ambassador to Greece; Shepherding negotiations of the first civil nuclear energy agreement with India

Ambassador R. Nicholas Burns is one of America's top foreign policy experts and practitioners. Over the course of his 27-year career in the state department, he played a key leadership role in U.S. foreign policy toward the Middle East, Europe, and South Asia, He was the nation's top career diplomat as under secretary from 2005-08, and he is viewed as one of the country's most articulate spokespeople on globalization and U.S. foreign policy.

Senator Bob Bennett
Former U.S. Senator (R-UT); Ranking Member of the Energy and Water Subcommittee of Appropriations

Senator Bob Bennett is a politician who has earned the respect of his colleagues and the reputation of being an impassioned lawmaker. Known for his confident and professional speaking style, Bennett draws from his successful political and coporate career to deliver insight into politics, health care, energy, the economy, and entrepreneurship.

Senator Byron Dorgan
Former U.S. Senator (D-ND); Chairman of Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee

A 30-year veteran of the U.S. Congress, Senator Byron Dorgan has devoted his career to fighting for the interests of rural America.  A champion of energy and new technologies to spark innovation, creativity, and new business opportunities, he believes in investing in visionary projects that inspire American invention and initiative.

Nora Brownell
Former Commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

A champion of policies that promote investment in developing the nation's energy infrastructure, Nora Brownwell consults with industry and government officials around the world on the restructuring of energy markets and the creation of regulatory commissions.

Karen Harbet
President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy

Karen Alderman Harbert is president and chief executive officer of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy. In this role, Harbert leads the Institute's efforts to build support for meaningful energy action nationally and internationally through policy development, education, and advocacy.
 

Senator Even Bayh
Former U.S. Senator (D-IN); Senate Committee of Energy and Natural Resources

Senator Evan Bayh is a people’s politician with a reputation for breaking from the party focus and, instead, working to provide hardworking Americans with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. Bayh’s signature legislative efforts have been aimed at strengthening our national security, creating more jobs through the growth of small businesses, protecting American workers from unfair trade practices, encouraging responsible fatherhood, and providing tax-relief for struggling families.

Senator John Breaux
Former Senator from Louisiana and Cochairman of the President's Tax Reform Commission; Co-Chair of the Oil and Gas Caucus and Conferee on 2005 Energy Bill

Widely respected by both parties, Senator John Breaux shares his mainstream approach to dealing with issues such as social security and Medicare reform, energy development, and national security. An aggressive advocate for transforming America's health care system, Breaux shares progressive ideas from his own national campaign.

John Hofmeister
Founder and CEO of Citizens for Affordable Energy, Former President of Shell Oil Company

Upon retirement from Shell Oil Company, John Hofmeister founded and headed the not-for-profit, nation-wide membership association, Citizens for Affordable Energy. This Washington, D.C. registered, public policy advocacy firm promotes sound U.S. energy security solutions for the nation, including a range of affordable energy supplies, efficiency improvements, essential infrastructure, sustainable environmental policy, and public education on energy issues.

Jeremy Rifkin
Founder and President of the Foundation on Economic Trends; Energy Security Expert

The author of seventeen books on the economic and societal impact of scientific and technological changes, Jeremy Rifkin discusses the future of the workplace and outlines strategies for surviving an automated global economy.

Erik Peterson 
Director of A.T. Kearney’s Global Business Policy Council;Senior Advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS); Future Trends and Energy Expert

An expert in international business strategy and global strategic planning, Erik Peterson fascinates audiences with previews of future energy trends, technological innovation, and population growth. Using his knowledge of international finance and emerging markets, Peterson intrigues leaders with his model of global economic integration.