The 66th annual Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference will feature American hero Mark Kelly, a highly decorated astronaut and retired U.S. Navy captain, as its dinner speaker on Tuesday, June 4, 2019.
The conference will be held June 2-5, 2019, at the Williamsburg Lodge and Conference Center in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Capt. Kelly is a test pilot and a naval aviator who exemplifies effective leadership, the importance of teamwork, and courage under pressure. With 6,000 flight hours in more than 50 different aircraft, 375 aircraft carrier landings and 39 combat missions during the Gulf War, he is one of the nation’s most experienced pilots.
He began his career with NASA in 1996. Spending more than 50 days in space, 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.
The winner of the legion of merit, two defense superior service medals, two distinguished flying crosses and the NASA exceptional service medal, Capt. Kelly was already a celebrated American when he became the center of international attention after the January 2011 assassination attempt on his wife, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. He is also a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author, an aerospace executive and consultant, and a founder of World View Enterprises, a company pioneering a new frontier at the edge of space.
From leading teams in some of the most dynamic environments imaginable, to the thrill of spaceflight, to the personal tragedy that exposed how love and devotion to family is paramount to defining and achieving success, Capt. Kelly will offer insights to EUFMC attendees that are drawn from his various experiences that are truly out of this world.
Also, EUFMC announced Shane Smith and the Saints will return in 2019 to play a special concert hosted by leadership sponsor Freightliner Trucks following the buffet dinner on Wednesday, June 5.
The theme of the conference’s educational program is “Advancing Strategies for Fleet Improvement,” presented by fleet executives, manufacturer representatives, and industry experts.
Other EUFMC highlights include:
A new attendance record was set at the 65th annual EUFMC in 2018 when 142 utility fleet representatives from 79 investor-owned electric utilities, electric cooperatives, and electrical contractors, including 40 first-time attendees and seven new utilities, attended the conference. Also in attendance were more than 330 representatives from over 100 manufacturers and service providers.
Registration for EUFMC will open in January 2019.
For more information, visit www.eufmc.com.