2007 SPEAKERSMODERATORS

Gen. Colin L. Powell served as the 65th US Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005. As a professional soldier for 35 years, Sec. Powell held many command and staff positions and rose to the rank of four-star general. From 1989 to 1993, he served as the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the US Department of Defense. During this time, he oversaw many crises, including Operation Desert Storm. He served previously as National Security Advisor to President Reagan. His civilian awards include two Presidential Medals of Freedom, the President’s Citizens Medal, the Congressional Gold Medal, the Secretary of State Distinguished Service Medal, and the Secretary of Energy Distinguished Service Medal.