Ferrum Conference Features High-End Speakers

Ferrum College will be host for Forum on Critical Thought, Leadership & Innovation at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center April 7, its first serious regional foray into this kind of high-end discussion of issues.

The event will begin with registration and a buffet breakfast at 7:30 a.m., followed by individual speeches from the keynoters, and an opportunity for questions at the conclusion of each speech. A panel discussion with the speakers and business leaders from the Ferrum College Executive in Residence program will follow.

The Forum will feature three nationally known keynote speakers, Lawrence Eagleburger (bottom), former United States Secretary of State; Jeffrey Lacker (top left), president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, and Ronald Smith, a founding partner in Verdant Power Inc. Verdant is a renewable energy company commercializing kinetic hydropower systems that deliver hydro electricity without dams or impoundments.

Ferrum President Jennifer Braaten says, “Colleges and universities are tasked with providing the information, research and critical thought that will help the next generation tackle the world’s important issues.” She says the speakers will draw upon their unique experiences to outline their vision for the future in the areas of technology, geographic and cultural change, public policy, and environmental and economic trends.

Kimberly Blair, Ferrum’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement, says, “We at Ferrum wanted to provide an opportunity for area business leaders and business students to hear what some of the nation’s best minds believe will be the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. We are confident that this inaugural event will accomplish that goal.”

The Forum will conclude with a VIP luncheon beginning at 11:15 a.m. For details about how you can register for the Forum on Critical Thought, Leadership & Innovation call 540-365-4211.