NACDS Annual adds two prominent speakers to lineup

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — NACDS added two prominent speakers to the lineup at the NACDS Annual Meeting, set to take place April 22 to 25 at The Phoenician in Scottsdale. Retired Four-Star Marine Gen. John Allen, who has served in pivotal leadership roles related to the Middle East and Asia, will speak at the Business Program on Sunday, April 23. Richard W. Fisher, who served as president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2005 to 2015, will speak at the Business Program on Tuesday, April 25.



“Gen. Allen and Richard Fisher helped to write the history that now serves as prologue for current events and for the future of the nation and of the world,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE. “Their remarks will give NACDS Annual Meeting attendees an unsurpassed geopolitical radar for the international and domestic dynamics that are developing right now. When you think about the nation’s relationships with the Middle East, Asia and other parts of the world, these are the people we need to hear from.”



Gen. Allen was appointed by former President Obama as the first-ever special envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL. He also has served as deputy director of U.S. Central Command, and as the principal director of Asian and Pacific affairs for the Office of the Secretary Defense. On the ground, his leadership has shaped war efforts and outcomes, such as through successful efforts to persuade Sunni tribal leaders in Iraq to stand against al-Qaeda militants.



Fisher served as a member of the Federal Open Market Committee, as chairman of the Conference of Federal Reserve Bank Presidents, and as chairman of the IT Oversight Committee. Previously, he served as Deputy U.S. Trade Representative with the rank of Ambassador, responsible for U.S. trade policy and negotiations in Asia, Latin America, Mexico and Canada. He also served as vice chairman of the strategic advisory firm Kissinger McLarty Associates, in partnership with former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.



Previously, NACDS announced that top political strategist Karl Rove will speak at the NACDS Political Action Committee Breakfast during the NACDS Annual Meeting.