Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson to deliver a keynote address at WID conference

9/15/2017

Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson

ARLINGTON, VA – Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson will add her voice as a keynote speaker at the annual Women In Defense National Conference, taking place Wednesday, Sept. 27, at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington.

Wilson is the 24th Air Force secretary, and oversees about 660,000 Air Force personnel with a $132 billion annual budget and amid some of the tensest global politics in recent history. Her 35-year career includes several national security highlights. Wilson was a director for defense policy and arms control on the National Security Council under President George H.W. Bush during the end of the Berlin Wall and the Warsaw Pact. She was a congresswoman, representing New Mexico’s 1st District and serving on the House Armed Services and House Intelligence committees. She was an Air Force officer and graduated from the service academy in 1982.

At the WID event, Wilson joins the keynote ranks with Air Force Gen. Lori Robinson, who will discuss her own career path in national security. As commander of U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, Robinson is among the highest ranking woman in the U.S. military.

The appearances of these powerful officials are among the daylong event of speakers, forums, and panel discussions. Among important topics to women in defense careers are acquisition, procurement, technology, innovation, STEM studies, academia, women-owned small businesses, leadership, team building, communications, and more. A Career Expo, new to the conference this year, will feature representatives who offer guidance and information for women looking to make their mark in the field.

The Service to the Flag awardees also have been announced: retired Air Force Gen. Judith Fedder, and Jo Decker, vice president of business development, sales, and operations for the Global Solutions Division of General Dynamics IT. The women will be recognized during an awards luncheon at the conference.

Service to the Flag honors one leader from the private sector and one from government who have served in national defense, supported military service members, or forged partnerships between industry and the military.

More information about the event can be found at www.womenindefense.net

For press registration, contact Elizabeth Richards erichards@ndia.org

For press inquiries, contact Evamarie Socha esocha@ndia.org. Press should register through Elizabeth Richards.

About NDIA

The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) is America's leading defense industry association promoting national security. NDIA provides a legal and ethical forum for the exchange of information between industry and government on national security issues. NDIA and its members foster the development of the most innovative and superior equipment, training, and support for warfighters and first responders through its divisions, local chapters, affiliated associations, and events. For more information, visit NDIA.org

About WID

Women In Defense (WID), a National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Affiliate, engages, cultivates and advances women in all aspects of national security. Incorporated in 1985, Women In Defense provides members a business environment for professional growth through strategic networking, education, and career development. This national alliance is comprised of women and men from industry and defense organizations of every size; all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces; Government agencies, academia, think tanks, associations, and professional services.