Keynote Speaker:

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General David Howell Petraeus

US Army, Retired

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General (Ret.) David H. Petraeus served over 37 years in the US Army, culminating his career with 6 consecutive commands as a general officer, five of which were in combat, including command of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), the Surge in Iraq, US Central Command, and NATO/US Forces in Afghanistan.

 

Following retirement from the military and Senate confirmation by a vote of 94-0, he served as Director of the CIA.  He is currently a Partner in the global investment firm KKR and Chairman of the KKR Global Institute, a Senior Fellow at Yale University, a personal venture capitalist, and the member of multiple boards of directors.

General Petraeus graduated with distinction from the U.S. Military Academy and later earned a Ph.D. in international relations and economics from Princeton University.  He has also held academic appointments at 6 universities.

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His honors include four Defense Distinguished Service Medals, three Army Distinguished Service Medals, the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, the Secretary of State’s Distinguished Service Award, two NATO Meritorious Service Medals, the Combat Action Badge, the Ranger Tab, master parachutist and air assault wings, and decorations from 14 foreign countries.  He has also been sanctioned by Russia and is believed to be the only person, while in uniform, to throw out the first pitch of a World Series game and to do the coin toss at a Super Bowl.

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General Petraeus is married to Hollister Knowlton Petraeus, former Assistant Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and they have two adult children and three grandchildren.