Keynote Speakers
The 2009 GAC will feature a variety of general sessions with keynote speakers and influential Washington policy makers. Watch for more announcements coming soon!
In an Instant
Bob Woodruff, ABC News anchor/reporter and author
Lee Woodruff, freelance writer, and contributing editor, ABC's Good Morning America
Monday, February 23
General Session starting at 9:30 a.m.
As an anchor and reporter for ABC News, Bob Woodruff is a respected, informed correspondent making popular waves in American broadcasting. In January of 2006, while reporting on U.S. and Iraqi security forces, Woodruff was seriously injured by a roadside bomb that struck his vehicle near Taji, Iraq. In an instant, his life had altered forever. Woodruff captivates audiences recounting those shattering moments when he believed his life was over, gratefully describing the bravery of the men and women who saved his life, and his subsequent stages of recovery. Bob and his wife Lee will share stories from his moving and inspirational best-selling memoir In An Instant. The Woodruffs leave their audiences with a new understanding of the precious nature of life, the strength of family, and how to survive and overcome even the most difficult of circumstances.
Unique Perspectives From Inside the Beltway
Paul Begala, CNN political analyst
Tucker Carlson, MSNBC senior correspondent
Tuesday, February 24
General Session starting at 9:00 a.m.
Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson will share their diverse political insights with a face-off that
will offer an entertaining and informative look at the new Congress and White House.
From the White House's Situation Room to CNN's news program of the same name,
Paul Begala's experience gives him an unmatched perspective on politics and the media as he comments on the
2008 political season. As a political strategist or pundit, Paul has been at the center of every election cycle of
the last 20 years.
Tucker Carlson is a senior correspondent for MSNBC. Until March 2008, he was the host of MSNBC's Tucker, a fast paced, no-holds-barred conversation about the day's developments in news, politics, world issues, and pop culture.
America's Economic Outlook and Opportunities
Steve Forbes, Chairman and CEO of Forbes Inc. and editor in chief of Forbes magazine
Wednesday, February 25
General Session starting at 8:30 a.m.
An influential pro-growth advocate and lauded economic commentator, Steve Forbes is one of the most
highly respected businessmen of our time. He will explore the most compelling issues of the day to forecast
economic trends that will impact our national growth.
In his new book, The Flat Tax Revolution, Steve Forbes argues that "Countries increasingly recognize that if they don't adopt the flat tax, they will lose jobs, capital and their own ambitious entrepreneurs to more growth friendly nations." Steve Forbes is up front and center on the economic challenges that we all face. For the first time ever, he is featured on the cover of Forbes magazine with his article in The November Special Market Report: "How Capitalism Will Save Us."
Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella
Al Roker, America’s Most Loved Weatherman, host of NBC’s Today Show, and best-selling author
Thursday, February 26
General Session starting at 9:00 a.m.
To close the GAC on a lighter note, Al Roker brings to the podium the same charisma and sense of humor that
have propelled him to number one in America’s hearts. Whether emceeing events or delivering a closing keynote, his
ability to improvise and sling out his legendary one-liners are a huge hit with audiences.
A best-selling author with acclaimed books to his credit, Al's first book,
Don't Make Me Stop This Car: Adventures in Fatherhood spent weeks atop the
New York Times best-seller list. His second book,
Al Roker's Big Bad Book of Barbecue was a summer blockbuster and
New York Times bestseller. His third book,
Al Roker's Hassle-Free Holiday Cookbook, was released in 2003.
CUNA Annual General Meeting
John Schneider, co-founder, Children's Miracle Network (CMN)
Monday, February 23
11:00 a.m.
Actor/singer John Schneider, a co-founder of Children's Miracle Network, will speak at the Credit Union National Association's Annual General Meeting on February 23. Schneider will highlight credit union support this past year of Children’s Miracle Network and its Credit Unions for Kids program.
Schneider is known for his role as Bo Duke on the television show, "The Dukes of Hazzard," and for his role as Jonathon Kent on "Smallville." He also is an accomplished country singer and guitarist. He has released 11 solo country music albums, and has performed on Broadway in "The Grand Hotel," "The Will Rogers Follies," "Brigadoon," "Chicago" and "The Music Man."
SPECIAL INVITED GUESTS
Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA)
Chairman, House Financial Services Committee
Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY)
Chairman, House Subcommittee on
Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit
Rep. Chris Dodd. (D-CT)
Chairman, Senate Banking Committee
Rep Maxine Waters (D - CA)
Senior member, House Financial Services Committee
Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-PA)
Senior member, House Financial Services Committee
Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-AL)
Ranking minority member, House Financial Services Committee
John Boehner (R-OH)
House Minority Leader