18th Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, 2003-2007; U.S. Senator from Tennessee, 1995-2007; Heart-Lung Transplant Surgeon; Leading Voice on the Healthcare Debate; Board Member, Clinton Bush Haiti Fund; Co-chair, Partnership for a Healthier America; Founder, Tennessee State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE)

Uniquely qualified to discuss the challenges and solutions in healthcare policy, Senator Frist is consistently recognized among the most influential leaders in American healthcare. Both a nationally recognized heart and lung transplant surgeon and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader, Bill Frist has been at the forefront of many debates and government initiatives that have shaped a myriad of policies over the years. He brings and experienced voice to the current political, and health related issues of the day, with a keen focus on domestic health reform and global health policy.

ARTICLE SPOTLIGHT: "America's Greatness and 'Real' Healthcare Reform"

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT: "Former Senator Bill Frist on East Africa famine" featured on BBC News

Secretary-General of the United Nations,
1997-2006; Nobel Peace Prize Recipient, 2001; Board of Directors, United Nations Foundation; Chairman of the Board of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa; Li Ka Shing Professor, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy

As the world’s most prominent diplomat, Kofi Annan has been a powerful voice on issues of human rights, international cooperation, and in the fight against HIV/AIDS. A skilled leader during a difficult era, Secretary-General Annan provides powerful insights into the challenges facing the international community, and the role of the United Nations in achieving global peace and security.

Special Advisor on Healthcare Policy, President Obama’s White House Office of Management and Budget Nat'l Economic Council (2009-2011) ; Esteemed Member of Former President Clinton's Healthcare Task Force; Founding Chair of the Department of Bioethics at the National Institutes of Health (concluded tenure, August 2011); Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress (Focused on implementation of the Affordable Care Act and lowering healthcare costs)

As a respected oncologist and one of President Obama’s closest health policy advisors, Ezekiel Emanuel is central to improving the dialogue on US healthcare.  He is shaping healthcare policy through his White House influence and as a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress.  He offers a sweeping picture of healthcare’s most recent and contested issues, including the current cost and quality of healthcare, alternative reform proposals, and a comprehensive look at the Affordable Care Act.

Ezekiel Emanuel's robust experience in the health sector makes him a leading voice on the healthcare debate. He offers a sweeping picture of U.S. healthcare, including the current cost and quality of healthcare, alternative reform proposals, and a closer look at the Affordable Care Act.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Emanuel talks family and healthcare with Charlie Rose. Watch videos...

U.S. Representative for Rhode Island, 1995-2011; Dedicated Advocate for Healthcare Reform and Neuroscience Research; Board of Trustees, East Providence Psychiatric Hospital for Children

Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy served 16 years in the United States House of Representatives, representing Rhode Island’s first congressional district. He distinguished himself as a leader in Congress on issues of health care, science, veterans, technology, civil rights, and mental health. A founding member of the 21st Century Health Care Caucus, the Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Caucus, and the Down Syndrome Caucus, Congressman Kennedy has been a tireless advocate for access to healthcare and advancements in medical research.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT: Congressman Kennedy, nephew of John F. Kennedy and son of Edward Kennedy talks to CNN's John King about his family's legacy.

ARTICLE SPOTLIGHT: Read The Boston Globe Article, "Patrick Kennedy's New Cause: The Brain"

Former Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush; Author, Courage and Consequence ; Fox News Contributor; Wall Street Journal Columnist; Iconic Political Strategist

With over two decades of experience in the political arena, Karl Rove is an iconic political strategist, whose provocative and robust knowledge of the major political issues of the day have made him one of the most sought-after political pundits of our time.

Sponsors hosting Karl Rove's lectures have reported that he is "provocative, lively and thoughtful" (Nomura) with crowds being "very responsive, often erupting in applause" (Wabash College). Karl Rove has been described by respected author and columnist Michael Barone in US News & World Report as “unique...no Presidential appointee has ever had such a strong influence on politics and policy, and none is likely to do so again anytime soon.” A key member of the President’s inner circle, he has been called a master strategist whose “game has always been long term,” says columnist David Broder, “and he plays it with an intensity and attention to detail that few can match.” He was ranked #1 on both the Telegraph.co.uk’s List of the “50 Most Influential Political Pundits in America” and New York Magazine's “Most Popular Political Pundit Index.” As a Fox News contributor, Karl provides a “genuine feel of inside knowledge,” says David Zurawik, a television critic for The Baltimore Sun.

CNBC Contributor; Founder, Democracy for America; Chairman, Democratic National Committee, 2005-2009; Architect of the “50-State Strategy”; 2004 Candidate for the Democratic Nomination for President; Governor of Vermont, 1991-2003

Howard Dean is a revolutionary political strategist, whose game-changing implementation of a new era of politics - based on grassroots support and cutting edge internet technology -fundamentally altered the way campaigns are run in America. His tenure as the Governor of Vermont and Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, provided him with both an insider's view and a reformer's commitment for visionary change, that has made him a sought-after voice on some of the most debated political issues of our day.

His 12 years as Governor and his Chairmanship of the National Governor's Association have given him a vast knowledge of domestic issues. His skillful stewardship of the party as Democratic National Committee chair began in 2005 and continued through the inauguration of President Barack Obama. As Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Governor Dean made the Democratic Party competitive in every race, in every district, in every state and territory, while integrating national and state party operations and standing up for Democrats' core values. 

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT! CLICK HERE to watch an engaging point counterpoint between Howard Dean and Fred Thompson, which took place one day after the 2010 Midterm Elections.

Former U.S. Assistant Surgeon General and Senior Global Health Advisor; Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Georgetown and Tufts University Schools of Medicine

Dr. Blumenthal is an internationally recognized medical expert and leader who has been a major force in bringing important public health issues including global health, women’s health, obesity, and mental illness to increased attention, helping to place them at the top of our nation’s health care agenda.

Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc; Chairman, amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS

In 25 years, Kenneth Cole has built a 150 store-strong retail empire, uniting his fashion instincts and business acumen with his philanthropic convictions. Mr. Cole’s influence reaches far beyond the world of fashion – he has been a dynamic advocate for many causes ranging from initiatives for the homeless to his work as Chairman of the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR).

7-Time Winner of the Tour de France; Founder of the LIVESTRONG Foundation; Bestselling Author

Lance Armstrong won the prestigious Tour de France an unprecedented seven times after overcoming a protracted fight with cancer. He has further inspired countless others through his story and his cancer support foundation, LIVESTRONG. Through his charitable organizations and programs, Armstrong has helped raise over $325 million for cancer survivors. The effectiveness of the Lance Armstrong Foundation has made Armstrong an international hero.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT!  Recently, Lance Armstrong shared an inspired message with 3,000 attendees at the Avera Cancer Institute Grand Opening Gala. Lance tweeted twice about the event to his 2.6 million followers and announced a bike tour that would take place before his presentation. Local press buzzed that "It's the talk of the town, on social media sites like twitter and facebook, on bike trails, and in the shops." Another article interviewed individuals in attendance for Lance's speech. Tamme Berdahl said it was surreal to hear him speak Friday and, "...to hear it, feel the emotion in his voice, it's amazing to me." Carol Rosenthal said, "He's inspired so many."

View Video: A Conversation with Lance Armstrong at the Aspen Institute. On March 12, 2010, Lance Armstrong launched the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Campaign in South Africa with a visit to fellow cancer survivors at Cape Town’s Groote Schuur Hospital. Read more…

First African American Woman in Space; Founder and President of Two Medical Technology Companies

Dr. Mae C. Jemison broke more than the sound barrier in 1992 when she climbed aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour and became the first woman of color to travel into space - she made history! Now, Founder and President of two technology companies, the space flight was just one of a series of accomplishments for this dynamic woman.

14th Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service; 13th New York State Health Commissioner; UNICEF Special Representative for Health and Nutrition, 1993-1996

Dr. Antonia C. Novello’s appointment as the 14th Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Services was historic as she was the first woman and first Hispanic to hold this highly esteemed position. Dr. Novello has been an inspiration in all of her government positions - always pushing the envelope on educating the public. Sample Dr. Novello delivers inspiring and informative keynotes on issues relating to healthcare and health disparities, women’s issues and leadership, and issues pertaining to the Hispanic community.

Editor-in-Chief, Health Affairs; Analyst on Health, The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer

A noted journalist, Susan Dentzer brings expert analysis to the state of healthcare today, as well as her extensive experience reporting on every public and private healthcare trend in recent memory to present to audiences a complete and concise picture of where we’ve been, where we are headed and the potential economic and policy implications of the current proposals being considered.

The Shaman’s Apprentice ; Time Magazine “Hero for the Planet”; The Skoll Foundation's 2008 "Social Entrepreneur of the Year"

World-renowned explorer and spell binding story-teller, Mark Plotkin is a Time magazine “Hero for the Planet,” and star of the Academy Award nominated IMAX documentary, Amazon. Respected and revered for his work in the Amazon Rainforests, Plotkin’s fascinating adventures inspire audiences to dream big, take risks, overcome adversity, and look beyond the obvious or expected, pushing the limits of commonly accepted concepts. Over the course of his 20 year journey deep in the jungles, Plotkin has endured some of the most bizarre encounters with nature. Whether sleeping in a tiny thatched hut, suffering from vampire-bat bites, eating delicacies like boiled rat, or nearly being electrocuted by a giant eel, Plotkin continues to race against time in saving the rainforest, the ancient knowledge of its shamans and its enchanted and endangered existence.

Professor, Harvard Business School; Bestselling Business Author

Clayton M. Christensen is the Kim B. Clark Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School, and is regarded as one of the world’s foremost experts on innovation and growth. He is widely sought after as a speaker, advisor and board member. His research has been applied to national economies, start-up and Fortune 50 companies, as well as to early- and late-stage investing.