For Immediate Release
INDIANAPOLIS – Marion Blakey, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Rolls-Royce North America Inc. and former administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, will be a keynote speaker at Project Lead The Way’s PLTW Summit 2016, the organization announced today. Blakey will speak about the integration of technology and computer science across industries and provide a unique perspective as a female executive in a traditionally male-dominated field.
“PLTW Summit 2016 is a special place for educators, business leaders and student advocates to learn how to prepare students with the tools they need to succeed in an evolving job market and world,” said Dr. Vince Bertram, PLTW president and CEO. “As one of the leading women in her field, Marion brings a rare perspective on the importance of STEM education for all students, and especially for young women. We’re excited to partner with Ms. Blakey to provide all our PLTW Summit 2016 attendees with a new and helpful understanding of the critical nature of bold, creative leadership in both education and business.”
Blakey joins other previously announced keynote speakers including Daymond John, entrepreneur, founder of clothing line FUBU and one of the “sharks” on ABC’s hit show “Shark Tank;” John Urschel, offensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens and published mathematician; and Jason Silva, futurist and host of National Geographic’s “Brain Games.”
Originally from Gadsden, Ala., Blakey received her bachelor’s degree with honors in international studies from Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia. She also attended Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies for graduate work in Middle East Affairs.
Blakey has served in various senior executive roles, including president and chief executive officer of the Aerospace Industries Association and administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, where she served a five-year term operating the world’s largest air traffic control system and managing 44,000 employees and a $14 billion budget. She also served as chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board prior to joining Rolls-Royce North America.
Blakey joined Rolls-Royce North America Inc. in 2015 as president and chief executive officer. In this role, Blakey also serves as chairman of the Rolls-Royce North America Holdings Inc. Board. She is also a member of Phi Beta Kappa, a fellow in the Royal Aeronautical Society and the recipient of numerous honorary degrees and awards, including the National Aeronautic Association’s Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy in 2013.
PLTW Summit 2016 is the premier gathering of passionate and committed individuals who work together every day to empower students to develop the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in an evolving world. From March 20-23, 2016, more than 1,500 attendees — from students to those in the education, government and business sectors — will convene to share strategies for making classroom learning relevant, engaging and hands-on.
To learn more about PLTW Summit 2016 or register, visit www.pltw.org/Summit.
About PLTW Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for K-12 students and teachers across the U.S. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW’s teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning. More than 8,000 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer PLTW programs. For more information on Project Lead The Way, visit pltw.org.
###
Media Contact:
Jennifer Cahill
PLTW Senior Director of Media and Public Relations
(317) 669-0871
jcahill@pltw.org