Keynote Speakers
John S. Pistole
President, Anderson University (Indiana)
Friday Opening Luncheon
John S. Pistole earned his bachelor’s degree from Anderson University in 1978. He went on to earn a juris doctorate from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law before going into practice for two years. Pistole began a career with the FBI in 1983 before he rose through the ranks and was appointed deputy director in 2004. In March 2006, the FBI honored Pistole with the 2005 Presidential Rank of Distinguished Executive. President Barack Obama appointed Pistole as head of the Transportation Security Administration in the spring of 2010 and his appointment was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on June 25. In July, 2010, Janet Napolitano, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, swore in Pistole as director of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Prior to his leadership with the TSA, Pistole served as a 26-year veteran of the FBI with extensive national security and counterterrorism experience. During this time, he was an instructor in Organized Crime matters at The FBI Academy. In 1994, Pistole became a field supervisor of a White-Collar Crime and Civil Rights Squad in Indianapolis, where he created a Health Care Fraud Task Force and a Public Corruption Task Force. He also developed curricula and provided instruction at the International Law Enforcement Academy in Budapest, Hungary.
After the attacks of September 11, 2001, Pistole was placed in charge of the FBI’s counterterrorism program, eventually becoming the FBI’s Executive Assistant Director for national security. In 2004, Pistole was named Deputy Director for the FBI. Since the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks, Pistole contributed to the formation of terrorism policies during both the Bush and Obama administrations.
In October of 2004, Pistole was recognized as one of several outstanding alumni of institutions within the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). The CCCU annually recognized alumni of member schools who have made an impact in society. He is a recipient of the 2005 Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Executive. In 2006, Anderson University honored Pistole with the Honorary Doctor of Laws degree. In March 2006, the FBI honored Pistole with the 2005 Presidential Rank of Distinguished Executive. In 2007, Pistole received the Edward H. Levi Award for Outstanding Professionalism and Exemplary Integrity.
Barry Telford
CEO, Universities West, Sodexo North America
Saturday Luncheon
As CEO of Universities West for Sodexo North America, Barry Telford oversees a portfolio of over 380 college, university and independent school partnerships, totaling more than $1.2B in revenue and providing performance-enhancing Student Solutions and Campus Solutions to thousands of clients and customers every day.
He believes that great performance is driven by strong, inclusive leadership based on community-centered values and a commitment to serve others. His career in hospitality and service has been marked by client collaboration and community involvement. Mr. Telford currently works with close to 400 colleges and universities and serves on the Board of the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, Second Harvest and the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business.
Mr. Telford received his bachelor's degree in Economics at the University of Torronto at Mississauga - Erindale College in 1981. In 1984, he completed his MBA in Finance from McMaster University.