Plenary Speakers

Robert Ballard is Founder and President of the Institute for Exploration (IFE) at Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, CT. Specializing in deep-sea archaeology, IFE's goal is to establish this new field of research using evolving technology such as advanced mapping and imaging systems, underwater robotics, and remotely operated vehicles. Another IFE objective is to share Dr. Ballard's most recent discoveries with millions of visitors at the new "Challenge of the Deep" exhibit, which was completed as part of a $52 million expansion at Mystic Aquarium. After 30 years, Dr. Ballard retired from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, where he was a Senior Scientist and Director of the Center for Marine Exploration. Dr. Ballard is presently an Explorer-in-Residence for the National Geographic Society and a commissioner on the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. He is also the founder of the JASON Project, which was established in 1989 after Dr. Ballard received thousands of letters from schoolchildren who wanted to know how he discovered the RMS Titanic.

David Eisner is Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which administers the Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs. He was appointed by President George W. Bush and began serving in December 2003. Mr. Eisner is a nationally recognized leader on nonprofit capacity building, infrastructure, and organizational effectiveness. From 1997 until 2003, he was Vice President at AOL Time Warner, where he directed the company's charitable foundation. Previously, he was Senior Vice President of Fleishman-Hilliard International Communications and Public Relations Manager at the Legal Services Corporation. He started his career on Capitol Hill, serving as press secretary for three Members of Congress. In addition to his professional activities, Eisner has served on the boards of several national nonprofit organizations, including Independent Sector, the National 4-H Council, and Network for Good. A graduate of Stanford University, he received his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.

Edward J. Latessa, Ph.D., is chairman and professor, Division of Criminal Justice, University of Cincinnati. He has published more than 75 works in criminal justice, corrections, and juvenile justice. He has coauthored seven books including Corrections in the Community, now in its third edition, and the 10th edition of Corrections in America. Dr. Latessa has directed more than 60 funded research projects including studies of day reporting centers, juvenile justice programs, drug courts, intensive supervision programs, halfway houses, and drug programs. In addition, he and his staff have assessed more than 350 correctional programs throughout the United States.

Bill Ripken is currently Co-owner and Executive Vice President of Ripken Baseball, which is based in Baltimore, MD. Ripken Baseball is the parent company to five distinct subsidiaries: the Aberdeen IronBirds, Ripken Youth Camps and Clinics, Ripken Management & Design, Ironclad Authentics, and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, a not-for-profit charity that Bill, his brother Cal, and the Ripken family founded to honor the life and legacy of their father. Mr. Ripken serves as Vice Chair of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation and can be found running youth camps and coaches clinics. Through his work with these programs, and the expert tutelage and inspiration of his father, Mr. Ripken has been recognized as one of America&'s premiere baseball instructors. He began his career with the Baltimore Orioles in 1987 under the direction of his father and alongside his brother. This was the first time and remains the only time in Major League Baseball history that a father simultaneously managed two of his sons. After 5½ seasons with the Orioles, Mr. Ripken, who would later return to Baltimore for a year, played for Texas, Cleveland, and Detroit. In 1988, he was second among American League second basemen in double plays turned, and in 1992, his fielding percentage was 0.9927, the best of any major league second baseman that season. In spring 2002, Mr. Ripken was honored for his achievements in Major League Baseball with an induction into the Maryland Sports Hall of Fame.