2011 I/ITSEC Keynotes 

The I/ITSEC 2011 Opening Ceremonies will begin at 0830 on Tuesday 29 November in the Auditorium of the West Concourse (Room W320). The Keynote presentations will follow the ceremonial opening and welcoming remarks from the 2011 Leadership.  

Service Keynote Lieutenant General Keith C. Walker, USA Director, Army Capabilities Integration Center (ARCIC) Deputy Commanding General Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC)

LTG  Walker assumed duties as Deputy Commanding General (DCG) – Futures, Training and Doctrine Command, and Director Army Capabilities Integration Center (ARCIC) on 15  August  2011.  He graduated from the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, New York, in 1976 with a BS and holds a MBA from Harvard University, 1984.  His military education includes the Armor Officer Basic Course, Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Army Command and General Staff College, and Army War College.  Commissioned an Armor Officer in 1976, he served in a variety of troop leading and staff positions in the United States, Europe, and Iraq, including 1st Sqdrn, 3rd ACR; 3rd Bn, 69th Armor, 24th Inf Div (Mech); 1st Bde, 1st AD; 1st Bn, 69th Armor and 2nd Bde, 3rd Inf Div (Mech).  He was an instructor at USMA and subsequently served in the 3rd Inf Div (Mech), later re-designated 1st Inf Div (Mech).    LTG Walker was assigned to SHAPE, Belgium, as a Special Assistant to the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe in April, 1999 and in June 2001 served as Executive Officer to the Commanding General (CG), U. S. Army Europe, Heidelberg, Germany.  He served on the Army Staff as Chief, Strategic Plans, Concepts, and Doctrine in 2002.  He was assigned as Chief of Staff of the 1st Cav Div in August 2003, and served as the CoS of 1st Cav Div and TF Baghdad from March 2004 through March 2005.  In May of 2005, LTG Walker returned to the Pentagon to the Joint Staff J5 as Chief, Iraq Division; and in June 2006, he transferred to the ARSTAF as Dep Dir for Strategy, Plans and Policy, G-3/5. In July 2007, he reported to Fort Riley, Kansas, as DCG (Ops), 1st Inf Div. LTG Walker served as CG, Iraq Assistance Group, June 2008 to July  2009. Prior to his arrival to the ARCIC, LTG Walker served as the Commander, Brigade Modernization Command, Fort Bliss, Texas, from August 2009 to July 2011.   Lieutenant General Walker is married to the former Valerie Warner.  They have two sons and two daughters, Laura, Brian, Duncan and Audrey.

Industry Keynote Ms. LeAnn Ridgeway Vice President and General Manager Rockwell Collins Simulation and Training Solutions

LeAnn Ridgeway is vice president and general manager of Simulation and Training Solutions for Rockwell Collins. Ms. Ridgeway is responsible for the company’s simulation and training business that includes technical publication, re-hosted avionics, computer and desktop training, training devices and visual systems.

Previously, Ms. Ridgeway served as vice president and managing director, Americas for Rockwell Collins, where she was responsible for leading business development for the company’s service operations in North and South America.  In addition, she was responsible for operations, facilities and business development of commercial and government products in the Americas, with the exception of the United States.

Ms. Ridgeway also served as senior director, Engineering Services for Rockwell Collins, leading a global network of 400 Rockwell Collins field service engineers providing complete life cycle service and support for installations, operations, maintenance, upgrades, and repairs.  This included running the Network Operations Center (NOC), providing 24/7 technical support, network monitoring, data capture, trend analysis and help desk services.  Additionally, she lead the company’s Integrated Logistics Support Organization which provides total cost of ownership (TCO) engineering, obsolescence management, depot operations, provisioning, logistics and information assurance management.  She joined Rockwell Collins in 1988 and has held various positions of increasing responsibility.

A native of Anamosa, Iowa, Ms. Ridgeway earned her bachelor's degree in Business and Economics from Mt. Mercy College. She earned her master of business administration degree from St. Ambrose University.

Ms. Ridgeway is currently a member of the Board of Directors for Starlighter’s Theater, and the Eastern Iowa Red Cross.  She has previously served on the Anamosa Foundation and School Board, Anamosa Legislative Action Committee, Jones County Empowerment Board, Jones County Executive Board, and the Wapsipinicon Country Club.