Renowned fighter pilot Michelle “Mace” Curran, the sole female pilot for the Air Force Thunderbirds, is set to deliver the keynote address on October 17 at the 2024 Annual Conference of the National Vehicle Leasing Association (NVLA). Taking place from October 16-18 at the Wyndham Grand in Clearwater Beach, Florida, the conference is eagerly anticipating Mace’s captivating presentation.
Over her 13-year tenure in the United States Air Force, Michelle, also known as “Mace,” distinguished herself as a combat-tested pilot with missions spanning Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, including a combat tour in Afghanistan. Serving as the lone female pilot for the Air Force Thunderbirds from 2019-21, she showcased her aerial skills to audiences nationwide and internationally, earning accolades for her passion to push boundaries, inspire others, and effect transformative change.
NVLA President Tarry Shebesta expressed enthusiasm about having Michelle as the keynote speaker, stating, “We are excited to bring Michelle and her inspiring story to NVLA. We know our conference attendees will benefit from hearing how she struggled to overcome her fears and not just succeed, but excel in one of the most challenging fields imaginable. We are honored to have her at our conference.”
Sponsored by 1st Source Bank, Michelle’s keynote, titled “Flying Through Fear: How Vulnerability Fuels Success,” promises to take NVLA attendees on a remarkable journey through her fighter pilot career, culminating in her role as the Lead Solo Pilot for the Air Force Thunderbirds. The keynote will delve into her personal experiences, focusing on how she conquered her internal self-doubt, evolving from a paralyzing fear of failure to confidently executing maneuvers at high speeds. Michelle’s narrative aims to inspire audiences to embrace discomfort, let go of fear, lean into vulnerability, and make bold choices based on her decade-long experience in high-performance aviation.
Kirk Browning, Vehicle Fleet Division President of the Specialty Finance Group at 1st Source Bank, expressed excitement about the partnership with NVLA for this special keynote. Chris Craft, President & COO of the Specialty Finance Group, added, “Be prepared to be inspired by Mace’s incredible journey. It is loaded with relatable business and personal growth insights.
Michelle was also named the Distinguished Alumna of the Year by the University of St. Thomas in 2021. She has been featured on CBS Evening News and The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Founded in 1968, NVLA is a 501(c)6 that provides educational opportunities, promotes responsible legislation, and communicates with members regarding developments and trends in vehicle leasing. NVLA promotes the leasing concept while encouraging the highest ethical and professional standards. For more information and to register for the NVLA Conference, visit www.nvla.org or www.nvla.org/2024conference.