Intergraph Corporation, a leading global provider of spatial information management (SIM) software, announced today that General Colin Powell, USA (Ret.), will serve as the featured keynote speaker for Intergraph 2006, the Company's flagship international users conference to be held June 12-15, 2006 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort.
General Powell became the 65th Secretary of State of the United States of America in 2001 under President George W. Bush and retired from that post last year. Before becoming Secretary of State, Powell served as a key aide to the Secretary of Defense and as National Security Advisor to President Reagan. He also served 35 years in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Four-Star General and serving as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989 1993). During this time he oversaw 28 crises, including the Panama intervention of 1989 and Operation Desert Storm in the 1991 Persian Gulf War.
R. Halsey Wise, President and CEO of Intergraph Corporation, said, "Globally recognized for his distinguished military career and diplomatic service as Secretary of State of the United States of America, General Colin Powell brings unique insights into today's global economic, political and social challenges. General Powell is incredibly knowledgeable and offers keen insight on many of the important macro trends that impact Intergraph's markets and customers around the world. General Powell's government, military, political and diplomatic experience makes his perspective on global security issues, spatial and location-aware technologies and global energy markets very valuable in the rapidly advancing geopolitical world."
Born in New York City, General Powell earned a bachelor's degree in geology from the City College of New York (CCNY) where he participated in ROTC. Upon graduation he received a commission as an Army second lieutenant. He later earned a Master of Business Administration degree from George Washington University. General Powell is also the recipient of numerous U.S. military and civilian awards and decorations, as well as international honors, including the Purple Heart, two Presidential Medals of Freedom and an honorary knighthood bestowed by H. M. Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain.
For more information on Intergraph 2006, or to register for the event please visit www.intergraph2006.com.