Sully Sullenberger

Sully Sullenberger is an acclaimed retired airline pilot, diplomat, and aviation safety expert, widely recognized for his leadership during critical incidents and his advocacy for aviation safety. After successfully performing an emergency water landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River on January 15, 2009, saving all 155 lives aboard, Sully Sullenberger became globally recognized for his leadership in crisis management and dedication to aviation safety. His distinguished career began with his graduation from the United States Air Force Academy in 1973, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and basic sciences and was recognized as the ‘top flyer’ of his class. From 1973 to 1980, Sullenberger served as a Captain in the United States Air Force, flying F-4 Phantom II jets across Europe, the Pacific, and at Nellis Air Force Base.

In 2007, he co-founded Safety Reliability Methods, Inc. (SRM), an organization focused on enhancing organizational safety and performance, and developed and taught Crew Resource Management courses for airline crew members. The successful Hudson River landing brought immediate and widespread recognition. Sullenberger was awarded the Masters Medal by the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators on January 22, 2009, and received Danville’s ‘Key to the Town,’ along with being named an honorary police officer, on January 24, 2009.

He officially served as the U.S. Representative to the ICAO from February 3 to July 1, 2022, continuing his legacy of leadership and advocacy on a global diplomatic stage.