Summary: A native of Commerce, Georgia, Colonel Lee Ellis graduated from the University of Georgia in 1965 as a Distinguished Graduate of Air Force ROTC. He received his pilot wings in August 1966 at Moody AFB, GA and was assigned to fly the F-4C Phantom fighter-bomber. In 1967 Colonel Ellis was assigned to Danang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, where he flew 68 combat missions with 53 over North Vietnam. On November 7, 1967, he was shot down, captured and held as a prisoner of war for more than five years. 

After repatriation in March 1973, he returned to flying duties with increasing positions of leadership. His assignments included duty as a T-38 instructor pilot, flight commander and section commander at Moody AFB GA and Randolph AFB TX, (560 FTS). At Randolph AFB, he also served as chief of flight standardization and evaluation (12th FTW), ATC staff officer, and flying squadron commander of the 560th FTS. After graduating from the Air War College in 1983, he served as Vice-Commandant Squadron Officer School (SOS) and Commander AFROTC Det. 160 (PAS) at the Univ. of Georgia. He retired as a USAF Colonel on February 1, 1990, completing 25 years of service. 

Colonel Ellis is a command pilot whose decorations include the Silver Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster; the Legion of Merit with one Oak Leaf Cluster; the Bronze Star with Valor Device; the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters; the Purple Heart; the Air Medal with eight Oak Leaf Clusters; and the Prisoner of War Medal. Lee is also a 2014 inductee into the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame and the 2015 DAR Medal of Honor Recipient for a lifetime of patriotic service as a military officer and spokesman for leading with honor. 

Colonel Ellis is founder and President of Leadership Freedom® LLC, serving for more than twenty years as a nationally recognized leadership trainer, coach, author, and keynote. He has authored or co-authored seven books on leadership and career development. His latest bestselling book is entitled Captured by Love: Inspiring True Romance Stories from Vietnam POWs. Two additional, award-winning books share leadership insights gained from his POW experience. Leading with Honor®: Leadership Lessons from the Hanoi Hilton won book-of-the-year awards and was selected in 2013 for the USAF Chief of Staff Professional Reading List. His follow-on book, Engage with Honor™: Building a Culture of Courageous Accountability was selected best in class in the “Leadership” category. Colonel Ellis and his wife Mary reside in the Atlanta GA area and have four grown children and six grandchildren. 

Question 1) Why would a prospective client want you to be their keynote speaker or to support their speaking event? What are some compelling aspects of your background/career/experience that we should know about?

I share stories and lessons learned during my experience as a Vietnam fighter pilot who was shot down, captured, and spent 5.5 years as a POW.  Also, I’ve been a leadership consultant, coach, and trainer for more than 25 years. I’ve written two books with these stories and lessons and been a keynote speaker using them since 2012.

Question 2) What are your primary topics/areas of expertise? Some examples may include: Conflict resolution, International Relations, Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion, Cybersecurity, as well as specific countries or geographical regions.

• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Importance of Personal Growth for Individual/Org. Success
• Communications/Clarity to Build a Strong Healthy Culture
• Building Resilience 

Question 3) What are the 2 – 4 positions you have held in your career that you would like prospective clients to know about? Please provide a brief description of each.

• Flying squadron commander in the USAF and Senior leader/commander at two Air Force Leadership schools
• Founder and developer of a career assessment that has been used for 30 years and is now available worldwide on the internet.
• Owner of a leadership consulting, training, coaching company for more than 25 years, author of two leadership books, and a Certified Speaking Professional (National Speakers Association).

Question 4) Have you supported any speaking events recently? If so, what were the events and who were the clients?

Question 5) Do you have any articles or publications? Have you been featured in any? If so, what were they?

• Article in the USO magazine and a number of other articles.
• On my website, I have published a leadership blog every month for the past 10 years and with it a five-minute coaching video.
• I have appeared on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox News,  and CNN as well as many local stations.

Question 6) Do you have any client testimonials you can share?

“Lee’s presentation was unique, inspiring, and humbling all at the same time and his message connected with our team in a very meaningful way.” – Dave Cyr, CEO Parrish Construction Group

“Col Ellis’ story and prospective on leadership is fantastic! The way he ties his POW experience and the principles of leadership together is remarkable. Our discussions on courage, collaboration and communication were ‘spot on’ and specifically tailored to our organization.” – Craig Colby, Civ/DAF, Instructor Supervisor, 19th AF Maintenance Training Center (MTC) JBSA-Randolph, Tx

“…Lee did a great job this week addressing our senior leadership team on the topic of “Leading With Honor in Difficult Times”. Combining stories from his POW experience in Vietnam with the leadership principals of Courage, Character and Commitment really resonated with our leaders as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Lee exemplifies these attributes, and it comes through in his inspiring presentations.”– Jess Jarratt, President, PGIM Agricultural Finance and Investments

“Lee’s inspirational keynote speech was extremely impactful and relevant! His incredible story of courage, honor, and leadership captured the minds and hearts of everyone in attendance. Lee’s wisdom on how to courageously engage in stressful situations was particularly relevant for our employees; there is no doubt that he left a deep impact on everyone in attendance!”  – Dr. Kenneth Byrnes, Flight Department Chairman and Assistant Dean, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

“We had asked Lee to join us as the keynote for our International Sales Conference. Wow did we have a great night! Lee’s message was spot on. Many people were quoting and referencing him all week. I’m so glad we had Lee with us, and he was outstanding and inspiring.”– Mr. William Reichert, President, Champlain Cable Corp

“Colonel Ellis is an American Patriot and an outstanding speaker.”– Nido R. Qubein, President, High Point University

“We had the privilege and honor to have Col Lee Ellis as a main speaker for our Annual Membership Meeting. The way Lee engaged with our participants, weaving his experience, particularly his POW experience, with important, practical leadership techniques, was truly amazing.”– Arthur Corbin, President & CEO, Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia

“Col Ellis’ engagement with our team exceeded even our high expectations. His personal story of courage and resiliency was engaging and inspirational. Moreover, Col Ellis brings our proud USAF heritage to light and his stories help pass the torch from one generation of Airmen to the next.  I would love to have Col Ellis back again!”  – Col Joe Campo USAF, 49th Wing Commander, Holloman AFB, NM