Kim "KC" Campbell

Kim "KC" Campbell is a retired Colonel who served in the United States Air Force for over 24 years as a fighter pilot and senior military leader. She has flown more than 100 combat missions and made split-second life-and-death decisions with potential strategic implications. Most widely recognized for her combat experience in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Campbell received the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism when the fighter jet she was flying while supporting ground troops was hit with a surface-to-air missile. Despite catastrophic damage to the aircraft, Campbell managed to safely recover the jet and return to base, a daring feat only accomplished successfully once before.

As a senior military leader, Campbell has led hundreds of airmen both at home and abroad in deployed locations and enabled them to succeed in their missions. She has experience leading complex organizations and driving cultural change. Campbell's Air Force assignments include leadership roles as a Group Commander, responsible for over 1,000 personnel in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Most recently, Campbell served as the Director of the Center for Character and Leadership Development at the United States Air Force Academy, shaping the next generation of leaders.

Today, Campbell brings her experience to the stage and captivates audiences with her remarkable story of courage and resilience. Known for her authentic and engaging style, whether sharing intense combat moments or unexpected stories about her family, she deeply connects with audiences and inspires them to lead with courage, build trust, and elevate performance.

Campbell is the author of the bestselling book "Flying in the Face of Fear: A Fighter Pilot’s Lessons on Leading with Courage" and has been featured on "CBS Evening News," ABC News, CNN, and other major media outlets. She received the inaugural Leadership Achievement Award from the United States Air Force Academy.