Chesley (Sully) Sullenberger III

Ambassador Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger has dedicated his life to advancing safety, leadership, and integrity. Best known for his heroic actions as Captain of US Airways Flight 1549 during the “Miracle on the Hudson,” Sullenberger’s career spans decades of service as a pilot, safety advocate, author, and international leader.

In 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Sullenberger to serve as the U.S. Ambassador and Representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations Specialized Agency in Montréal, Canada. Confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2022, he served and reasserted U.S. leadership on critical aviation issues, including climate change, international airspace disputes, and aviation crises involving Belarus and Russia.

A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Sullenberger began his career as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force, advancing to the rank of captain. After his military service, he joined Pacific Southwest Airlines (later US Airways), where he flew for over 30 years, logging more than 20,000 flight hours. Throughout his career, he was a passionate safety advocate, contributing to accident investigations, developing Crew Resource Management training, and shaping aviation safety standards.

Sullenberger’s life changed forever on January 15, 2009, when he and First Officer Jeff Skiles safely landed Flight 1549 in the Hudson River after a bird strike disabled both engines. Their extraordinary skill and composure saved all 155 passengers and crew, earning international acclaim and recognition, including a Congressional resolution and the French Legion of Honour. TIME magazine named him one of the “Top 100 Most Influential Heroes and Icons of 2009.”

Beyond the cockpit, Sullenberger is a #1 New York Times best-selling author of Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters and Making a Difference: Stories of Vision and Courage from America’s Leaders. His story inspired the critically acclaimed film Sully (2016), directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Tom Hanks.

Today, Sullenberger is a sought-after keynote speaker, sharing insights on leadership, crisis management, and safety with audiences worldwide. He has presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Swiss Economic Forum, and numerous educational institutions and organizations. From 2009 to 2013, he co-chaired the EAA Young Eagles program, inspiring the next generation of aviators.

Born and raised in Denison, Texas, Sullenberger discovered his passion for aviation at age 16. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he received the Outstanding Cadet in Airmanship Award, as well as master’s degrees in industrial psychology (Purdue University) and public administration (University of Northern Colorado). He also holds an honorary Doctorate of Letters from Purdue University.

Ambassador Sullenberger continues to champion safety, integrity, and democracy, leaving an indelible mark on aviation and beyond.