Luncheon Speakers

David Pogue is the founder of Yahoo Tech, having been groomed for the position by 13 years as the personal-technology columnist for the New York Times. He’s also a monthly columnist for Scientific American and host of science shows on PBS’s “NOVA.” He’s been a correspondent for “CBS Sunday Morning” since 2002.

With over 3 million books in print, David is one of the world’s bestselling how-to authors. He wrote or co-wrote seven books in the “for Dummies” series (including Macs, Magic, Opera, and Classical Music); in 1999, he launched his own series of complete, funny computer books called the Missing Manual series, which now includes 120 titles.

David graduated summa cum laude from Yale in 1985, with distinction in Music, and he spent ten years conducting and arranging Broadway musicals in New York. He’s won three Emmy awards, two Webby awards, a Loeb award for journalism, and an honorary doctorate in music. He’s been profiled on “48 Hours” and “60 Minutes.” He lives in Connecticut with his wife and three children. 

   

With the recent launch of the historic year-long space expedition and Twins Study, decorated American astronaut, Mark Kelly continues to secure his place in history, partnering with his brother, Scott from the ground to participate in an unprecedented NASA study on how space affects the human body. Recently named the Space and Aviation Contributor for NBC News and MSNBC, over the next year, he will be providing the world with insider perspective and intimate coverage of the yearlong experiment.

Already an experienced aviator and retired US Navy Captain, Kelly began his career as an astronaut in 1996. During his illustrious career with NASA, he spent more than 50 days in space and commanded both the Space Shuttle Endeavour, including its final flight in May 2011, and Space Shuttle Discovery, and is one of only two individuals who have visited the International Space Station on four different occasions.

Kelly is also a #1 New York Times best-selling author and a founder of World View Enterprises, a company pioneering a new frontier at the edge of space.

In January 2011, Kelly became the center of international attention after the assassination attempt on his wife, former US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Their story captivated the nation and resulted in the couple becoming an unequivocal symbol of strength and perseverance.

An American hero who exemplifies effective leadership and courage under pressure, Kelly offers audiences insights drawn from his various and extensive experiences, from leading teams in some of the most dynamic environments imaginable, to the thrill of spaceflight and making history, to the importance of commitment to career and family, in order to truly define and achieve success. 

Leslie Appleton-Young is Vice President and Chief Economist for the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.). Appleton-Young directs the activities of the Association’s Member Information Team.

She oversees analysis of housing market and brokerage industry trends, broker relations, and membership development activities. She is also closely involved in the Association’s strategic planning efforts and is a well-known speaker in California’s real estate community.

Appleton-Young earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and her master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.