Taking Care of Business Conference

2024 Mainstage Speakers

Lesa France Kennedy

Lesa France Kennedy is Executive Vice Chair of NASCAR. Kennedy leads NASCAR, one of the premier sports and entertainment properties in the world, including its three national series, three regional series, four international series and 16 of the nation's major motorsports entertainment facilities.

Previously, Kennedy served as Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors for International Speedway Corporation (ISC). In her more than 30-year career with the company, she advanced through several key executive positions with increasing responsibility including Secretary; Treasurer; Executive Vice President; and CEO.

Kennedy led two major racetrack development projects in building Kansas Speedway and Chicagoland Speedway, expanding NASCAR's portfolio into two major Midwest markets. She also spearheaded revitalization with Phoenix Raceway completing its renovation in 2018 and Daytona International Speedway's $400 million redevelopment opening in 2016. That same year, Daytona International Speedway was named Sports Facility of the Year by Sports Business Journal.

Just across from Daytona International Speedway, ONE DAYTONA, NASCAR's mixed-use and entertainment destination, is quickly becoming known as Kennedy's legacy project. Home to 300,000 square feet of premium retail, dining and entertainment, the transformational development creates a year-round destination for residents and the area's more than 10 million annual visitors.

Kennedy has been featured on Forbes “Most Powerful Women in Sports” list three times, securing the top honor in 2015; named to the Cynopsis Sports Hall of Fame; and named one of ADWEEK's ‘Most Powerful Women in Sports' for two consecutive years. She received the “Women Making History” award from the National Women's History Museum, and was selected by SportsBusiness Journal as the “Most Influential Woman in Sports Business.”

Kennedy serves on the Board of Directors of the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), The NASCAR Foundation and the Board of Advisors of Moffitt Cancer Center. A Daytona Beach, Fla. native, Kennedy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and psychology from Duke University.

Tommy Spaulding

Tommy Spaulding is the founder and president of Tommy Spaulding Companies, a Denver-based leadership development organization. A globally recognized speaker, his books, including "It's Not Just Who You Know" and "The Heart-Led Leader," have been New York Times national bestsellers. His latest book, "The Gift of Influence," was a Wall Street Journal national bestseller.

Spaulding, the former CEO & President of Up with People, founded National Leadership Academy and the Global Youth Leadership Academy. With a diverse career, he held roles at IBM/Lotus Development and participated in the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) program. He holds degrees in Political Science, an MBA, and an MA in Non-Profit Management.

Acknowledged for his contributions, Spaulding received the Outstanding Alumni Award from East Carolina University and an honorary Ph.D. from the Art Institute of Colorado. Spaulding was recognized as one of the 100 MOST FAVORITE SPEAKERS by Meetings & Conventions Magazine and “The Heart-Led Leader” was recognized by INC Magazine as 100 best business books.

Frank Kelly

Frank Kelly is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in Wall Street and senior government roles. He began his career as a writer for President Ronald Reagan, later serving in the White House and the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Transitioning to the private sector, he held leadership roles at Merrill Lynch and Charles Schwab.

In 2003, Frank joined Deutsche Bank as Head of Government Affairs, becoming the Bank's first Chief Political Strategist. He advised top institutional clients globally on US and geopolitical issues, specializing in mergers and acquisitions. Frank also serves on the boards of Barnwell Industries, The Scowcroft Group, and teaches at The Catholic University School of Business. Committed to philanthropy, he is involved with CODESPA America and the Jerome Lejeune Foundation of America. Frank resides in Great Falls, Virginia, on his working farm, Open Door Farm.