Hear from AAOS Leadership at Your Academy

During the 2025 Your Academy ceremony at the AAOS Annual Meeting, distinguished members of the AAOS Presidential Line reflected on the highlights of the past year and provided their insight and perspectives on the future of AAOS.

Presidential Addresses

Presidential Guest Speaker

Captain and U.S. Ambassador ‘Sully’ Sullenberger Served as the Presidential Guest Speaker at the AAOS 2025 Annual Meeting

Captain and U.S. Ambassador ‘Sully’ Sullenberger served as the U.S. ambassador and representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization, a United Nations Specialized Agency based in Montréal, Québec, Canada. Nominated by President Biden and confirmed unanimously by the Senate in 2021, he served in that esteemed role through 2022. During his tenure, he addressed critical aviation crises involving Belarus, Russia, and climate change.

A pivotal moment in Ambassador Sullenberger’s career came on January 15, 2009, when he, alongside First Officer Jeff Skiles, executed an emergency water landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River. Known as the “Miracle on the Hudson,” this event resulted from a bird strike that disabled both engines. The successful landing saved the lives of all 155 passengers and crew onboard.

“I think that Ambassador Sullenberger’s message resonated with our members and his remarks were an uplifting event for all,” Dr. Tornetta added.