National Airlines Founder Michael Conway to Speak at Embry-Riddle Commencement

Michael J. Conway will be the commencement speaker. Conway is the founder of National Airlines, which initiated service on May 27, 1999. The airline offers scheduled passenger jet service between its Las Vegas hub and major metropolitan areas throughout the United States.

Conway developed the initial concept and strategy of the airline, raised its initial capital, and recruited an experienced management team. In addition to the traditional roles of chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer, Conway assumes a proactive role with the company investors and is directly involved in the development of the company culture.

Conway has more than 25 years of experience in the airline industry. Prior to developing National Airlines, he served as an aviation consultant for financial investors of foreign airlines. Between 1981 and 1993, Conway co-founded America West Airlines and held a variety of positions, including CEO, COO, president, executive president, and chief financial officer. He was also vice president and controller at Continental Airlines. In addition, Conway's extensive experience includes 11 years at Price Waterhouse, where he specialized in airlines and multinational corporations.

He holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Baruch College of the City University of New York.

Embry-Riddle, the world's largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, meets the needs of students and industry through its educational, training, research, and consulting activities. Degree programs through the master's level are offered at residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Prescott, Ariz., at more than 100 teaching sites in the U.S. and Europe, and through independent study and distance education.