Retired astronaut, U.S. Navy captain and husband of former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) Mark Kelly will be the keynote speaker at next year’s International Roofing Expo.

Kelly is scheduled to speak at 9:45 a.m. Feb. 5, 2013, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, site of the conference.

He flew fighters during the Gulf War, and served as a crewmember on several space shuttle missions, but he perhaps is best known as the husband of Giffords, the Arizona congresswoman injured by a gunman’s bullet in 2011.

“Capt. Mark Kelly is an American hero who exemplifies leadership, the importance of teamwork and courage under pressure — characteristics that are applicable to successful roofing professionals,” said Lindsay Roberts, International Roofing Expo group director. “A role model for all who have aspirations and dreams, our attendees and exhibitors will love hearing his inspirational and motivating presentation."  

 The expo runs Feb. 5-7. The National Roofing Contractors Association’s annual conference also takes place during the expo, and association Vice President Bill Good said he is also looking forward to the speech.

 “With Capt. Mark Kelly providing the keynote, it should be a fascinating session,” Good said. “With his incredible career, he will leave attendees and exhibitors inspired, surprised, motivated, entertained and transformed.”