2026 Speaker Biographies

Astronaut and Retired US Air Force Fighter Pilot to Deliver Keynote Address

Humble Ascent: The Power of Teamwork, Sacrifice, and Service

No mission is ever a solo act.

Lt Col Scott “Kidd” Poteet (Ret.) is not your typical astronaut. As a young kid, Kidd struggled with intense motion sickness, fear of heights, and a less-than-stellar academic performance. After experiencing a serendipitous moment in college, a fire was lit from within, setting his sights on becoming an Air Force fighter pilot. Kidd served his country for 20 years and exceeded all expectations as a combat-proven warrior, USAF Thunderbird ambassador, and Fighter Weapons School graduate. Kidd excelled in his military career while fostering his passion for endurance sports by competing in 16 Ironman triathlons, including the World Championships in Hawaii. Following his epic military career, Kidd fulfilled his childhood dream as an astronaut aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket on a 5-day earth orbit spaceflight. This Polaris Dawn mission to space made history by setting numerous records for future generations to strive for. Kidd’s experiences on orbit and throughout his career led to the realization that when you embrace your God-given gifts and have an attitude of humility, you can forge a path of purpose in pursuit of greatness.

Speakers

David Ashinoff
Senior Director of Political Affairs, Associated General Contractors of America 

A desire to engage people, an ability to skillfully communicate, and a true passion for politics has driven David Ashinoff to a successful career in this arena. As the Senior Director of Political Affairs for the Associated Contractors of America, David’s goal is to drive awareness of the political process within the construction industry, spearheading the AGC PAC and Construction Advocacy Fund fundraising efforts, grassroots advocacy, and political communication among member companies and their employees.

David got his professional start in politics after working with the Republican Governors Association. He then transitioned into the role of manager with the national trade association Associated Builders and Contractors, working specifically with its political action committee and Free Enterprise Alliance. He is motivated by the importance of electing leaders who work to find solutions to our country's most pressing issues and the role political activism plays in the public policy process.  

David holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in government and sociology from the College of William & Mary. He resides in Arlington, VA.

Ken Simonson
Chief Economist, AGC of America

Ken Simonson has been chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America since 2001. He provides insight into the economy and what it implies for construction and related industries through frequent media interviews, presentations and the Data DIGest, his weekly one-page e-newsletter that goes to more than 20,000 subscribers.  
 
Ken has more than 40 years of experience analyzing, advocating and communicating about economic and tax issues. He is a Fellow and past president of the National Association for Business Economics, and he is co-director of the Tax Economists Forum, a professional meeting group he co-founded in 1982. 
 
Ken has a BA in economics from the University of Chicago, and an MA in economics from Northwestern University.