Academy Award-winning actress Octavia Spencer has been added as to the 2017 The Jim Blanchard Leadership Forum speaker lineup. The two-day event, hosted by the Leadership Institute at Columbus State University, brings the best and brightest minds in the world to Columbus. Spencer will be the keynote speaker for the Monday night dinner.
    
A veteran character actress and one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents, Spencer has become a familiar fixture on both television and the silver screen. Her critically acclaimed performance as Minny in DreamWork’s feature film The Help won her the 2012 Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe Award, SAG Award and Broadcast Film Critic’s Choice Award among numerous other accolades.

We are taking question submissions for Octavia Spencer! Send us your burning questions about leadership, inspiration and all things Hollywood, and you might get the answer at this year's event.
    
Other guest speakers include Ron Clark, "America's Educator" and best-selling author; Dan Rose, Vice President of Partnerships, Facebook; John O'Leary, inspirational best-selling author; David Perdue, US Senator and former Fortune 500 CEO; Chris Conlee, author and lead pastor, Highpoint Church; and Eric Wesley, Commanding General, US Army Maneuver Center of Excellence.

Tickets, tables and sponsorships are still available at www.JBLF.org.