A former CNN anchor, a Grammy award winner and an Emmy-nominated actor will headline the 9th Annual Leadership Conference at Troy University this weekend, Feb. 5 and 6.

Lyn Vaughn, who anchored CNN’s Headline News for more than 13 years, will be the featured speaker at the opening session on Friday night.

Grammy award-winning, R&B singer/songwriter and cast member of “Housewives of Atlanta,” Kandi Burruss, will be the featured speaker at a special session on Saturday morning.

Actor, director and producer, Tim Reid, who is best known for his roles on several hit television series, including “WKRP in Cincinnati, will give the keynote address at the closing session at noon on Saturday.

Catherine Jordan, chair of the conference steering committee, said the featured speakers at this year’s Leadership Conference are outstanding leaders, tremendous motivators, and inspiring speakers.

“We are fortunate to have speakers of their qualifications and reputations to lead our 9th Annual Leadership Conference,” Jordan said. “Those who attend will leave better prepared to assume their roles as leaders of their communities because of the impact these featured speakers will have on their lives.”

The Leadership Conference is co-sponsored annually by Troy University and the City of Troy. The conference brings together civic and community leaders, clergymen and business leaders in a collaborative and educational forum.

“The theme for this year’s Leadership Conference is ‘Leadership and Economic Empowerment,’” Jordan said. “The Conference provides valuable information and plenary sessions to enhance the quality of leadership for participants.”

The Leadership Conference Opening General Session will be at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at the Trojan Center Theater. Conference check-in will be at 6 p.m.

Opening session remarks will be from Rep. Alan Boothe, Troy City Councilman Jason Reeves and Troy University Vice Chancellor Advancement and External Affairs Dr. John Schmidt with an overview of the conference by Barbara Patterson, AALC advisory board member.

Music will be provided by the Troy University Gospel Choir under the direction of Lewis Webb.

Following the keynote address by Lyn Vaughn, the first African American television news anchor, a reception will be held in the Trojan Center Ballroom with entertainment by Divine.

Saturday plenary sessions will begin at 8:10 a.m. at the Trojan Center with “Our Brothers Keeper: Community Empowerment” presented by Bryan Kelly, founder of Common Grounds in Montgomery.

At 9:10 a.m. Sheron Rose, Hyundai Motors American-Montgomery, will be the presenter for the second plenary session, “Personal and Organizational Economic Leadership: Showing and Enhancing Our Gifts.”

Plenary Session 3, “Jobs in the Recession” will begin at 11:30 p.m. with Dr. Ann Roy Moore, superintendent Huntsville City Schools presenting.

Student sessions will run concurrently at101 General Academic Building. The sessions are “How to Secure a Healthy Future,” “Leadership and Public Service” and “Jobs in the Recession.”

The Closing Session will begin at 12:30 p.m. and will feature Tim Reid, Emmy-nominated actor and director whose resume includes leading roles in the TV sitcoms, “Sister, Sister,” “WKRP in Cincinnati” and “Frank’s Place.” Reid is the owner of New Millennium Studios.

Registration fees are $30 for adults and $15 for students. Register on line at http://troy.troy.edu/leadershipconference through Feb. 3.