Accidental Advocates: The Families of Continental Flight 3407
Accidental Advocates
The Families of Continental Flight 3407
Tuesday, February 27th - 7:00pm EST
VOICES presents Accidental Advocates: The Families of Continental Flight 3407. Join us in conversation with Karen Eckert and Susan Eckert Bourque, sisters of VOICES Co-Founder Beverly Eckert who died tragically, along with 49 others, when their plane crashed near Buffalo, New York on February 12, 2009.
Karen and Susan, along with other family and friends of those who lost loved ones that day, were thrust into advocacy roles that led to comprehensive aviation reform. They have established a legacy that has raised the level of safety for every passenger who sets foot on a U.S. commercial passenger flight.
Karen and Susan will share their personal journey and efforts that continue today to promote aviation safety.
Participation is free and registration is required.
About the Presenters
Karen M. Eckert
Karen Eckert had a 37-year career with the Federal Government in the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security. She retired after the 2009 fatal airline crash that took the life of her sister, Beverly Eckert, to devote more time as an advocate for aviation safety.
Her government career included positions as a national and international policy officer, congressional affairs liaison, and in regulatory writing, and management. She was a frequent presenter at National and Regional conferences in her areas of expertise.
Since her retirement, she volunteers with multiple community organizations, enjoys several hobbies, and spending time with family and friends when not devoting time to airline safety advocacy.
Karen is married with three adult children and four grandchildren.
Susan Eckert Bourque
Susan Eckert Bourque spent a 32 year career serving the public with the Social Security Administration. As a District Manager, Susan was responsible for the management and operations of a Social Security District Office and its staff plus extensive community outreach. She authored a monthly newspaper column that provided general information about Social Security benefits.
She made monthly appearances on a local radio program to answer questions and provide information about new programs and changes. She also conducted retirement seminars with business groups and educators which focused on the Social Security aspect of retirement planning.
Her career plans were abruptly altered when tragedy struck in February 2009 with the crash of Colgan Flight 3407, claiming the life of her sister, Beverly Eckert. Susan made the decision to retire at that time in order to focus on advocating for aviation safety reforms.
Susan is the mother of two and grandmother of three. When not devoting time to aviation safety, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, singing with a choral group, reading, cooking and gardening.