Debbie Williams, a member of the Pilot Club of Cleveland and governor-elect of the Tennessee District, was one of hundreds of Pilot members from five countries who convened in Las Vegas July 18-22 for the Pilot Annual Convention and Leadership Conference at Bally’s Hotel.

Pilot International President Beverly Wilkes of Noxapater, Miss., was presiding officer at the 2011-12 event. Wilkes is succeeded by Winnie Brewer of Titusville, Fla., who was installed as 2012-13 PI president on the last day of the conference.

Those attending the event participated in leadership training seminars, informative workshops and fundraising events for the Pilot International Foundation.

Special guest speakers and workshop leaders included author and leadership expert Lisa Earle McLeod; Brain Injury Peer Visitor Association founder Ann Boriskie; autism support group founder Barbie Lauver; Project Lifesaver founder Gene Saunders; Daytona State College Association vice president of Institutional Effectiveness, Dr. Nancy Morgan; Pilot scholar Meghan Frances; and vice president of Education of Freedoms Foundation, Valley Forge, Pa., Jason Raia.

Now in its 91st year, Pilot International is a volunteer service organization with more than 400 Pilot Clubs in five countries.

Pilot’s service focus is brain disorders/diseases and, each year, Pilot clubs conduct programs and projects which assist those in their community who are affected by illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorders, schizophrenia, depression and similar illnesses.