Mark C. Smith
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| Mark C. Smith | |
 |
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| Born | September 10, 1940 Birmingham, Alabama |
|---|---|
| Died | March 27, 2007 Huntsville, Alabama |
| Occupation | Former Chief executive officer, founder ADTN |
| Net worth | ~$600 million |
| Spouse | Linda Jones Smith[1] |
Mark C. Smith (born September 10, 1940, died March 27, 2007) was the founder and chief executive officer of ADTRAN.
[edit] Biography
While still in high school, Smith won a science fair at age 16 and met renowned rocket scientist Wernher Von Braun in Huntsville, Alabama. He received an electrical engineering degree from Georgia Tech in 1962.[1]
Mark C. Smith moved to Huntsville, where he founded two successful companies, the earlier being modem manufacturer Universal Data Systems in 1969.[1] Smith went on to co-found ADTRAN in 1986 with Lonnie McMillian.[1][2] As of 2007 the company had a market-cap of $1.7 billion.[2] Smith retired from ADTRAN in September 2005.[1]
Mark Smith and his wife Linda were known for their philanthropic support of causes in the Huntsville area including the University of Alabama in Huntsville and the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.[1][2]
He died in 2007 due to complications from pneumonia.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e f "Mark C. Smith", The Huntsville Times, March 29, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-06-21.
- ^ a b c Brian Lawson. "Mark Smith always led by example", The Huntsville Times, March 29, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-06-21.
- ^ "ADTRAN Announces That Its Chairman of the Board Mark C. Smith Passes Away", ADTRAN, 2007-03-27. Retrieved on 2007-09-16.
