Mark C. Smith

Mark C. Smith (September 10, 1940 – March 27, 2007) was the founder and chief executive officer of ADTRAN.

Mark C. Smith
BornSeptember 10, 1940
Birmingham, Alabama
DiedMarch 27, 2007
Huntsville, Alabama
OccupationFormer Chief executive officer, founder ADTN
Spouse(s)Linda Jones Smith[1]

Early life and education

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][2]

Career

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][3] As of 2007 the company had a market-cap of $1.7 billion.[3] Smith retired from ADTRAN in September 2005.[1]

Death and legacy

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][3]

He died in 2007 due to complications from pneumonia.[4]

References
  1. "Mark C. Smith". The Huntsville Times. March 29, 2007. Retrieved 2007-06-21.
  2. "AdTran Founder Mark Smith Dies". WHNT. 2007-03-27. Retrieved 2011-07-08.
  3. Brian Lawson (March 29, 2007). "Mark Smith always led by example". The Huntsville Times. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved 2007-06-21.
  4. "ADTRAN Announces That Its Chairman of the Board Mark C. Smith Passes Away". ADTRAN. 2007-03-27. Retrieved 2007-09-16.
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