My Dad has always been quiet about his successful career, so much so that I often didn't know what exactly it was that he did! Later as I began to understand his accomplishments I would find myself casually brag about him in light conversation. He was the big man at IBM. The new CEO of Apple was actually one of Dad's employers before he retired!!! I thought that was pretty cool. 

 

After 39 years at IBM he finally decided to retire as Vice-President, Intergrated Supply Chain and Senior State Executive in NC. He held other positions over the years-executive management, manufacturing, locigstics, information technology, business process reengineering, strategic and financial planning to name a few. 

His highlights began with the expansion of Research Triangle Park, the opening of IBM's Charlotte facility, establishing a corporate staff function in logistis, was the general manage of IBM's PC manufacturing operations, restructuring, consolidation and mangment of IBM's Global world wide systems manufacturing;and finally he became a Senior State Excutive for the RTP facility in Raleigh and a government lisson.  I think I got all the big titles..you can understand why I didn't always know what Dad was up too. I do remember lots of late nights of work, 4 am conference calls with Ireland, and many world wide trips. 

 

I never thought Dad would retire, and he didn't disappoint! He went on to become an Interim President/CEO of the NC Chamber which affliates with both the US Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufactures. He became involved with numerous boards at colleges, served on the Governor's Business Council of Mangagement under both Governor Hunt and Governer Easley, who then apointed him  chair of The Business Council for Fiscal Reform. 

 

He gave his time to other areas as well. He was the CEO Advisary Council for the NC Center for Non-profits; IntraHealth Internationl, a non-profit to develop health care services in third world countries, and became an Elder at Bethel Presbyterian Church  and was responsible for the church's mission study and personnel committee. 

 

He was and is always busy with some project. I am proud to have had such and ambitious father. I know his co-workers respected and admired him, and many board members as well. He brings a great deal of knowledge and wisdom in all areas of life.