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Mark C. Smith

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mark C. Smith
BornSeptember 10, 1940
DiedMarch 27, 2007
Occupation(s)Former Chief executive officer, founder ADTN
SpouseLinda Jones Smith[1]

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

Early life and education

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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

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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 S. 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

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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

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "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.[permanent dead link]
  3. ^ a b c 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.