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Addison McElroy Fischer, Baron of Lee is an American businessperson ininformation technology, aventure capital investor, and aphilanthropist in theconservation of theenvironment. He became a Scots baron in theBaronage of Scotland in 2004.[1][2]
Fischer holds bachelor's and master's degrees in mathematics fromWest Virginia University (1966-1972).
His career spans a variety of roles including computer software scientist, cryptologist, entrepreneur, inventor, investor, ecologist, conservationist and philanthropist.
In 1968, while working forWest Virginia University, he created software that amplified the throughput capability of IBM mainframe systems up to 40% (the high speed "Executor").[3]
In 1973 he created his first high-tech start-up company which in the late 1970s developed the "Top Secret" IBM mainframe security software (this is now owned byComputer Associates).
In 1980 he was a principal founder of theCommunity School of Naples[4] (FL), an independent K-12 school and was a trustee from 1980 through 2005.
In 1981 he founded Fischer International Systems Corporation, a communications software provider to the Global 2000, and serves as its Chairman. Current products include TAO and IOF. Retired products include Watchdog (PC security), and EMC2.
In 1981 he became co-owner, together with principalStanley Druckenmiller, of Duquesne Capital Management (DCM) until Druckenmiller's retirement in 2010.[5] DCM had 30 consecutive years of positive investment returns averaging 30%.
In the 1980s he became majority owner ofRSA Data Security and remained a board member until its merger with Security Dynamics in 1996.[6][7]
In 1995 he provided initial seed funding for the creation ofVerisign Inc.[8] which quickly attracted strategic partners and additional financing.[9] Verisign became well known as a standard of internet commerce integrity.
In the early 1990s, he co-founded two small privateSilicon Valley venture capital firms, Tierra del Oro and Camino del Oro, specializing in high-tech startup companies. These ventures have been incorporated into Zenerji, LLC. He continues as a principal investor in a number of companies, includingAudible Magic and Actify.
In 2005 he established Fischer International Identity, LLC to focus on internet cloud-based security software, company of which he is chairman.
In 2011 he was a founding board member of Oceans/Five,[10] a role in which he continues.
In 2019 he joined the board[11] ofTri-Alpha Energy, since renamedTAE Technologies, a company developing aneutronic atomic fusion to provide nuclear energy without radioactive by-products.
During the 1980s and 1990s, he was a member of several official ANSI committees that set U.S. standards for commercial computer security (ANSI X9) and electronic commerce (ANSI X12). He addressed the U.S. Congress, by invitation, on several topics, including digital signature standards, proposed FBI digital telephony legislation, and global U.S. competitiveness.[12][13]
From 1995 through 1999 he was a member of the Computer Systems Security and Privacy Advisory Board[14] (since renamed the Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board), and was involved in issues ranging from privacy to cyber-warfare.
He holds numerous U.S. and international patents.
In 2005 he began working withDr. Jane Goodall, and her worldwide conservation efforts. He has been a board member of theJane Goodall Institute since 2008 and Vice-Chairman since 2011.[15]
In 2007 he assumed an Advisory Board role in EPIC, theElectronic Privacy Information Center.[16] Has been a board member since 2011.[17]
In May 2009 he was elected as a director of theEast West Institute which works to resolve and prevent international conflicts through non-governmental diplomatic channels.[18]
In April 2010, he supported oceanographerSylvia Earle and theTED Conference's Mission Blue voyage.[19] This brought together in theGalapagos Islands 100 influential world leaders to seek strategic solutions to restoring and protecting the ocean. It was aboard this voyage that Oceans 5 was created.
1990: Outstanding Paper of the Year, A.M.Fischer, "Electronic Document Authorization".[20][21][22]
2000: Received the West Virginia University Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Recognition Award.[23]
June 2008: Awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science degree from West Virginia University and delivered the commencement address.[24]
June 2009: Awarded the Hero of Privacy Award by theElectronic Privacy Information Center recognizing his efforts to focus attention on emerging civil liberties issues and protecting privacy, the First Amendment, and constitutional values.
2011: Awarded the Philanthropist of the Year award byWild Aid[25] for his work in Asian Tiger Conservation.
2019: He was honored with the CQR Chairman's Award[26]by the IEEE Communications Quality and Reliability Technical Committee.
| Baronage of Scotland | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Terrence Alvis of Lee | Baron of Lee 2004-present | Succeeded by Incumbent |