# William Norris

> CEO of Control Data Corporation (1911–2006)

**Wikidata**: [Q93117](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q93117)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Norris_(CEO))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/william-norris

## Summary
William Norris was an American engineer, entrepreneur, and computer scientist who served as CEO of Control Data Corporation from its founding until his retirement. He was a pioneer in the computer industry, advancing micro electronics and computer technology, and received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in 1986 for his contributions.

## Biography
- Born: July 14, 1911, in Red Cloud
- Nationality: United States
- Education: University of Nebraska–Lincoln
- Known for: CEO of Control Data Corporation and advancement of micro electronics and computer technology
- Employer(s): Control Data Corporation (as CEO)
- Field(s): engineering, entrepreneurship, computer science
- Death: August 21, 2006, in Bloomington from Parkinson's disease

## Contributions
William Norris led Control Data Corporation as CEO from its founding until his retirement, establishing the company as a major force in the early computer industry. Under his leadership, CDC developed innovative computing technologies that advanced micro electronics and computer science. In recognition of his contributions, Norris received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in 1986 specifically for "the advancement of micro electronics and computer technology." He was also honored with the IEEE Founders Medal in 1985 and the IEEE Ernst Weber Engineering Recognition for his engineering leadership. His professional papers and archives are preserved at the Charles Babbage Institute, documenting his significant impact on the evolution of computing technology. Norris was also recognized as one of the Great American Business Leaders of the 20th Century, reflecting his influential role in the technological and business landscape.

## FAQs
### Q: What was William Norris most known for?
A: William Norris was best known as the CEO of Control Data Corporation, where he led the company from its founding until his retirement. He was recognized for advancing micro electronics and computer technology.

### Q: When did William Norris live and where was he born?
A: William Norris was born on July 14, 1911, in Red Cloud, and died on August 21, 2006, in Bloomington. He suffered from Parkinson's disease.

### Q: What awards did William Norris receive during his career?
A: Norris received several prestigious awards including the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in 1986, the IEEE Founders Medal in 1985, and the IEEE Ernst Weber Engineering Recognition for his contributions to computer technology and engineering leadership.

### Q: Where can I find William Norris's papers and archives?
A: William Norris's professional papers and archives are preserved at the Charles Babbage Institute, which maintains documentation of his significant impact on the evolution of computing technology.

## Why They Matter
William Norris played a pivotal role in the development of the computer industry during its formative years. As CEO of Control Data Corporation, he led innovations that pushed the boundaries of computing technology at a time when the field was rapidly evolving. His leadership contributed to the advancement of micro electronics and computer technology, which laid foundations for subsequent technological developments. Norris's recognition by prestigious institutions like the National Academy of Engineering and his receipt of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation underscore his significant impact on the field. The preservation of his archives at the Charles Babbage Institute ensures that his contributions continue to inform and influence future generations of engineers and computer scientists. Without Norris's vision and leadership, the trajectory of computing technology might have taken a different path, potentially slowing the progress of computer science and related industries.

## Notable For
- CEO of Control Data Corporation during its early and influential years
- Received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in 1986 for advancing micro electronics and computer technology
- Recipient of the IEEE Founders Medal in 1985
- Listed as one of the Great American Business Leaders of the 20th Century
- Archives preserved at the Charles Babbage Institute

## Body
### Early Life and Education
- Born: July 14, 1911, in Red Cloud
- Education: University of Nebraska–Lincoln
- Citizenship: United States

### Career at Control Data Corporation
- Served as CEO of Control Data Corporation from its founding until retirement
- Led the company to become a major force in the early computer industry
- Oversaw development of innovative computing technologies
- Advanced micro electronics and computer technology during his leadership

### Recognition and Awards
- National Medal of Technology and Innovation (1986) - awarded for "the advancement of micro electronics and computer technology"
- IEEE Founders Medal (1985) - recognized for engineering leadership
- IEEE Ernst Weber Engineering Recognition
- Listed as one of the Great American Business Leaders of the 20th Century

### Later Life and Death
- Died: August 21, 2006, in Bloomington
- Cause of death: Parkinson's disease
- Manner of death: natural causes
- Suffered from Parkinson's disease (medical condition)

### Legacy
- Archives preserved at the Charles Babbage Institute
- Documentation of his impact on the evolution of computing technology
- Influenced the development of computer science and related industries
- Recognition by the National Academy of Engineering

### Identities and Affiliations
- Occupation: engineer, entrepreneur, computer scientist
- Member of the National Academy of Engineering
- Residence: Minneapolis

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Source](https://www.nationalmedals.org/laureates)
3. [Source](https://www.ieee.org/content/dam/ieee-org/ieee/web/org/about/awards/recipients/founders-rl.pdf)
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. [Source](https://www.nae.edu/28295/wd)
6. [Source](http://archives.lib.umn.edu/repositories/3/resources/279)
7. SNAC
8. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/23/business/23norris.html)
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. IdRef
11. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File