REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 27, 2000 — Microsoft Corp. today named Ann McLaughlin, chairman of the Aspen Institute and former U.S. Secretary of Labor, to its board of directors.
“We are excited to have Ann join the board because of her unique expertise as a thoughtful leader on important issues impacting business and society,”
said Bill Gates, chairman of the board and chief software architect.
“She brings to Microsoft a proven track record in government service, business and policy. Her knowledge and expertise will be a great asset to the Microsoft board.”
“Microsoft is a wonderful company that is helping to build the future of technology,”
McLaughlin said.
“Microsoft has created benefits for consumers and opportunity for businesses worldwide. As a member of the Microsoft board, I look forward to contributing to the company’s continuing mission of building great software and services that empower people and businesses everywhere.”
McLaughlin has been chairman of the Aspen Institute since 1996. The Aspen Institute is an international nonprofit educational institution dedicated to enhancing the quality of leadership in society, government and business. The institute has become an influential forum for thoughtful, values-based decision-making in the communications and information policy fields. In particular, the Aspen Institute Communications and Society Program focuses on the implications of communications and information technologies on democratic institutions, commerce and community life.
McLaughlin serves on several corporate boards of directors, including those of Nordstrom Inc., Kellogg Co., Host Marriott Corp. and Fannie Mae. She served as U.S. Secretary of Labor from Dec. 17, 1987, to Jan. 20, 1989. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan, she espoused economic growth to enhance the welfare of American workers. She was a strong advocate of increased private-sector initiatives to reconcile the demands of work and family life. Among the major issues she faced were child care, drugs in the workplace, unemployment insurance, apprenticeship training, older workers and labor market shortages. She also formed a blue ribbon work-force quality commission that completed its work on Labor Day 1989.
Originally from New Jersey, McLaughlin received her bachelor of science degree from Marymount College and did graduate work at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Her private-sector employment included Union Carbide Corp. and Myers-Infoplan. She also served as public affairs director at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury and as Under Secretary of the Interior.
Other Microsoft directors are Paul G. Allen, chairman of the board, Vulcan Northwest Inc.; Steve Ballmer, president and chief executive officer, Microsoft; Richard A. Hackborn, chairman-elect of the board, Hewlett-Packard Co.; David F. Marquardt, general partner, August Capital and Technology Venture Investors; Wm. G. Reed, Jr., chairman of the board, Simpson Investment Co. (retired); and Jon A. Shirley, president and chief operating officer, Microsoft (retired).
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software – any time, any place and on any device.
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