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Howard Baldridge Jr.American businessman and statesman, US Secretary of Commerce (1981-1987).
Date of Birth: 04.10.1922
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Malcolm Baldrige: From Businessman to Statesman
- Business Career
- Political Activism
- Secretary of Commerce
- Tragic Death and Legacy
Malcolm Baldrige: From Businessman to Statesman
Early Life and EducationMalcolm Baldrige was born into a political family; his father served as a Congressman. In 1942, he graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Business Career
After serving in the military, Baldrige worked in manufacturing, first as a mill foreman and then as a foundry superintendent at Easter Malleable Iron Company. In 1960, he became president of the company.
From 1962 to 1972, Baldrige served as vice president of Scovill Corporation, and from 1972 onward, he led the company as president.
Political Activism
Baldrige was an active member of the Republican Party. He managed Richard Nixon's presidential campaign in Connecticut in 1968 and George H.W. Bush's campaign in the same state in 1980.
When Bush stepped down from the presidential race in exchange for the vice presidency on Ronald Reagan's ticket, Baldrige raised funds for Reagan's campaign.
Secretary of Commerce
In 1981, Baldrige was appointed Secretary of Commerce by President Ronald Reagan. He served in this role until his untimely death in 1987.
Tragic Death and Legacy
On July 25, 1987, Baldrige tragically lost his life in a rodeo accident. In October 1988, he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.
Baldrige's legacy continues to live on. The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, established in 1987, recognizes organizations that demonstrate excellence in quality management practices.
