Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) News
Printer Friendly VersionBates named new SwRI president
Martin Goland passed away October 29
San Antonio -- November 3, 1997 -- The board of directors of Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) has announced that J. Dan Bates will become the new president of the Institute, effective November 24, 1997.
Bates joined the Institute staff as a systems analyst in 1969 and has served as executive vice president-finance and board secretary since 1991. He becomes only the third president in the 50-year history of SwRI, an independent, nonprofit, applied research and development organization.
For the past 38 years the Institute had been led by Martin Goland, who passed away on Wednesday, October 29. Goland earlier had announced plans to retire in 1998 and was to have become President Emeritus at the Institute's 50th Annual Trustees Meeting on November 24, 1997. Bates will serve as Acting President until that date.
Founded in San Antonio in 1947 by oilman and philanthropist Tom Slick Jr., the Institute's first president was Dr. Harold Vagtborg. He held that post until Goland succeeded him in 1959.
"I have been fortunate to have worked with Martin Goland for the past 28 years," Bates said. "He was a major influence in the development of my management philosophy and my appreciation for the importance of a continuous and diligent pursuit of advanced technology."
Dr. Peter Flawn, SwRI board chairman, said, "Martin Goland
was the architect and engine of Southwest Research Institute for so many years that his
presence will always be with us. But from the platform that Martin built, the Institute
will go forward." Flawn said, "Dan Bates will lead us into the new millennium
with energy and vision."
For more information about Bates' appointment, contact Joe Fohn, Communications Department, Southwest Research Institute, P.O. Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510, Phone (210) 522-4630, Fax (210) 522-3547.
