Sanford McDonnell

Sanford N. McDonnell (October 12, 1922 – March 19, 2012) was an American engineer, businessman, and philanthropist. He was a member of FGBMFI and was associated with McDonnell Douglas Corporation.¹

Born in Little Rock, Arkansas,² McDonnell attended Princeton University, the University of Colorado Boulder, and Washington University in St. Louis, earning bachelor's degrees in economics (1945) and mechanical engineering (1948), and a master's degree in applied mechanics (1954).³

In 1948, McDonnell joined McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, a company founded by his uncle, James S. McDonnell, as a stress engineer. He participated in the development of the F-101 Voodoo and the F-4 Phantom II jet fighters. In 1962, he was named vice president-general manager of all combat aircraft. He became the president of the company, by then McDonnell Douglas Corporation, in 1971, and chief executive officer the following year. Upon the death of James S. McDonnell in 1980, Sanford McDonnell succeeded him as chairman of the board, a role he retained until 1988. He also served as chairman of the board of governors of the Aerospace Industries Association.³