Alan Kellog McAdams

McAdams, Alan Kellog

Alan Kellog McAdams of 2 The Byway, Ithaca, NY, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2013 after a short illness. He was 83. Alan was born in Houston, TX in 1930 to Luther Lewis McAdams and Marion Gordon McAdams. He married Ann Wheaton Svensson in 1956. He and Ann recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. Alan graduated from Yale University in 1952. After participating in the Naval ROTC Program at Yale, he served four years on the USS Gatling, and was engaged in the Korean conflict. He then served four years in the Active Reserves as he earned, courtesy of the GI Bill, his MBA and PhD in Economics at Stanford University. Secondary to his love for his family, he was devoted to Cornell University, where he taught for 50 years. In 1960 Dr. McAdams arrived in Ithaca to teach managerial economics. Over his tenure at what is now the Johnson Graduate School of Management he taught a broad spectrum of innovative courses. Throughout his career his research focused on enhancing American competitiveness. His work influenced emerging technologies in areas vital to the global economy, such as flat panel displays, high-speed fiber-optic networks, and sustainable development, to name a few. His sympathies lay with the underdog and the legitimate role of government in ensuring an even playing field. He retired in 2010 as professor emeritus. In the early 1970's he was a visiting associate professor at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, followed by an appointment as a senior staff economist on the President's Counsel of Economic Advisors. His areas of responsibility there included the economics of antitrust policy, regulation of telecommunications and other industries, pollution control, and science and technology policy. These issues continued to engage him throughout his life. From 1972 to 1981 he was chief economist, expert witness, and consultant to the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice in United States v. International Business Machines. In 1990 he was a visiting fellow at the Economic Strategy Institute. A Lifetime Member of the IEEE (Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers), Professor McAdams provided valuable insights for setting national policy regarding the development of the telecommunications industry. Over the years he testified frequently before Congress on these issues. His publications include books, monographs, white papers, invited journal articles, and others. In 1996 and in 1998 Johnson School graduates selected him for the Russell Distinguished Teaching Award. This honor was especially meaningful to him. He is survived by his wife and three sons: Alan Kellogg McAdams Jr., Jeffrey Chisholm McAdams (Katia Kubicek), and Kendall Gordon McAdams. He is also survived by his brother, Kenneth George McAdams; his granddaughter, Miranda McAdams; Miranda's mother, Donna Holt; his grandson, Gideon McAdams; his brother-in-law, Eric Svensson; and many treasured nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his son, Lee Svensson McAdams, and two brothers, Gordon Luther McAdams and Randall Hale McAdams. His family will remember him for how well he cared for them with his steadfast heart, strength, and humor. They are grateful to Dr. John Costello and the health care professionals at Cayuga Medical Center, Classen Home Health Associates, and Hospicare. A family memorial service to celebrate his life will be arranged.