Date of Birth: January 6, 1943
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Biography
James Goodnight is an American businessman and software engineer, best known as the co-founder and CEO of SAS Institute, a leading analytics software company. Born on January 6, 1943, in Salisbury, North Carolina, Goodnight showed an early interest in mathematics and computing. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from North Carolina State University (NCSU) in 1965, followed by a Master’s degree in 1968, and a Ph.D. in statistics in 1972 from the same institution. Goodnight began his career as a faculty member at NCSU, where he co-authored several papers on statistical analysis. In 1976, he co-founded SAS Institute with fellow NCSU faculty member Anthony James Barr. Under Goodnight’s leadership, SAS grew from a small academic project into one of the world’s largest privately-held software companies, known for its powerful analytics, business intelligence, and data management solutions. Goodnight is renowned for his innovative management style and commitment to creating a positive work environment. SAS is frequently listed among the best companies to work for due to its employee-friendly policies, including on-site healthcare, daycare, and fitness centers.
5 Interesting Facts about James Goodnight
1. James Goodnight is a member of the American Statistical Association.
2. He is known for his philanthropy, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare.
3. SAS Institute was initially started as a project to analyze agricultural data.
4. Goodnight has been a strong advocate for the use of analytics in improving business processes and decision-making.
5. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to technology and business, including being inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from James Goodnight
1. “Treat employees like they make a difference and they will.”
2. “Innovation is the key to success in the software industry.”
3. “Analytics is the nerve center of today’s business environment.”
4. “It’s not about the money. It’s about the people you have, how you’re led, and how much you get it.”
5. “We must ensure that every child has access to a high-quality education.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
James Goodnight’s highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $9.6 billion.
Children
James Goodnight has three children: two daughters, Ann Goodnight and Leah Goodnight, and one son, Jim Goodnight Jr.
Relevant Links
1. [Forbes Profile](https://www.forbes.com/profile/james-goodnight/
2. [SAS Institute Official Website](https://www.sas.com/en_us/home.html
3. [American Academy of Arts and Sciences](https://www.amacad.org/
4. [North Carolina State University](https://www.ncsu.edu/
5. [American Statistical Association](https://www.amstat.org/
