Universty at Albany

Campus Update

Stock Exchange President William Johnston Shares His "Two Worst Days" on Wall Street

Contact(s):  Catherine Herman (518) 956-8150, ([email protected])

Former president of the New York Stock Exchange William R. Johnston will share his unique insight into two of the most compelling days on Wall Street -- the crash of Oct. 19, 1987, and Sept. 11, 2001 -- during a lecture at UAlbany.
Bill Johnston served as New York Stock Exchang president from 1996 until 2002, bookending a career on Wall Street that began in 1964.
ALBANY, N.Y. (November 10, 2008) -- Former president of the New York Stock Exchange William R. Johnston will share his unique insight into two of the most compelling days on Wall Street -- the crash of Oct. 19, 1987, and Sept. 11, 2001 -- with University at Albany students and faculty on Monday, Nov. 17. Sponsored by the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society (ODK), the lecture is hosted by the University at Albany Circle of ODK. Johnston has been a member of the Board of Trustees of Omicron Delta Kappa and is currently serving a second term as president of the ODK Foundation.

Johnston will speak on "My Two Worst Days" Monday, Nov. 17, 2008 at 7 p.m. at the University at Albany Campus Center Ballroom, main campus, 1400 Washington Avenue in Albany.

Bill Johnston served as NYSE president from 1996 until 2002, bookending a career on Wall Street that began in 1964.  Prior to serving as president, he was senior managing director of LaBranche & Co and chairman and CEO of Agora Securities, Inc. which he founded.  During his long career on Wall Street he served on several key Stock Exchange committees, including those addressing market performance and quality of markets. Johnston is also a former director of the NYSE Foundation. He grew up on Wall Street -- his father was a trader, and Johnston recalls making his first trade at age 14.

"Given the recent financial meltdown, it is critical to draw on the historical perspective of distinguished Wall Street leaders, such as Bill Johnston," said UAlbany Business School Dean Donald Siegel. "Bill's talk will be an important educational experience for our students, faculty, and the community."

Johnston is a trustee emeritus of Washington and Lee University, a former board member at Hollins University, and a member of the board of directors of Homeless Solutions.  He lectures frequently throughout the nation on matters associated with leadership and business.

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