Casey Cowell

Casey was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. In 1976, at the age of 23, he co-founded U.S. Robotics, Inc. He served as Chairman and CEO throughout the company’s history culminating in its merger into 3COM Corporation in 1997, the second largest merger ever in High Tech at that time. Initially a $200 post-college start-up, U.S. Robotics, Inc. became the world’s largest manufacturer of modems and related products that connected computers to the global telephone network. U.S. Robotics was the leading player in every major form factor globally. Its technologies and products included desktop modems, internal PC cards, OEM products for PC manufacturers and massive rack-mount systems connecting online providers including America Online, Prodigy and IBM Global Networks. In addition to a broad array of other products and technologies, U.S. Robotics also brought to market the Palm Pilot, the first highly successful handheld organizer.

Casey has received numerous industry honors including being named one of the 25 Top Managers in the world by Business Week in 1995 and Executive of the Year in 1996 by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Casey has long-standing family ties to the Traverse City area. In 1991 his family moved from the Chicago area to Elk Rapids (near Traverse City) to raise their pre-school age children in a smaller-community environment. He is a long-time supporter of the Interlochen Center for the Arts. He serves on the Board of Trustees of Traverse City based Munson Healthcare Network. He is active in many civic and philanthropic organizations and activities.

Casey earned an A.B. degree in Economics from the University of Chicago.