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McKinley Conway
BASIC BIODATA

Born November 1, 1920, at Hackleburg, Alabama, USA. Married September 17, 1942 to Rebecca Kellam. Two children: Linda and Laura. Two grandchildren, Adam and Piper.

At age 15 entered Georgia Tech. At age 20 received two engineering degrees (General Engineering, and Aeronautical Engineering).

Received pilot’s license 1940. During WWII assigned as Ensign, USNR, NAS Moffet Field Calif. working with experimental aircraft Postwar served as Lt., Naval Research Reserve Unit, at GeorgiaTech.

Following graduation joined staff of NACA/NASA at Langley laboratory in Virgina. Later served 3 years at Ames laboratory in California, and 3 years at HQ office in Washington. Served as secretary of the NACA/NASA committee on aircraft materials and the special subcommittee on gas turbines.

On leaving NACA/NASA was appointed director of the Southern Association of Science and Industry, a 15 state organization seeking to promote the economic development of the region by introducing scientific programs. In this capacity was the key architect of the program which during the 1950s laid the groundwork for transforming the South from a poverty-stricken agricultural area to a world center of high-technology activities.

Finding himself increasingly sought as an information source, Conway then launched a small consulting and publishing business which is now Conway Data, Inc. During several decades he has led this firm to establish many firsts:

• First magazine in the development field, 1954. (Site Selection)
• First professional organization, 1961. (International Development Research Council – IDRC).
• First research foundation, 1983. (Industrial Development Research Foundation)
• First electronic network, 1983. (SiteNet).
• First global super projects forum, 1991. (World Development Federation).