Bio
Howard Malcolm “Mac” Baldrige Jr. (1922–1987) was an American businessman and politician who served as the U.S. Secretary of Commerce from 1981 until his death in 1987. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, to a political family, he attended The Hotchkiss School and Yale University. After serving as a captain in the U.S. Army during World War II, Baldrige began a career in manufacturing, rising to become the chairman and CEO of Scovill, Inc., where he successfully transformed the company.
Baldrige was appointed Secretary of Commerce by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, where he played a key role in shaping U.S. trade policy. He led initiatives to improve trade relations with China, India, and the Soviet Union, while also spearheading efforts to combat unfair trade practices and reform antitrust laws. His work was instrumental in passing the Export Trading Company Act of 1982, and his management reforms within the Commerce Department resulted in significant budget reductions.
An avid cowboy, Baldrige was also a professional rodeo competitor, earning accolades such as the PRCA’s Rodeo Man of the Year in 1981. His passion for quality management led to the creation of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, recognizing excellence in American business practices.
Baldrige tragically died in a rodeo accident in 1987, and was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1988. His legacy includes the NOAA research ship named after him and his lasting influence on American commerce and management practices.
