William States Lee III
William States Lee III | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1929 Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | Error: Need valid birth date (second date): year, month, day New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation | Corporate executive |
| Years active | 1955–1994 |
| Known for | Co-founder of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations; founding president of the World Association of Nuclear Operators; chairman and CEO of Duke Power Company |
William States Lee III, commonly referred to as Bill Lee (1929 – July 10, 1996), was a prominent American corporate leader at Duke Power Company. He is widely acknowledged as a cofounder of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations and the driving force behind the creation of the World Association of Nuclear Operators. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Henry Laurence Gantt Medal in 1988.
Originating from Charlotte, North Carolina, Lee earned his degree in Civil Engineering from Princeton University, graduating magna cum laude and gaining membership in Phi Beta Kappa. Following his service with the United States Navy's SeaBees, he began his career at Duke Power's engineering division in 1955. Over the years, he climbed the corporate ladder, holding positions such as engineering vice president in 1965, senior vice president of engineering and construction by 1971, executive vice president in 1976, president and COO in 1978, and ultimately chairman and CEO starting in 1982.
In response to the Three Mile Island accident, Lee played a key role in founding the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. Subsequently, after the Chernobyl disaster, he spearheaded the establishment of the World Association of Nuclear Operators and served as its inaugural president. His leadership earned him the title "CEO of the decade" from Financial World magazine in 1989.
Lee concluded his tenure at Duke Power in 1994 and passed away due to cardiac arrest in New York City on July 10, 1996. His enduring impact is commemorated through several honors: the College of Engineering at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte bears his name since 1994; a segment of Interstate 77 north of Charlotte is designated as the "Bill Lee Freeway"; and Duke Energy's William States Lee III Nuclear Generating Station located in South Carolina also carries his name. Additionally, he was a recipient of the North Carolina Award for Public Service in 1988.