Craig Benson

After graduating from Babson College with a Bachelor’s degree in finance, Craig Benson attended Syracuse University where he received his Master of Business Administration in Operations Management. After graduating, Craig Benson co-founded Cabletron Systems, Inc. in 1983 and soon grew the company from a two-man operation into one of the world's leading providers of computer networking solutions. By 1996, Craig Benson and Cabletron Systems, Inc. employed 7,000 workers worldwide, 1,600 engineers, and boasted systems sales in excess of 1.6 billion dollars. In 1997, Cabletron Systems, Inc. recorded profits for 52 consecutive quarters. In his sixteen years at Cabletron Systems, Inc., Craig Benson functioned in many roles including Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Operating Officer. Craig Benson was also Cabletron's Chief Executive Officer for a short time and the company's President from 1998 through 1999. In 1991, Inc. Magazine named Craig Benson Entrepreneur of the Year; four years later, he earned induction into the Academy of Distinguished Entrepreneurs. In 2002, Craig Benson served as Governor of New Hampshire by a large majority based on his campaign commitment to utilize technology to enhance efficiency in state government operations. As Governor, Craig Benson successfully introduced several progressive new initiatives to reform education, healthcare, and government bureaucracy. During his tenure, the CATO Institute recognized Craig Benson as the best newly elected Governor and the second-best Governor in the United States. Since 2005, Craig Benson has been Chief Executive Officer of airPointe Corporation, a private company that provides wireless networking and communication products and solutions. Since October 2007, Craig Benson has also served as a member of the Board of Directors at Sycamore Networks, Inc. In addition, Craig Benson sits on two nonprofit boards and teaches courses on entrepreneurship at Babson College, his alma mater.