Addison M. Fischer

Dr. Addison M. Fischer created his first high-tech startup company in 1973, and has been involved in seed venture capital investing since the early 1980s. He founded Fischer International Systems Corp. and serves as its chairman. As major owner of RSA Data Security, he founded VeriSign, the internationally recognized standard of Internet commerce integrity.

During the 1980s and 1990s he was a member of official committees that set U.S. standards for computer security and electronic commerce. In addition to his business interests, he is involved in preserving the environment, resources, health, and freedom. He also works with numerous organizations to reduce climate change. In 2005, Fischer began supporting and working closely with Dr. Jane Goodall and her worldwide conservation efforts. He presently serves as a board member of the Jane Goodall Institute. He received a degree in mathematics and an honorary doctorate from WVU.