Speaker

The speaker for Aggie Muster 2008 is Dr. John A. Adams, Jr. '73
Please read the biography below about a few of Dr. Adams accomplishments.

John A. Adams ‘73 serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) – the public-private partnership responsible for leading Florida’s statewide economic development efforts. EFI’s mission is to diversify Florida’s economy, attract foreign direct investment and enhance better-paying jobs for its citizens by supporting the creation of businesses in innovative, high-growth industries.
During his career in business, banking and economic development, Adams served as executive director and CEO of the Laredo Development Foundation in Texas. With a focus on strategic planning and marketing the region, Adams made strides toward fostering cross-border partnerships among local, regional and state economic development organizations, as well as pursuing workforce training, legislative advocacy and site selection inventory initiatives. He provided leadership and expertise in economic development and international trade for several commercial banking and financial institutions, to include a broad cross section of endeavors to enhance market entry strategies, export financing, and trade facilitation.
Adams’ background includes broad civic involvement and service to higher education and government, including an appointment to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Industry Trade Advisory Council for trade policy review, which he chaired from 2000-2005. His leadership resulted in a range of honors and awards, including the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Exporter of the Year, for which he was recognized by President Ronald Reagan at a White House Rose Garden ceremony in May 1988. He also has served in leadership roles on the Board Trade Alliance, South Texas Workforce Board, Space Florida and a variety of trade and professional organizations. Adams has authored eight books regarding international trade, economic development, and history.
Adams received his Bachelors Degree, Masters Degree, and PhD all from Texas A&M University in 1973, 1976, and 1987, respectively. While a student at A&M, he was a member of the Corps of Cadets, Squadron 1, where he served as his outfit’s Guideon Bearer, First Sergeant, and Commanding Officer. Adams was also a member of the Ross Volunteer Firing Squad and was the feature writer for the Battalion in 1974-1975. After graduating with his Masters Degree in 1976, Adams continued serving Texas A&M as an Assistant to the Commandant of the Corps, President of the Brazos County A&M Club and as a member of the Texas A&M University Centennial Committee. Later, he used his experience in the Corps of Cadets serving our country as a Captain in the United States Air Force.
Perhaps what he is known best for in Aggieland are the books he has written documenting Aggie history. Notably, Adams has written We Are the Aggies (1979), Softly Call the Muster (1994), and Keepers of the Sprit (2001).