William R Johnston

Bill Johnston served as NYSE president from 1996 until 2002, bookending a career on Wall Street that began in 1964. Prior to serving as president, he was senior managing director of LaBranche & Co and chairman and CEO of Agora Securities, Inc. which he founded. During his long career on Wall Street he served on several key Stock Exchange committees, including those addressing market performance and quality of markets. Johnston is also a former director of the NYSE Foundation. He grew up on Wall Street -- his father was a trader, and Johnston recalls making his first trade at age 14. Johnston is a trustee emeritus of Washington and Lee University, a former board member at Hollins University, and a member of the board of directors of Homeless Solutions. He lectures frequently throughout the nation on matters associated with leadership and business.