Mr. Stearns was former Chairman of Judson Infrared, Inc. as well as founder and President of Charter Financial Company. Mr. Stearns was a former Group Vice President of the Fidelity Bank (now Wells Fargo) prior to establishing Charter Financial, Co., a financial consulting firm. Born in New York City, Mr. Stearns grew up in New England, and graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy, Harvard University and Harvard Business School. He was predeceased in 2012 by his wife Virginia after sharing nearly 64 years in marriage. He was likewise predeceased by two children, Elizabeth in 1969 and John in 1997. He is survived by three daughters, Ginny, Barbara and Kathy and four grandchildren, Gianna, Amy, Mark and Christopher.