Mr. Atlee joined Monsanto’s board in 2000 with little knowledge of plant biotechnology. He quickly became enthusiastic about its scientific and social potential. He graduated from Lynchburg College in Virginia with a degree in biology and chemistry, served three years as an officer in the Marines, and spent 28 years with American Cyanamid Co., retiring as president and chairman. During a shakeup, he became interim president and chief executive officer from December 2002 to May 2003. He retired from the board in 2010 to his home in Arizona. Principal Occupation: Retired President, American. Chairman of the Board of Monsanto Company, 2000-2003; Interim president and chief executive officer, Monsanto Company, December 2002-May 2003; Chair, Advisory Committee, Arizona Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, 2002-2004; President of American Cyanamid Company, a major pharmaceutical company, 1993-January 1995; Chairman of Cyanamid International, 1993-January 1995.
