8/11/2008:
When we picture high powered attorneys or the leaders of America’s many major corporations, we often think of the stereotype presented by Hollywood; a brash twenty something with East Coast roots, fresh out of an Ivy League college. However, as is so often the case, such stereotypes are often inaccurate, and the real version is much more interesting.
Born on August 20, 1942 in Bismarck, North Dakota, Harry Pearce worked his way up the legal and corporate ladder to the pinnacle of the business world as elected chairmen of Hughes Electronics Corporation and vice chairmen and director of General Motors. However, Harry Pearce’s work extends beyond the high stakes corporate boardrooms to philanthropic societies, where Pearce has tirelessly promoted cancer research and increased educational opportunities for minorities.
Pearce earned his Bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1964. Following his military service Pearce began practicing law in Bismarck, eventually establishing his own law firm Pearce & Durick. While working in Bismarck, Pearce established himself as a state leader, serving as municipal judge and assisting in the rewriting of the North Dakota Criminal Code. Pearce’s legal prowess soon caught the attention of General Motors who placed the North Dakotan in charge of worldwide product safety matters. Pearce rose through the ranks of the GM corporation, eventually being named vice chairmen and director of General Motors Board of Directors in 1996, where he lead the effort to encourage GM to pursue ‘clean’ technology and was at the center of GM’s turnaround in the 1990’s.
Even though he retired from General Motors in 2001, Pearce continued to work. He continued his close relationship with Montana-Dakota Utilities, where he was named chairman in 2006. Though more significant is Pearce’s continued charitable efforts. He has spent decades working with numerous charity organizations, has fought hard for better educational opportunities for America’s youth, and is a leader in the fight against cancer.
In recognition of his tireless efforts, in both the board room and at charitable societies, Governor John Hoeven awarded Harry J. Pearce the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award on this day, August 11, 2004. In awarding Mr. Pearce with the award, Hoeven commented that “Harry is a brilliant role model, inspirational business leader and humanitarian who attributes his professional achievement and personal compassion to his North Dakota heritage.” Hoeven continued, “Throughout his career, he has always reached back to his North Dakota roots. He has been a strong advocate and supporter in moving North Dakota’s economic development efforts forward, preserving our quality of life and maintaining our education system as the best in the nation.”
Sources
"Harry J. Pearce", United States Department of the Treasury http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/reports/harry.pdf (accessed July 7, 2008).
"Harry J. Pearce 1942-", State of North Dakota http://www.governor.state.nd.us/awards/rr-gallery/pearce.html (accessed July 7, 2008).
"Hoeven Presents Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award to Harry J. Pearce", State of North Dakota http://governor.nd.gov/media/news-releases/2004/08/040811a.html (accessed July 7, 2008).
"MDU Resources Names Pearce Chairman of the Board", KXnet.com http://www.kxmb.com/t/oil/35029.asp (accessed July 8, 2008).
"Mr Harry J Pearce", Forbes.com LLC http://www.forbes.com/finance/mktguideapps/personinfo/FromPersonIdPersonTearsheet.jhtml?passedPersonId=939194 (accessed July 8, 2008).
Rauschkolb, Dick, "Our Distinquished Graduates: General Ronald R. Fogleman and Mr. Harry J. Pearce", Association of Graduates of the United States Air Force Academy http://www.usafa.org/Heritage/DG/2001DG.pdf (accessed July 7, 2008).