James Goodnight

$12.22 B

Ranked #241 in World

About James Goodnight

James Howard Goodnight, co-founder and CEO of the SAS Institute since 1976, holds the distinction of North Carolina's wealthiest individual with a net worth of $7.4 billion as of April 2023. An alumnus of North Carolina State University with a PhD in statistics, Goodnight was intrinsic in developing SAS, a groundbreaking statistical analysis system. Under his stewardship, SAS Institute has thrived, championing a unique corporate ethos while resisting acquisitions and remaining private. Beyond business, Goodnight is an advocate for education and an active community member in Cary, North Carolina.

Born

January 06, 1943 in Salisbury, North Carolina, U.S.

Age

83 years

Source Of Wealth

Software

Industries

Technology

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Cary, North Carolina

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, North Carolina State University; Doctorate, North Carolina State University; Master of Science, North Carolina State University

Spouse

Ann Goodnight

Children

James Howard Goodnight, an American billionaire businessman and software developer, was born on January 6, 1943, in Salisbury, North Carolina. Growing up, he worked at his father's hardware store, instilling a strong work ethic from a young age. His passion for computer science led him to pursue his education at North Carolina State University, where he became a member of the Beta-Beta chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon.

James Goodnight: Family

Goodnight has been happily married to his wife, Ann, for approximately five decades, and together they have raised three children. Family has always been a top priority for Goodnight, and he actively supports their well-being and education.

James Goodnight: Career Highlights

Goodnight's career took a significant turn when he joined a research project at North Carolina State University to develop a general-purpose statistical analysis system (SAS) for analyzing agricultural data. His expertise and leadership led him to become the project leader for the early version of SAS. In 1976, Goodnight, along with three other colleagues, left the university to establish SAS Institute, revolutionizing the field of data analytics.

As the CEO of SAS Institute for over 35 years, Goodnight oversaw the company's remarkable growth from a humble startup with $138,000 in revenue during its first year to a multi-billion dollar enterprise generating $2.43 billion by 2010. His unwavering commitment to SAS' unique corporate culture, often described as "utopian," has been instrumental in the company's success.

Goodnight's leadership style emphasizes intellectual challenge, creativity, and customer engagement. He has consistently rejected acquisition offers and chosen not to go public, prioritizing the protection of SAS' work environment and maintaining a flat organizational structure where approximately 27 people report directly to him.

James Goodnight: Companies

Goodnight's entrepreneurial spirit and expertise in data analytics led to the establishment of SAS Institute in 1976. As the CEO, he has been the driving force behind the company's growth and success, transforming it into a global leader in business intelligence, analytics, and data management software.

In addition to SAS Institute, Goodnight has also been involved in other business ventures.

He owns Prestonwood Country Club, a prestigious golf club in Cary, North Carolina, and The Umstead Hotel and Spa, a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Cary.

James Goodnight: Major Achievements

Goodnight's contributions to the field of data analytics have been widely recognized and celebrated. He has received numerous accolades, including the North Carolina Award for Science in 2002, the North Carolina Technology Association's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003, and the Horatio Alger Award in 2010.

Goodnight's leadership and vision have also been instrumental in shaping the Cary community. He co-founded Cary Academy, an independent prep school, with his wife and business partner, demonstrating his commitment to improving education. His involvement in local initiatives and his ownership of Prestonwood Country Club and The Umstead Hotel and Spa have further contributed to the growth and prosperity of Cary.

James Goodnight: Awards & Achievements

Goodnight's exceptional contributions have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards and honors. Some notable accolades include:

North Carolina Award for Science (2002)
North Carolina Technology Association's Lifetime Achievement Award (2003)
Horatio Alger Award (2010)
North Carolina Business Hall of Fame inductee (2012)
Ellis Island Medal of Honor (2013)
National Medal of Technology and Innovation (2016)

James Goodnight: Personal Life & Legacy

Goodnight is deeply committed to improving education, particularly at the elementary and secondary levels. His passion for education led him to co-found Cary Academy, an independent prep school, with his wife and business partner. He actively engages in the local community of Cary, North Carolina, contributing to its growth and development.

Goodnight's legacy extends beyond his business achievements. He is known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting various educational institutions and initiatives. His dedication to fostering intellectual growth and innovation has left a lasting impact on the community and beyond.

James Goodnight: Trivia

Goodnight's net worth is estimated at US$7.4 billion as of April 2023, making him the richest person in North Carolina.

He worked as a software programmer for the agricultural economics department during summers while studying at North Carolina State University.
Goodnight is known for his love of golf and is an avid golfer.
He is a strong advocate for environmental conservation and sustainability.
Goodnight is a private individual who rarely gives interviews or appears in public.

Wealth History

Timeline

January 6, 1943

James Howard Goodnight is born in Salisbury, North Carolina.

1968

Goodnight earns a master's degree in statistics from North Carolina State University.

1972-1976

Goodnight is a faculty member in the statistics department at North Carolina State University.

1976

Goodnight co-founds SAS Institute with three other faculty members from North Carolina State University.

1976-present

Goodnight serves as the CEO of SAS Institute.

2010

SAS Institute reaches $2.43 billion in revenue.

April 2023

Goodnight's net worth is estimated at US$7.4 billion, making him the richest person in North Carolina.

James Goodnight : FAQs

What is James Goodnight's current net worth?

James Goodnight's current net worth is $12.22 billion.

What is James Goodnight's current global rank among billionaires?

James Goodnight holds the 241st position globally among billionaires.

What is James Goodnight's current ranking within the United States?

James Goodnight holds the 96th position in United States.

What was the change in James Goodnight's net worth compared to the previous year?

James Goodnight's net worth decreased by 2.62 billion dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 14.84 billion dollars.

What are James Goodnight's main sources of wealth?

James Goodnight's main source of income comes from Software.

In which industry does James Goodnight primarily operate?

James Goodnight is primarily involved in the Technology industry.

What is James Goodnight educational background?

James Goodnight holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from North Carolina State University, a Doctorate from North Carolina State University and a Master of Science from North Carolina State University.

How old is James Goodnight?

James Goodnight is 83 years old.

How many children does James Goodnight have?

James Goodnight has 3 children.

Who is James Howard Goodnight and what is his claim to fame?

James Howard Goodnight is an American billionaire businessman and software developer, best known as the CEO of SAS Institute since 1976. He co-founded the company with faculty members from North Carolina State University.

What influenced James Goodnight's early life and career before SAS Institute?

James Goodnight was born in Salisbury, North Carolina and had an early introduction to business working at his father's hardware store. He pursued computer science at North Carolina State University, worked as a software programmer, joined a fraternity, and later contributed to the Apollo space project before returning to NC State to complete his PhD in statistics.

How did James Goodnight lead the growth of SAS Institute from its inception?

James Goodnight led SAS Institute from its first year revenue of $138,000 to $2.43 billion by 2010. As CEO, he fostered a unique corporate culture, rejected acquisition offers, maintained a flat management structure, and emphasized intellectual challenge and customer engagement.

How does James Goodnight contribute to the community and his personal interests?

James Goodnight has a committed personal life, married to his wife Ann for around 50 years and a father of three. He actively supports education initiatives, co-founding Cary Academy and is engaged in his local community in Cary, North Carolina, owning properties like Prestonwood Country Club and The Umstead Hotel and Spa.