Neal Patterson

$1.50 B

Ranked #1376 in World

About Neal Patterson

Neal L. Patterson (1949-2017), an influential American businessman and CEO of Cerner Corporation, a leading medical software company, left a significant mark on the finance and sports world. Born and raised on a Kansas farm, Patterson's journey took him from Oklahoma State University to co-founding Cerner in 1979, after a stint at Arthur Andersen and serving in the Army National Guard. A featured CEO for his understanding of Ayn Rand's philosophies and notorious for his rigorous management style, Patterson also co-owned Sporting Kansas City, ensuring its stay in Kansas City. His passing on July 9, 2017, due to soft-tissue cancer marked the end of an era in American business and sports management. His legacy continues to influence CEOs and sports team owners alike, making him a prominent figure in discussions around leadership, shareholder value, and team management.

Born

December 10, 1949 in Anthony, Kansas

Died

July 09, 2017 (aged 67)

Source Of Wealth

Health IT

Industries

Technology

Citizenship

United States

Education

Bachelor of Arts / Science, Oklahoma State University; Master of Business Administration, Oklahoma State University

Neal L. Patterson was born on January 1, 1949, in South Central Kansas, near Manchester, Oklahoma. He grew up on a family farm and developed a strong work ethic at an early age. Patterson attended Oklahoma State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1971 and a master's degree in 1972.

Neal Patterson: Family

Neal Patterson was married to his wife, Nancy, and had two children, Neal Jr. and Jennifer. He was a devoted family man and enjoyed spending time with his loved ones.

Neal Patterson: Career Highlights

After working at Arthur Andersen, Neal Patterson co-founded Cerner Corporation in 1979 with colleagues Cliff Illig and Paul Gorup. Cerner became a leading provider of medical software solutions, and Patterson served as its CEO for many years. He was also the owner of Sporting Kansas City soccer team.

Neal Patterson: Companies

Neal Patterson was associated with the following companies:

Cerner Corporation
Sporting Kansas City

Neal Patterson: Major Achievements

Under Neal Patterson's leadership, Cerner Corporation grew into a multi-billion dollar company. He was recognized for his innovative leadership and was named fourth on Forbes' list of "America's Best-Performing Bosses" in 2010.

Neal Patterson: Awards & Achievements

Neal Patterson received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the healthcare industry and business community, including:

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Kansas City Business Journal's Lifetime Achievement Award
Oklahoma State University Distinguished Alumni Award

Neal Patterson: Personal Life & Legacy

Neal Patterson was known for his strong work ethic, dedication to his family, and passion for soccer. He was a respected leader and mentor in the business community and left a lasting legacy through his contributions to the healthcare industry.

Neal Patterson: Trivia

Neal Patterson was featured in a USA Today article about CEOs who have knowledge of Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged." He was also a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at Oklahoma State University.

Patterson gained notoriety for an email scolding managers for not coming to work before 8 am and leaving before 5 pm, which is often used as an example in email netiquette discussions.

Wealth History

Timeline

1949

Neal L. Patterson is born.

1971

Patterson earns a bachelor's degree from Oklahoma State University.

1972

Patterson earns a master's degree from Oklahoma State University.

1979

Patterson co-founds Cerner Corporation with Cliff Illig and Paul Gorup.

2006

Patterson is part of a group that purchases Sporting Kansas City (then known as Kansas City Wizards), keeping the team in the Kansas City area.

2010

Patterson is named fourth on Forbes' list of "America's Best-Performing Bosses" based on shareholder value relative to compensation.

July 9, 2017

Patterson passes away due to complications from soft-tissue cancer.

Neal Patterson : FAQs

What is Neal Patterson's net worth?

As of 2017, Neal Patterson's net worth was $1.50 billion.

What are Neal Patterson's main sources of wealth?

Neal Patterson's main source of income comes from Health IT.

In which industry does Neal Patterson primarily operate?

Neal Patterson is primarily involved in the Technology industry.

What is Neal Patterson educational background?

Neal Patterson holds a Bachelor of Arts / Science from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma State University.

Is Neal Patterson dead?

Yes, Neal Patterson died on July 09, 2017 (aged 67).

How many children does Neal Patterson have?

Neal Patterson has 4 children.

Who was Neal L. Patterson and what was he famous for?

Neal L. Patterson was an American businessman renowned for being the CEO of Cerner Corporation, a leading medical software company, and the owner of the Sporting Kansas City soccer team.

What contributions did Neal L. Patterson make to the tech and sports industries?

Patterson significantly impacted the tech industry through his leadership at Cerner Corporation, advancing medical software technology. In sports, he contributed by owning and supporting Sporting Kansas City, ensuring the team's presence in Kansas City.

What is Neal L. Patterson's background and early life?

Patterson grew up on a family farm in South Central Kansas, earned both bachelor's and master's degrees from Oklahoma State University, and worked at Arthur Andersen before co-founding Cerner Corporation in 1979.

How did Neal L. Patterson's management style and achievements stand out?

Patterson was known for his knowledge of Ayn Rand's 'Atlas Shrugged,' a direct communication style exemplified by a widely discussed email regarding work ethics, and was ranked fourth on Forbes' list of 'America's Best-Performing Bosses' in 2010.

What were the circumstances around Neal L. Patterson's death?

Neal L. Patterson passed away on July 9, 2017, due to complications from soft-tissue cancer, a condition he had been previously treated for.