Donald L. Calvin, Founder and head of ISEEE, passed away on July 9, 2015
by ISEEE blog admin
Donald L. Calvin, Founder and head of International Stock Exchange Executives Emeriti, Inc. (ISEEE), passed away on July 9, 2015 after a short illness. He was 83.
Through his consulting firm, International Business Enterprises, Inc., Don was an advisor to many leaders in the financial services field around the world. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Stock Exchange until 2007. Don spent a significant part of his career at the New York Stock Exchange, rising to become a member of the Office of the Chairman and Executive Vice President. He retired from the NYSE in January 1987. Prior to joining the NYSE in 1964, Don had been a syndicate manager with the Chicago investment bank A.C. Allyn & Co, after becoming Securities Commissioner of the State of Illinois at age 26. Don attended Eastern Illinois University as an undergraduate, and obtained his law degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. Don was a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps during the time of the Korean Conflict.
During his 23 years at the NYSE, Don was involved in the many changes that occurred in the securities industry during that time, such as the abolition of fixed brokerage commissions, the changes in the governance structure of the NYSE in the 1970’s, the implementation of the national market system dictated by the 1975 amendments to the Securities Exchange Act, and the formation of The Depository Trust Company (DTC), with Don serving as the NYSE representative on the DTC board for a number of years. Don was proud of the positive relationships he was able to maintain with the Commissioners and staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission during these often-contentious times. Don is one of the financial market influencers included in the oral history project of the SEC Historical Society (click here for the transcript of his interview).
One of Don’s contributions to the business of the NYSE was his creation of the system of advisory committees, comprised of major influencers from various segments important to the Exchange. The International Advisory Committee, for example, enabled the NYSE to establish relationships with chief executives of large non-U.S companies, many of which ultimately listed on the Exchange.
Don was also involved on behalf of the NYSE with the FIBV, the global trade organization of stock exchanges (now the WFE). This afforded him exposure to many exchange chief executives, a number of whom became his advisory clients following his retirement from the NYSE.
Don continued to bring together international influencers by founding the ISEEE in 2009. It is a global educational organization of those who have held senior executive positions at, or been advisors to, stock or derivative exchanges. ISEEE facilitates the exchange of information among experts in finance and financial regulation, technology, and exchange management and operation.
Don’s wife of 64 years, Louise, accompanied him on many of his overseas travels when meeting members of the global financial community and their spouses, which helped to fortify these relationships. In addition to Louise, Don is survived by his brother Kenneth, daughters Jane and Sally, and four grandchildren. Don was predeceased by his brother Robert and his son-in-law, Frank Salvaterra.
It was of a great loss to miss such a person like Don. on both work and personal basis, Don was as a back stone whether to the ISEEE or for me.
I wish his soul rest in peace and my deep condolences for Louise and all family.
Don combined being a leader and an inspiration with being a good friend and coach. I much appreciated his warm welcomes to ISEEE (and to well-loved haunts in New York in 2014), as well as his standards and humour. Sincere condolences to Louise, family and his very many friends, he is very much missed.
We’ve lost a long time friend and colleague. During all those years, we have seen Don (and Louise) more often than some of our next door neighbours. And it was always delightful to see them, be in a conference or be it at their home in Shelter Island. We loved this place and particularly the garden. The “Meier maze” still seems to be in place. – Thanks Don for so much you have been doing!
Margrit and Richard Meier, Switzerland
Don was a friend and a mentor. I am truly sorry for Louise, Sally, and the rest of his family’s loss. There are not many people with the kindness, wisdom, and experience of Don…and I am truly grateful to have known and worked with him. He’s changed the way I look at and approach the world.
Deep condolences to his family and very many, many friends all of the world.
Dustin and Jihan Watkins, London
No one can replace Don either for the ISEEE or his global world of family and friends. Having assumed the Chairmanship of the group with the great help of Jim Duffy and others, I am becoming much more aware for all he did for ISEEE and to help the broader financial community.
There will not be another Don, my friend and fellow US Marine Officer. He will be missed as a core group of us try to continue his great work to benefit all who use investments to better their lives and those of their families.
Don was supported by and supported a wonderful and loving family.
Semper Fi, Don.
I first met Don Calvin at the outset of my engagement with the Federation Internationale des Bourses de Valeurs. I am forever grateful for his welcome and mentorship back then and the lasting friendship. It’s very hard to picture a world without Don, without his drive and energy, his encouragement, easy manner and camaraderie and, very much not least, humour. I am among the legion that will truly miss him.