UT Alumnus: Steve Poizner
UT alumnus, Steve Poizner (BSEE '78) has had a successful career as a business consultant, an inventor of life-saving technology, a volunteer public school teacher, the founder of several non-profit organizations supporting improved education for disadvantaged students and as a public servant. Today, Poizner is one of California’s highest-ranking elected officials.
- invented life-saving technology that allowed GPS receivers to be placed in cell phones
- as Director of Critical Infrastructure in the National Security Council, Poizner was tasked with protecting the nation’s network systems and electrical grids against terrorist attacks
- taught in disadvanted high school (refused salary)
- elected to one of California's eight statewide elective offices and now regulates 4th largest insurance market in the world
An inventor and entrepreneur, Poizner developed the cutting-edge technology that allowed GPS receivers to be pla regued into cellular phones. The technology Poizner developed can be found in more than 200 million cell phones around the globe, and has already saved dozens of lives.
After selling his company, he was selected to serve in the non-partisan White House Fellowship program, where he was appointed Director of Critical Infrastructure in the National Security Council. Beginning work just one week before 9/11, Poizner was tasked with protecting the nation’s network systems and electrical grids against terrorist attacks.
After concluding his service in Washington, D.C., Poizner returned to California where he taught government in a disadvantaged high school and refused to accept a salary.
Wanting to continue in public service, Poizner sought election as the state Insurance Commissioner, one of California’s eight statewide elective offices. On the campaign trail, he earned endorsements of more than 35 major newspapers and won the election by more than a million votes. As California’s Insurance Commissioner, Poizner regulates the fourth largest insurance market in the world.
Poizner’s commitment to bettering society is evidenced in his government service and his efforts to improve public education by focusing on under-privileged schools to ensure that every student has the opportunity to receive a quality education. Steve seeks to be an exemplary role model for addressing challenges and seeking to make the impossible possible. During his rise in both business and politics, he has sought to maintain his integrity and values. From his middle-class upbringing in Houston, Texas, he emphasizes to students that goals can be realized with hard work, vision and integrity.
He was also named Named 'Outstanding Male Student at the University of Texas'.
