Mark Gorton
Creator of LimeWire; Serial Entrepreneur
Mark Gorton, the founder of a series of innovative financial.
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Full Bio
Mark Gorton, the founder of a series of innovative financial and technology companies, is a leading advocate for alternative transportation and livable streets.
He is the founder of Tower Research Capital LLC, a money management firm specializing in quantitative trading and investment strategies, as well as the founder of Lime Brokerage LLC, Lime Wire LLC, Lime Labs LLC, and OpenPlans.
Prior to creating these companies, Mark pursued a career in electrical engineering followed by a career in finance. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Yale University, a M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, and a MBA from Harvard University.
Mark’s involvement with urban issues began officially when he founded OpenPlans in 1999. OpenPlans is a non-profit technology organization focused on open government and livable streets. Mark founded OpenPlans after realizing the incredible potential of the open source movement to create tools that catalyze civic engagement. OpenPlans approaches its mission with two primary initiatives: open source software development and journalism.
Through ongoing projects such as OpenTripPlanner and OpenGeo as well as custom built solutions and advocacy, the software team at OpenPlans is helping cities to share their data and engage citizens in the civic process. OpenPlans also houses three important news outlets that focus on urban issues: Streetsblog, Sreetfilms, and Gotham Schools.
In 2005 Mark founded the New York City Streets Renaissance campaign in partnership with the Project for Public Spaces and Transportation Alternatives. The campaign launched with a public exhibition, “Livable Streets: A New Vision for New York,” at the Municipal Arts Society. The exhibition highlighted the potential of public plazas, pedestrian areas, and bike lanes to transform dangerous and traffic clogged streets into safer, more dynamic public spaces.
The impact of the NYCSR campaign on New York streets has been truly impressive. The exhibition, subsequent demonstration projects, and reporting on Streetsblog and Streetfilms, created a demand for innovation that eventually led to the appointment of a new commissioner at DOT in 2007 and the implementation of livable streets initiatives throughout the city.
Through his philanthropy, his leadership at OpenPlans, and his public and media appearances, Mark Gorton continues to advocate for alternative transportation, livable streets, and open government. He lives on the Upper West Side and bikes regularly to his offices in Lower Manhattan.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
An Evening With Mark Gorton
Videos
Letting Citizens Redesign Their Streets: Mark Gorton Talks with Amsterdam’s Rocco Piers
Mark Gorton Rethinking the Automobile - Entire Presentation
Books
News
Testimonials
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