Vinton Gray "Vint" Cerf (/ˈsɜrf/; born June 23, 1943) is an American internet pioneer, who is recognized as one of "the fathers of the Internet", sharing this title with American engineer Bob Kahn. His contributions have been acknowledged and lauded, repeatedly, with honorary degrees and awards that include the National Medal of Technology, the Turing Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Marconi Prize and membership in the National Academy of Engineering.In the early days, Cerf was a manager for the United States Department of Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) funding various groups to develop TCP/IP technology. When the Internet began to transition to a commercial opportunity during the late 1980s, Cerf moved to MCI where he was instrumental in the development of the first commercial email system (MCI Mail) connected to the Internet.Cerf was instrumental in the funding and formation of ICANN from the start. He waited in the wings for a year before he stepped forward to join the ICANN Board, eventually becoming chairman. He was elected as the president of the Association for Computing Machinery in May 2012, and in August 2013 he joined the Council on CyberSecurity's Board of Advisors.Cerf is also known for his sartorial style, typically appearing in three-piece suit—a rarity in an industry known for its casual dress norms.
Turing Award, Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering
Star Sign
Cancer
#
Quote
1
Sleep is a waste of time.
#
Fact
1
His personal interests include fine wine, gourmet cooking, and science fiction.
2
Was named one of the 25 Most Intriguing People by People Magazine in 1994.
3
Widely known as one of the "Fathers of the Internet" (he is the co-designer of the TCP/IP protocols and the architecture of the Internet).
4
Married to Sigrid since 1966. They have two sons, David and Bennett.
5
Senior Vice President, Technology Strategy, MCI, Virginia, USA. [August 2005]
6
"Chief Internet Evangelist" for Google, Inc. (Left MCI in September of 2005) [March 2006]
7
Is a cousin of Bennett Cerf, the founder of "Random House", the publishing company. Bennett Cerf was also known for his many years on What's My Line? (1950).