Nathan C. Thompson is the founder of Spectra Logic Corporation and has served as chief executive officer and chairman since the company's establishment in 1979. Under Thompson's direction, Spectra Logic became the world's leading provider of automated AIT storage tape libraries, and leveraged that innovation to enter the 1/2" market. He received an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Colorado, College of Engineering, in 1983. Today, Thompson is a recognized leader in the storage industry, having authored numerous articles on the art and science of backup. Thompson is a member and director of Young President’s Organization (YPO) and serves on two University of Colorado boards: the CU Business School Demming Center board and the University of Colorado Engineering advisory board. In 1996, Ernst & Young and USA Today named him Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2003, Thompson was awarded the Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award (DEAA) from the University of Colorado.