Paul Carnahan*
Class of 1965
- Chairman of the Board National Steel Corporation
My formula for success is hard work, ambition, and a belief in the American system of opportunity.
Born in Racine, Ohio, in 1904, Paul Carnahan was orphaned at age 14. He moved to Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, as a child and went to work at age 16 as a collector for an insurance company. Subsequently, he worked as a substation attendant for a traction company.
Carnahan got his start in the steel industry at Bethlehem Steel Corp. In 1933, he joined Great Lakes Steel Corp as a mill operator. His ability and determination to succeed were apparent, and promotions followed rapidly. In 10 years, he became mill superintendent.
By 1954, he was president of Great Lakes Steel. Carnahan was National Steel's president from 1961 to late 1963 before becoming its vice chairman. He was named chairman and CEO in 1964.