Nat Ross, 96, veteran direct marketer and educator, died on Aug. 25.
Ross was inducted in 1984 into the Direct Marketing Association's Hall of Fame, and his contributions also were recognized by the Direct Marketing Educational Foundation in 1978. Ross was the second recipient of the Foundation's highest award, the Edward N. Mayer, Jr. Award for Educational Leadership.
H. Robert Wientzen, president/CEO of The DMA, said. “Nat Ross was truly one of direct marketing's greats and his contributions to our field are immeasurable. His legacy will live on in the thousands of professionals whom he helped educate.”
Wientzen said that Nat was widely known as a pioneer in direct marketing education, having been among the very first educators to develop a formal direct marketing curriculum.
“His direct marketing introductory course at New York University helped educate thousands of industry professionals,” said Wientzen. NYU's Center for Direct Marketing continues to offer an introduction to the discipline known as “The Nat Ross Course.” The center's library was named in honor of Ross's work and contribution to education.
Ross was also the founder of the Direct Marketing Idea Exchange (DMIX), a monthly discussion group for leaders in the industry, which has met for more than 30 years. In addition, The Nat Ross Idea Exchange Roundtable Breakfast Series held yearly at the DMA Annual Conference was the brainchild of Ross, whose ideas enriched the industry and The DMA throughout his long career.
