Daniel D. McCracken was a writer, lecturer, and consultant in the computer industry. Born in 1930, he received a BA in mathematics in 1950 and a BA in chemistry a year later, both from Central Washington University. He worked for General Electric Company from 1951 to 1958, and was director of training in the computer department, 1956-1957. He then returned to school, attending New York University from 1958 to 1959. During this time he also worked in the AEC Computing Center there, and as a consultant in computer programming, writing and training. In 1970 he received a Masters of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary.
McCracken published many books, including an early general textbook on programming, Digital Computer Programming (1957), and one of the first books on Fortran, A Guide to Fortran Programming (1961).
In 1954 McCracken joined the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). In 1974 he became an ACM council member, which he remained until 1982. He served as vice president of ACM from 1976 to 1978, and as president from 1978 to 1980. He was an active and vocal member, and was instrumental in increasing the involvement of ACM in issues of scientific freedom and computer education. He failed in his attempt to change the name of the association, but did make other structural changes to make the organization more democratic. His efforts shaped the much of the policies and priorities of ACM from 1974 through 1980.
From the guide to the Daniel D. McCracken papers, 1958-1983, (University of Minnesota Libraries. Charles Babbage Institute. [cbi])
