Oliver J. DeSofi
Born in Cuba. Educated in Germany. After World War II was a teenage spy for the USA in Soviet occupied East Germany. After 2 years of these clandestine activities, returned to his native Cuba. Continued his education at the University of Havana. Earned a B.S. in Mathematics and Physics, post graduate in Agronomy, University of Havana. Graduated in "Profession of Management" and attended many IBM technical courses from 1960 through 1986.
Prior to Castro’s takeover, arrived in US with limited resources. Started at American Airlines as a Financial Analyst and was one of few selected for his employer’s new Data Processing organization to develop and implement the first commercial real-time system in the world, American Airlines famous SABRE system; the foundation of the current on-line systems. Concurrently, worked for the FBI as an undercover operative exposing Castro inspired activities. By the end of the sixties, American Airlines selected him to head up the SABRE organization.
Recruited by the banking industry to recreate a similar computer environment using his innovative and technically challenging concepts. Became a top bank executive at one of the 10th largest banks in the world. Implemented two on-line systems simultaneously and in record time, an effort recognized by IBM and other industry leaders as a unique accomplishment. Recruited by a Computer Services Co. as their President & CEO. Retired at age 56 to enter the medical field to become a professional caregiver for his wife who suffered from the severest form of Multiple Sclerosis. Right after the first Gulf War, Arab National Bank in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia asked him to accept the position as their COO and Chief Technologist in order to implement a state of the art on-line banking system in the kingdom. From 1994 forward did part-time work and attended and participated in Board of Director efforts for several companies until his wife Phyllis passed away in 2010 succumbing to her disease. As a result of his professional achievements, was and still is listed in Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in Science and Engineering and Who’s Who in Finance and Industry. Many articles have been written about his work and he has given speeches around the world.
He published his autobiography titled Intrigue, Capitalism, Love – My true Story. His book covers many historical events and readers have been amazed by the life one man can lead. Things like this do not only happen in the movies. One person CAN make a difference! Based on his professional caregiver experience over a period of 24 years solid, he published a second book titled Caregiving – My Story – Your Guide, identified by a number of newspaper articles as a MUST read book for patients and caregivers. Since October of 2010, he has been dedicating himself to help patients and caregivers alike to maneuver through the health care minefield.