Early Life and Education
William Elias Conway Jr. was born on August 27, 1949, in Lowell, Massachusetts. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College in 1971 and earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 1974. During his MBA studies, he worked at First National Bank of Chicago, gaining experience in corporate finance and commercial lending.
Rise to Success
Conway's career began at First National Bank of Chicago, where he spent nearly a decade in various positions. In 1981, he joined MCI Communications, ultimately becoming Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 1984. In 1987, Conway co-founded The Carlyle Group with David Rubenstein and Daniel A. D'Aniello. The firm grew into a global investment company. He served as Co-CEO until 2018, and then transitioned to Co-Executive Chairman.
Key Business Strategies
Conway played a crucial role in The Carlyle Group's expansion into diverse sectors like defense, telecommunications, and healthcare. His strategies focused on leveraged buyouts and global expansion. Known for his disciplined approach to leverage, he helped Carlyle navigate economic cycles.
Philanthropy
Conway and his late wife, Joanne Barkett Conway, established the Bedford Falls Foundation in 1997. The foundation focuses on education, healthcare, and food security, particularly in the Washington, D.C., area. Notably, they donated $20 million to create the Conway School of Nursing at the Catholic University of America. Conway has also made significant donations to other universities and organizations. In 2024, he committed $10 million to the Capital Area Food Bank to address regional food insecurity.
