Neil Mallon Bush, born in Midland, Texas, in 1955, navigated a business career shaped by his position as the son of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush. His professional life spans roles as an entrepreneur and consultant, often intersecting with international finance, educational software development, and high-profile board memberships throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Early Education and Challenges
Named after family friend Henry Neil Mallon, Bush grew up with his five siblings, including George W. Bush and Jeb Bush. He attended the St. Albans School in Washington, D.C., where he faced significant academic hurdles. Following a diagnosis of dyslexia, he eventually graduated in 1973. He later attended Tulane University, completing an undergraduate degree in economics in 1977 and an MBA from the Freeman School of Business in 1979.
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From 1985 to 1988, Bush served on the board of directors for the Denver-based Silverado Savings and Loan. The institution failed during the 1980s S&L crisis, leading to an investigation by the U.S. Office of Thrift Supervision. Regulators concluded he had committed breaches of fiduciary duty involving conflicts of interest. Although he faced no criminal charges, he settled a civil action brought by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for $50,000.
Ventures in Education and Finance
In 1999, he co-founded Austin-based Ignite! Learning, a software firm designed to assist students with diverse learning styles. The company raised $23 million from global investors, including individuals from Kuwait, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as the late Russian billionaire Boris Berezovsky. Separately, Bush served as a consultant for Kopin Corporation, where he realized a $798,000 profit on stock trades in 1999, an event he attributed to independent financial advice.
International Consulting and Appointments
Bush has frequently traveled to the Middle East and Asia for business development and speaking engagements. In 2002, he secured a consulting contract with Grace Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp., a firm associated with Jiang Mianheng, providing $2 million in stock over five years. He also serves as co-chairman of Crest Investment, which pays him an annual fee of $60,000 for consulting services.
Fast facts
- Born: January 22, 1955
- Place of birth: Midland, Texas
- Education: Tulane University, Freeman School of Business
- Parental connection: Fourth child of George H. W. Bush and Barbara Bush
- Ignite! Learning founding year: 1999
- FDIC settlement amount: $50,000
Questions readers ask
What was Neil Bush's role in the Silverado failure?
He served on the board of directors from 1985 to 1988 and was investigated for breaches of fiduciary duties and conflicts of interest, resulting in a $50,000 civil settlement.
What is the purpose of Ignite! Learning?
Co-founded by Bush in 1999, the company produces educational software designed to support multiple learning styles and address difficulties associated with dyslexia.
Achievements
- Educated at Tulane University and Freeman School of Business
