gala 2003

Harold F. Compton
President and Chief Executive Officer, CompUSA Inc.

Prior to joining the Company, he served as President and COO of Central Electric Inc., (1993 – 1994). Previously, he served as Executive Vice President – Operations and Human Resources, and Director of Stores for HomeBase (1989 – 1993), Senior Vice President – Operations, and Director of Stores for Roses Discount Department Stores (1986 – 1989), and held various management positions including Store Manager, District Manager, Regional Vice President and Zone Vice President for Zayre Corporation for 21 years (1965 – 1986).

Mr. Compton presently serves on the Board of Directors of Linens ‘N Things, Inc.

Mr. Compton lives in Dallas, is married and has two sons. He attended the University of South Florida.

Mr. Compton has been an active participant in philanthropic organizations and efforts during his professional lifetime. He has engaged in very active support of City of Hope, an innovative biomedical research, treatment and educational institution, dedicated to the prevention and cure of cancer and other life-threatening diseases, guided by a compassionate patient-centered philosophy, and supported by a national foundation of humanitarian philanthropy. In 1986 Hal Compton was the City of Hope Man of the Year.

Mr. Compton is on the Advisory Board of the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & Women. In addition he raises money for the hospital through CompUSA’s participation in Samsung’s Four Seasons of Hope.

Located in Orlando, Florida, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & Women is the only hospital in the southeast - and one of only six in the nation - dedicated to serving the unique needs of children and women. Since its opening in 1989, the 281-bed facility has drawn patients from central Florida and around the world, with leading-edge medical care. In that time, more than 95,000 babies have been born at the hospital.

The hospital is based on a family-centered philosophy that creates a special child-based environment. To make children feel comfortable, the hospital offers specially designed programs including an outdoor play area called Play Works, playrooms that allow for interaction with other kids, medical role-playing and a pre-admission orientation program called Project P.L.A.Y.

Mr. Compton is instrumental in the good works provided by CompUSA’s Angel Tree, North Texas Food Bank, Leukemia and Carter Blood Care initiatives. Angel Tree provides holiday gifts to children in protective services. CompUSA stores sell balloons that go to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Mr. Compton also personally supports the Dallas Fire Department, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Special Olympics.