Quick Facts
Biography
For the Scottish painter and sculptor, see John Duncan Fergusson. John D. Ferguson is an American businessman. He is the chairman of Corrections Corporation of America.
Early life
John D. Ferguson graduated from Mississippi State University, where received a bachelor's degree in accounting.
Career
Ferguson founded Econocom, a company which leased and sold computers, in 1971. Three years later, in 1973, he co-founded a bank, Community Bancshares. He served as its Chief Executive Officer from 1982 1993, and as its Chairman from 1990 to 1995.
He was the CEO of Corrections Corporation from 2000 to 2009, when he was replaced by Damon T. Hininger. He has been its chairman since 2010.
Political activity
In 2015, Ferguson donated US$1,500 in political contributions to Megan Barry's successful campaign to become the new Mayor of Nashville.
Philanthropy
Ferguson served on the board of directors of the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. He serves on the board of the Nashville Public Education Foundation. With his wife, he has made charitable contributions to the PENCIL Foundation.
Personal life
Ferguson is married to Carole S. Ferguson. They reside on Lynnwood Boulevard in Belle Meade, Tennessee.