David P. Norton, of Concord, MA, died on December 6, 2023 at the age of 82. The cause was complications from Parkinson’s Disease. Norton is known, along with Robert Kaplan, as the creator of the Balanced Scorecard. The duo is considered to be the world’s leading authority on strategic performance management. They have written five books that have sold more than a million copies. The Balanced Scorecard was selected by the editors of the Harvard Business Review as one of the most influential management ideas of the past 75 years.
In addition to championing the Balanced Scorecard through books and lectures, Norton has cofounded and directed several professional service firms including, The Palladium Group, the Balanced Scorecard Collaborative and Renaissance Solutions. Norton also co-founded Nolan Norton and Company where he served for 17 years as president.
He graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1962 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Other education includes a Master’s in Operations Research from Florida Institute of Technology, an MBA in Business from Florida State University, and a Doctorate in Business from Harvard Business School.
David was married to his wife Melissa for 60 years. Together they explored the world as David brought the Balanced Scorecard message to various countries and international businesses. During the summer of 1996 the couple accomplished a solo cross-country bike trip, commencing in Astoria, Oregon and ending in Bar Harbor, Maine, achieving a promise they made to themselves years earlier.
David leaves behind his wife Melissa, his three daughters and their husbands: Stephanie and Jose of California, Jennifer and Mark of Massachusetts, and Rebecca and Matthew of Colorado. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren, two step grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
An event celebrating David’s life is being planned for a future date.
If you wish to honor David’s memory, checks can be mailed to Massachusetts General Hospital c/o Development Office, Attn: Lauren Dello Russo, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114.” Donors should make checks payable to “Massachusetts General Hospital” and on the memo line, please include “Dr. David E. Fisher Research Fund- 206805” with David Norton’s name. Gifts can also be made online as a tribute at (https://giving.massgeneral.org/).
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence in his online guestbook, please visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com.
