SPRING 2025

INNOVATOR SUPPORTS INNOVATION AT HOME
Andrew Economos, Ph.D., makes a significant gift to support the new Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute at Sarasota Memorial

Most people who celebrate their 88th birthday on April Fools’ Day enjoy the irony. But for this Sarasota-born tech pioneer, turning 88 is just another chapter in a life of innovation, reinvention—and a little afternoon wine.

“I still do things,” Andrew says, smiling and waving off the idea of slowing down. “You keep your mind going, you keep your body active.”

A BRIEF HISTORY
Born at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in 1937, Andrew grew up working hard—delivering telegrams on his bicycle, lifeguarding—before heading to the University of Florida, where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics. There, he met Judith. “I was a grad student, working on my master’s,” he recalls. “We met, we clicked and that was that.” They married soon after.

Andrew has many stories to tell, and nearly all of them include Judith, to whom he was married for 63 years before she lost her battle with cancer in 2024. By all accounts, it was an epic romance, and a partnership in every sense—intellectual, emotional and philanthropic.

FROM ROCKETS TO RADIO, TV AND RESEARCH
Andrew started in computers in 1957 at Cape Canaveral, touching the front lines of early computing. “The boss said, ‘Oh, you’re a mathematician? You’ll love this.’” And he did.

Later, he and Judith moved to California, where he joined Douglas Aircraft’s advanced design team, contributing to lunar module and rocket systems. While there, Andrew and Judith both earned doctorates at UCLA—his in mathematics, hers in philosophy. But soon, his talents veered into uncharted territory.

“Someone asked me to simulate a business process,” he says. “No one was using computers for business analytics. There was no Excel—I could’ve invented it!”

Eventually, the couple headed to Princeton, where Andrew joined Sarnoff Labs, a tech company that owned Hertz, NBC and more. Judith became a philosophy professor at Princeton University.

From there, Andrew transitioned to NBC, where he revolutionized scheduling systems. “Scheduling a plane seat is like scheduling a TV commercial—everyone wants the best spot.” His insight led to a reservation-like system for ad placements, a media industry first. After 15 years, he launched his own company, RCS (Radio Computing Services).

RCS solved one of radio’s trickiest issues—music scheduling. Andrew’s software automated a subjective and often flawed process, helping over 1,000 stations structure their playlists.

At its height, RCS operated in more than 100 countries, with 24 international offices. He ran the company for 30 years before selling it and moving back to Sarasota in 2010.

RETURNING TO SARASOTA
Though Andrew’s career spanned the globe, Sarasota always called him home. Andrew and Judith’s lives here were steeped in curiosity, creativity and a shared love of art.

Touring Andrew’s downtown apartment today is like walking through an art gallery. The art—mostly Judith’s work—comes alive with Andrew’s stories, rich with pride and love. It must be noted that much of the furniture in the apartment was carved by their hands.

The couple was also devoted philanthropists. In Sarasota, they have supported various arts, culture and student scholarship programs. Judith was also a generous supporter of Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

Andrew’s gift to the Healthcare Foundation will name the Operating Room Simulation Lab at the Kolschowsky Institute. The high-tech lab, a replica of an actual OR and populated with lifelike electronic patients, will serve as a training ground for nurses, techs and medical students. The lab will be named in memory of Judith Economos, Ph.D. Andrew says his gift also honors Kirk Voelker, M.D. Dr. Voelker cared for Judith during her illness and remains a close friend.

When asked why philanthropy is important to him, Andrew says, simply, he has resources and he likes to help people. “It brings me joy,” he says. He’s especially drawn to healthcare. “We have an extraordinary health system,” he explains. “And I like research. I’m interested in finding cures.”