Accruing nearly 40 years of professional experience to his credit, Efren W. Gonzalez is retired, previously serving as the director of research and development administration at Bristol-Myers Products from 1983 to 1990. Prior to the post, he served the company in a number of other managerial roles such as manager of technical communications, scientific information services and research quality compliance. He additionally held a long tenure at Grove Laboratories in St. Louis, among other roles. Mr. Gonzalez prepared for his career by first earning a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and biology from Iona College in New Rochelle, New York, in 1951. He continued at Columbia University in New York, receiving a Master of Library Science in 1952, a field which he pursued in the early years of his career.

Formerly active with the Adult School of the Chathams, Madison and Florham Park, as well as St. Patrick Church, Mr. Gonzalez maintains involvement with numerous organizations related to his field. Growing up, he won a medal and watch for solo piano at the junior level at the New York City Interscholastic Music Competition in 1939. However, the most memorable highlight for Mr. Gonzalez is when he was active with the Special Libraries Association. He was first president and was later elected into its Hall of Fame in 1991. Moving forward, he looks forward to celebrating his 95^th birthday.