Photo of George Darakos

George Darakos

Chief Partnerships Officer

As the chief partnerships officer in the School of Computer Science, George leads the Partnerships team, focusing on developing synergistic strategies and growing relationships with corporate and government partner organizations. He oversees and manages relationships with some of the largest technology companies in the world. He is also accomplished at engaging interests to advance important goals. In 2016, he was instrumental in building the community needed to launch the Manufacturing USA Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute.

George has served in positions with the Department of Defense, federal and local government, and industry. Prior to coming to CMU, from 2009 to 2014, he was with the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), holding several positions including engineer and manager of Strategic Outreach and Technology Transfer. Initially, he helped oversee the development of countless renewable energy projects through deployment of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds through the State Energy Program (SEP). Later, he shifted to a role where he promoted R&D efforts coming out of the lab to increase commercialization of technology.

From 2005 to 2009, George served Allegheny County’s Department of Economic Development as the manager of Business Development, where he worked with companies to help them grow jobs and expand in the region. And from 2002 to 2004, George led consumer and business banking operations at a branch bank.

Prior to his corporate and public sector career, George was commissioned as a second lieutenant after successfully completing the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. As a computer-communications officer, he went on to serve at the Pentagon, Prince Sultan Air Force Base, KSA and Lackland Air Force Base until 2002, when he separated honorably as a captain. 

George earned a bachelor of science in civil and environmental engineering and a master of business administration from the University of Pittsburgh, and also successfully completed a Coro Fellowship in public affairs.

In his spare time, George enjoys running, cooking, and spending time with his wife and two children.