George Mason University announced the largest gift to a center within the School of Business from Attain Partners founder and CEO Greg Baroni and his wife, Camille.
The Center for Government Contracting addresses business, technology, policy and regulatory issues in government contracting, and will change its name to the Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting in honor of the new donors.
The non-partisan entrepreneurial center will be the first donor-named center within GMU’s School of Business.
“We are grateful to the Baronis for their gift which will help transform the center and build tomorrow’s workforce for both government and industry,” said GMU President Gregory Washington.
“Recognizing that the nation’s future success depends on a thriving and diverse education workforce, and through partnerships across industry and government, Mason sets itself apart and is focused on solutions to our biggest challenges as a nation and within the Commonwealth of Virginia,” Washington added.
The Baroni gift will allow the expansion of center research activities and student fellowships and contribute to a new space for convening as part of GMU’s School of Business building.
“We are excited to partner with Mason to support and advance the government contracting industry,” said Greg Baroni. “Higher education is key to growing the industry and building diverse talent for tomorrow’s workforce. George Mason University is well positioned to drive innovation and collaboration and we’re proud to be a part of this next chapter.”
Baroni is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Attain Partners. He also is the founder and managing partner of Attain Capital Partners and Attain Sports & Entertainment. In addition, he serves as chair of the Northern Virginia Technology Council and on the board of directors of the Professional Services Council.
On Nov. 30, Baroni received WashingtonExec’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the Pinnacle Awards, an
annual program highlighting successful executives and businesses fostering innovation for their federal government clients across the region.
“The name Baroni symbolizes innovation, commitment, and leadership across a host of industries and sectors,” said Ajay Vinzé, dean of the School of Business. “George Mason’s School of Business embraces these same qualities, which is evident in our research and our students. It is an honor to have our center named after a benefactor and industry leader who shares our goals.”
This gift “will propel the center onto the national scene as the preeminent leader for research, innovation, and impact in government contracting,” added Jerry McGinn, the center’s executive director.