Bill Dracos

Bill Dracos is a seasoned operations executive with over 20 years of experience leading complex organizational transformations, financial and operational turnarounds, and strategic growth initiatives across higher education and the private sector. Renowned for driving performance, reducing costs, and building high-impact teams, Dracos has consistently delivered results in mission-critical roles.

In addition to serving as deputy chief operating officer at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), Dracos holds the role of interim chief research operations officer at Georgia Tech. In this capacity, he facilitates and directs the Institute’s research operations and oversees Research Integrity Assurance, Research Administration, and Research Development and Operations within the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research.

Previously, Dracos served as vice president for Operations and Business Services at George Mason University (GMU), where he managed a portfolio of business services, auxiliary enterprises, and internal consulting operations with direct P&L responsibility exceeding $65 million and a workforce of more than 750 employees. He also founded and led University Business Consulting, GMU’s internal consulting practice, and was a key member of the university’s Finance and Administration leadership team.

Prior to GMU, Dracos was associate vice president for Administration and managing director for University Consulting at Emory University. There, he launched and scaled the Business Practice Improvement (BPI) division, led the development of the university’s strategic plan, and directed numerous high-profile operational initiatives. He also oversaw several auxiliary and business service functions. 

Earlier in his career, Dracos spent nearly 12 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), rising to director within the Health Sciences and Higher Education practices. Before PwC, he held leadership roles at Kaplan Inc., becoming product director at age 26 and later serving as program director.

Dracos holds an MBA from Duke University, with concentrations in strategy, decision modeling, and health sector management. A respected thought leader, he serves on multiple boards and is a frequent speaker at business schools, financial associations, and medical institutions.