Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology has named George C. Chryssis as its next president effective January 1, 2011.

"George Chryssis is ideally prepared to lead the school into the future," said Board of Trustees' Chair, Anne Bailey Berman. "George has been an entrepreneur, a financier and in academia. He personally knows the influence that the Franklin Institute can have on young people's lives. It was at the Franklin Institute that George began his own education when he entered this country at age 18."

"I am impressed with the unique combination of practical education with strong faculty involvement now offered at the Franklin," said Chryssis. "Many more young people would benefit from this educational experience. A major goal will be to build upon the current offerings with new innovative programs that meet today's industry and business needs, attracting those young men and women who seek and would benefit from a strong cutting-edge education."
During his career, Chryssis founded several high technology companies focused on innovation, including those specializing in fiber optics and software. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Executive Affairs at Wentworth Institute of Technology where he worked to advance the Institute's mission through strategic planning and tackling cross-divisional objectives. In addition, he oversaw Wentworth's Center for Community Learning & Partnerships.

Chryssis earned his Master of Science degree in electrical engineering from Northeastern University. He also was awarded an honorary Doctor of Engineering Technology degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology. He has served on the Board of Trustees of both Northeastern University and Wentworth Institute. George C. Chryssis was born in Chania, Crete, in 1947. While in Boston, he entered the local chapter or the Pancretan Association of America. At the 34th Biennial Convention in Modesto, CA, he was elected National President (1995). During his term, President Chryssis emphasized proper development of the Pancretan Youth and adult chapters through Leadership Workshops, held under the leadership of the Task Force 2000 Chair, Erasmia Novotny.