About me
Patrick Mahaffey is a visionary educator and leader with over 40 years of experience in education, workforce development, and industry collaboration. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, Patrick began his academic journey at Purdue University studying Construction Management Engineering. After financial challenges redirected his path, he spent a decade in the restaurant industry, gaining leadership experience across Indiana, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Georgia. In 1990, Patrick returned to academia, earning a BS in Mathematics with a minor in Education from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis. This marked the beginning of a transformative career in education, with teaching roles in Indiana, Arkansas, Alabama, and Georgia. His passion for integrating real-world skills into the classroom led him to SECME, a Georgia Tech-based initiative focused on STEM education, and later to Sylvan Learning Centers as a Center Director. Patrick re-entered public education in 2007 at Berkmar High School, where he taught mathematics and later led the Architecture and Construction Academy. Under his leadership, the program achieved industry certification and placed over 100 students in jobs with industry partners. He developed project-based learning curricula, built strong business partnerships, and helped integrate the academy lens into core classrooms. His commitment to student success earned him multiple honors, including: - Berkmar High School Teacher of the Year (2014–15, 2022–23) - CEFGA Teacher of the Year (2020) - CEFGA Impact Award Recipient (2020, 2021, 2022) - Connect Grant Recipient (2019, 2022) - LEAD CTAE Graduate (2023) Beyond the classroom, Patrick served as sponsor for Student Council, Homecoming, Prom, the Senior Class, and SkillsUSA. He was a member of numerous school and district committees, including the Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment Committee, and held leadership roles such as CTE Department Chair, Academy Lead Teacher, and District Cluster Coach for Architecture and Construction. He also served on the Georgia ACTE and TIEGA boards. In 2023, Patrick transitioned to higher education as Dean of Engineering, Construction, Manufacturing, and Design at Gwinnett Technical College. His dedication to workforce readiness and industry collaboration led to his promotion in 2025 to Associate Vice President of Emerging Technologies and Technical Studies. In this role, he oversees Computer Science and Trades programs, fosters strategic partnerships, and drives innovation in AI and emerging technologies to meet evolving workforce demands. Patrick lives in Braselton, Georgia, with his wife Holly and their three children—Seth, Hayley, and MaKayla. His journey from restaurants to classrooms reflects a deep-rooted conviction to positively influence students’ lives. Teaching is not just his profession—it’s his calling.
LinkedIn