Ferrum, VA – June 19, 2025 — Ferrum College proudly announces that alumnus and trustee Greg Craddock has been named the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Region Entrepreneur Of The Year by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US). Craddock, a 1992 graduate and chief executive officer of Patriot Group International (PGI), is one of eleven regional recipients and will advance to the national competition this November.
EY’s Entrepreneur Of The Year® program, now in its 40th year, honors bold business leaders who drive innovation and long-term impact in their industries and communities. Craddock was selected from 36 regional finalists representing Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
“Greg Craddock represents the very best of Ferrum College—resilience, leadership, and a commitment to service that extends far beyond the boardroom,” stated Ferrum College President Mirta Martin. “This recognition of a proud alumnus and dedicated member of our Board of Trustees as Entrepreneur of the Year is a powerful affirmation of what our graduates are capable of achieving. Greg’s journey from student-athlete to decorated veteran to award-winning CEO is not just inspiring—it’s a model of how Ferrum College prepares people to lead meaningful, world-shaping lives.”
Craddock’s path reflects decades of distinguished service. A U.S. Army Special Forces veteran with more than 20 years of experience in intelligence and security operations, he earned an MBA from Liberty University and established PGI, a defense and intelligence firm recognized for innovation, growth, and veteran employment.
Under his leadership, PGI has been named to Inc. Magazine’s “Fast 500,” earned GOVCON Contractor of the Year in 2017, and consistently appeared on Virginia Business Magazine’s list of Best Places to Work from 2017 through 2023. Craddock led the private acquisition of PGI in 2009, helping the company reach $10 million in revenue within two years.
He will return to Ferrum College on Friday, June 20, 2025, and will be available for requested interviews with members of the press. His visit provides a meaningful opportunity for students, faculty, and the wider community to connect with a leader whose impact spans global security and business innovation.
Craddock shared his reaction to the award via LinkedIn: “Thrilled to be named one of the finalists for Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) for the Mid-Atlantic Region. Thanks to our friends at ADP for the nomination!”
The Entrepreneur Of The Year® program has recognized more than 11,000 U.S. business leaders since its founding in 1986 and now operates in nearly 60 countries. Craddock and other regional winners will attend the Strategic Growth Forum® in November, where the National Entrepreneur Of The Year will be announced. The national winner will go on to represent the U.S. at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ competition.
To learn more about the program, visit ey.com/us/eoy.
Media Contact:
Chris Watters
Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Relations
cwatters@ferrum.edu
540-365-4299
