Illinois ECE Distinguished Colloquium Series

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Fireside Chat with Mike Zafirovski -" From Humble Beginnings to CEO of Several Fortune 500 Companies"

Event Type
Seminar/Symposium
Sponsor
Viktor Gruev, Ph.D.
Location
1002 Grainger Auditorium ECEB
Date
Apr 25, 2024   4:00 - 5:00 pm  
Speaker
Mike Zafirovski, Ph.D. - CEO of ZAF Group
Contact
Viktor Gruev, Ph.D.
E-Mail
vgruev@illinois.edu
Views
96

Bio:

Mike Zafirovski is the Founder, Chairman, and President of The Zaf Group, a family office engaged in operating, investment, and advisory activities. During his corporate career, Mike served as President/CEO at Nortel, Motorola, and five GE businesses. Formerly, Mike was an executive advisor to The Blackstone Group, and served on the boards of Boeing, Stericycle, Apria, Nortel, Motorola, and several Blackstone companies. From 2006 to 2010, Mr. Zafirovski was appointed by the President of the USA to the National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee (NSTAC).  

The Zafirovski Family Foundation activities focus on education, healthcare, faith-based ministries, and economic development. A native of Macedonia, Mike is co-founder and director of Macedonia 2025. Other philanthropic & civic activities include: Special Olympics (board);  Coach K Leadership & Ethics Center (advisory board); Council of Chief Executives (member, former Chairman); The CEO Forum (member); AEI (National Council); The Economic Club of Chicago (member), and The Chicago Council on Global Affairs (member).Mike graduated from Edinboro University in Pennsylvania, where he captained the soccer and swimming teams. He has received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor; the Distinguished Leadership Award from the NY Hall of Science; the Medal of Honor from the President of Macedonia; and the Navy Seals’ “Patriot Award”. Mike and Robin, married for 41 years, have three married sons and nine grandchildren.

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