Perspectives

Jerry Pierce, Federal Tax Partner, Tysons Corner Office
Business Alliance President, George Mason University

After the George Mason University’s underdog basketball team made a run to the Final Four of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, Jerry Pierce knew the theme of his 2007 term as President of the school’s Business Alliance was going to be “Step Into the Spotlight.”

“With Mason basketball making the spotlight, it was a good time for the Business Alliance to showcase what it was doing,” Jerry says. Founded in 1988, the Business Alliance provides a forum for area business leaders, faculty, and students to collaborate, network, and exchange ideas with the goal of educating a new generation of leadership. The Alliance’s feature program spotlights companies looking for private equity and angel investors. “We take applications, screen them, perform due diligence, and coach them on their presentations,” Jerry says. “It is a great cross of faculty, students, business leaders, and entrepreneurs.”

Through his role with the Business Alliance, Jerry has frequent opportunities to visit the school’s campus and interact with students. He recently spoke at an event with several hundred George Mason athletes entitled Success Beyond the Playing Field. “I was impressed not only with their athletic success, but also their will to do even more in the business world,” Jerry said.

Joining the Business Alliance has given Jerry the opportunity to connect with local business leaders, while giving back to his alma mater and the Northern Virginia community. “It’s all about relationships,” he says. “The Business Alliance has given me an opportunity to meet and work with business and student leaders on and off campus. This opportunity has not only helped me be successful in my day job, but also provided a need for the local economy by coaching some of these start-up companies to be future employers in our community. I really cherish the time as president, and I encourage everyone to make a difference in whatever organization they are devoting their time.”