A staunch believer in the value of innovation and diversity with experience in finance and the life sciences, George Thampy invests in people, causes, and organizations that make the world a better place.

Thampy is senior director of business development at CareDx, a precision medicine company focused on improving outcomes for transplant patients. He previously held positions at the investment bank Piper Sandler and the pharmaceutical manufacturer Eli Lilly and Company. 

Committed to education, Thampy is part of the Mamelodi Initiative, an educational nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged youth in South Africa. He also mentors middle and high school students through Young Men’s Educational Network in Chicago. A past winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, he has served as a judge of the competition since 2011. 

Thampy is a member of the Harvard Clubs of Chicago and Boston, and has been an alumni interviewer in both regions. As an undergraduate, he was director of the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter, a member of both the Institute of Politics’ student leadership committee and the COOP Board of Directors, and a senior class marshal.

“I’m most passionate about wisdom, creativity, innovation, and diversity. I pledge to uphold and promote these values in everything I do. Furthermore, I see innovation in the life sciences as a big part of how Harvard will differentiate itself in the 21st century. I’d like to see more emphasis on socioeconomic and geographic diversity at Harvard, including partnerships with regional schools to improve both institutions.”