Gregory S. Thomas

Gregory Thomas is an educator and innovation leader who helps people turn ideas into opportunities that strengthen communities and economies. Since 2018, he has served as Executive Director of the Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship at UMass Amherst, where he develops programs that empower students, faculty, and local partners to launch ventures and apply an entrepreneurial mindset to real-world challenges. His work bridges higher education, business, and social impact, fostering collaboration across disciplines and sectors.

Before joining UMass Amherst, Gregory spent more than twenty years in corporate strategy and manufacturing leadership at Corning Incorporated (1998-2018), The Coca-Cola Company (1992-1994), and Union Pacific Railroad (1994-1998). Drawing on this experience, he brings a practical, human-centered approach to innovation; one that values curiosity, equity, and long-term sustainability. He also serves on the boards of the Community Music School of Springfield, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, and Greenfield Savings Bank. Gregory holds an MBA from Clark Atlanta University (1993) and a BA from UMass Amherst (1991).