Brother Recognized for Distinguished Business Career

George Valaoras ’58 stated, “It is an incredible honor to be named a Significant Sig, especially since so many of my brothers have been so successful in their respective endeavors. I’ve been very lucky, and I attribute much of my success to adherence to the precepts outlined in the Jordan Standard.”

George Valaoras ‘58

George Valaoras is a 1958 graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. George has had a distinguished career in the manufacturing industry, holding several executive-level positions throughout his journey.  His leadership skills, strategic vision, and ability to foster growth were most notably demonstrated in his role as President and CEO of Tempel Steel, where he guided the company with tremendous success before his retirement.

Early Career

Upon graduation in 1958, George received a commission as a 2nd lieutenant in the US Army Signal Corps.  He served for 30 months as a platoon leader and acting company commander of a Signal Company in the 18th Airborne Corps.  After leaving the Army in 1961, George took a job as an engineer at the US Naval Avionics Facility, Indianapolis.  In 1962, he was selected to join a team of engineers tasked to build, test and launch the first navigation satellites for the Polaris weapons system. Brother Valaoras was promoted to Chief, Satellite Systems Engineering Group, in 1962 where he remained until the program ended in 1966.

Top Leadership Roles

Brother Valaoras worked for the PR Mallory Company and served as both Director of Manufacturing and Director of Sales & Engineering for eight years.  He then spent six years at Controls Company of America in positions of Vice President of Marketing, Vice President and General Manager of the Appliance and Automotive Division, and then President & CEO. He moved to Illinois Tool Works first as Executive Vice President and then as President of the Electronics Group.  George then spent five years at Siemens USA as Executive Vice President of Operations and Executive Vice President for Sales, Marketing, and Service. He finished his long career as President & CEO of Tempel Steel Company, a manufacturer of specialized steel serving global markets.

Purdue President Mung Chiang remarked, “George enjoyed a truly distinguished career leading corporations that specialize in manufacturing. Companies where George served in executive positions have been leaders in the manufacturing of products and, consequently, important to our domestic economy.”

“Throughout his career,” William Canfield ’61 wrote, “George has consistently demonstrated the qualities that Sigma Chi holds dear: integrity, leadership, and a commitment to both personal and professional excellence. His ability to lead, inspire, and mentor others has earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and peers.”

Community Engagement

George has been active in a number of community and charitable organizations.  He has been President of the Wake Forest University Parent’s Council; served as a mentor for the WFU School of Business Executive Partners Mentorship Program; and working through Wake Forest Baptist Hospital Member brought much-needed emergency medical care to the Uwharrie Point, NC, community.
Over the years Brother Valaoras has served on the boards of several churches, the Sawgrass Country Club Association, and a number of steel companies.

To Be Recognized at the 150^th Celebration

When speaking of his undergraduate experience George recalled, “Sigma Chi, specifically Delta Delta, Class of 1958, provided me with a network of very close friends and mentors.  Our class continues to stay very close through monthly Zoom meetings. Sigma Chi provided the traditions, heritage and spiritual compass that were so important as I entered adulthood.”

George will receive his Significant Sig award at the 150^th Celebration at the Chapter House.  George noted, “This honor is very special in that my sons Tom and Nick, both Sigs at Wake Forest University (Delta Nu) and son in law Josh Kirschner Consul at Alpha Zeta Chapter, Beloit College will be on hand to share this award with me.  It is the culmination of my career as an engineer, business executive, husband, father, and grandfather.”

Past Grand Consul Keith Krach ’79 stated, “George’s success is a testament to the values Sigma Chi instills in each of us as we carry and lean on those values throughout our careers and lives.”

If you would like to congratulate George, his email is gtvalaoras@gmail.com and his phone number is 336-409-0529.