J. Patrick Danahy graduated from Kentucky Military Institute (HS), received a BSME degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1966 and a MBA degree from the Darden School at the University of Virginia in 1968. He served in the US Navy from 1968 to 1971 serving as an officer on a fleet ballistic missile submarine. He was employed by Cone Mills Corp. from 1972 to 1998 serving as President and CEO from 1990 - 1998. He held consulting engagements from 1999 - 2006 and was the founding CEO of the Greensboro Partnership (economic development) from 2006 - 2015. In addition to the NCPC Board of directors, Danahy serves on the KROC Peace Institute as Board chair at Notre Dame and on the Ready for School Ready for Life Board in Guilford County.