Daraius Irani

Vice President
Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research, Towson University
Towson, MD

Dr. Daraius Irani serves as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research at Towson University. In this role, he fosters the development of partnerships between business, government, and education that contribute to the economic vitality of the greater Baltimore region.

For over twenty years, Irani has served in several senior leadership roles at Towson University. As vice president, Irani provides leadership and management to over 70 highly-skilled professionals who work on campus and in state agencies across the state. Collectively, his team works to improve the quality of life and the economic vitality of Maryland through four service areas: Applied Research and Technical Services, Center for Professional Studies, Entrepreneurship, and Office of Partnerships and Outreach.

Irani is committed to Towson University and has set priorities that reflect that commitment. These include working to better integrate the Division into the University; advancing Towson University’s reputation as a leader in applied research, education, and EdTech; and making positive impacts through university-community partnerships.

Additionally, Irani serves as chief economist for the Regional Economic Studies Institute (RESI) at Towson University, a policy group providing economic, fiscal impact, and policy analysis to state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private sector firms. During his tenure at RESI, Irani has managed and served as lead economist on well over 250 research and analysis projects. He also has produced over 100 economic and fiscal impact statements for a diverse portfolio of clients.

Irani is often called upon to provide economic presentations to organizations across Maryland. He has appeared on CNN, the Marc Steiner show, WYPR’s Midday, and Maryland Public Television’s Business Connection. He is often quoted in articles published by Maryland Daily Record, Baltimore Business Journal, The Baltimore Sun, and Washington Post.

Dr. Irani holds a Ph.D. in economics from University of California, Santa Barbara; a M.A. in business economics from University of California, Santa Barbara; and a B.A. in economics from University of California, San Diego.