Fortner Announces Retirement

Jim Fortner, vice president and deputy chief business officer, is announcing his retirement from the Institute, effective March 1, 2025. 

Fortner, who has served Georgia Tech for 27 years, leaves a legacy of expertise and leadership across the Institute’s financial administration.

“I joined Georgia Tech as an early career professional with modest goals in mind,” he said. “The career progression and advancement opportunities that Georgia Tech afforded me far exceeded my greatest expectations. I am forever grateful to my colleagues and Georgia Tech’s leadership team for the support I have received over the years.”

Over his decades of service, Fortner has contributed to the Institute’s successful stewardship of its fiscal resources, as demonstrated by a proven track record of strong fiscal management and performance. Since arriving in 1997, he has held many leadership roles in financial planning and reporting and led important campuswide initiatives. 

Notably, Fortner served as the interim executive vice president for Administration and Finance (A&F) from August 2018 to February 2020 — an appointment that was crucial in navigating organizational changes designed to support strategic initiatives and deliver core administrative and financial services during a pivotal time of transition in A&F. After this interim role, Fortner was instrumental in leading the Finance and Planning unit while also serving as chief financial officer for the Institute. In February, he was appointed by Shantay N. Bolton, executive vice president for A&F and chief business officer, to the role of vice president and deputy chief business officer to further advance how A&F delivers on the strategic operational needs of a growing and evolving campus.

"Jim has been an invaluable asset to our community. His dedication to building strong relationships across campus, the system office, and other stakeholders has left a lasting mark on all of us,” said Bolton. “Jim's ability to connect with people and foster collaboration has been instrumental in our collective success. As we celebrate his retirement, we recognize and honor the profound impact he has had on our institution. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors."

Information regarding the search for a successor will be shared as it becomes available.