Hudgens to Depart Georgia Tech Research Institute

James Hudgens, senior vice president and director of GTRI, has accepted a new leadership role outside of Georgia Tech.

Hudgens has led the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) since 2019, overseeing more than 3,000 employees and growing to nearly $1 billion in research across fields including autonomous systems, cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and systems engineering. His vision and steady leadership have fueled growth in research capacity while also fostering a strong organizational culture at GTRI. 

“Jim’s visionary leadership has fundamentally transformed GTRI — broadening its research portfolio, strengthening its role as a trusted national partner, and instilling a culture of innovation, excellence, and service,” said Tim Lieuwen, executive vice president for Research. “He has elevated GTRI to a position of national prominence as one of the country’s premier applied research institutions. I’m incredibly proud of all he has accomplished and deeply grateful for the lasting legacy he leaves at Georgia Tech.” 

Hudgens, an expert in ceramic engineering, has been instrumental in establishing GTRI as a national leader in applied research, addressing critical security and innovation needs. 

Before joining Georgia Tech, he held senior leadership roles at Sandia National Laboratories, including director of the Threat Intelligence Center and senior manager of the Airborne ISR Systems department. His contributions were recognized with the Department of Energy Secretary’s Honor Award for Achievement. 

"Jim has been an extraordinary leader for GTRI. Under his guidance, GTRI has not only expanded dramatically in scale and capability but has become an essential partner for the federal government in advancing critical technologies and strengthening American competitiveness,” said President Ángel Cabrera. “While we are sad to see him leave, we are proud of his new opportunity, which is a testament to the caliber of leadership that defines Georgia Tech." 

Tommer Ender, the deputy director of Research for Electronics, Optics, and Systems, will serve as interim director of GTRI beginning May 23. Ender currently manages operations for an 800-person unit with an annual $300 million research portfolio. He is also a three-time Georgia Tech graduate, holding bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering. 

During the transition, Ender will work closely with the office of the Executive Vice President for Research and fulfill the duties of the GTRI director. Details about the national search process and a search committee will be shared in the coming weeks.