Thomas Fanning named sole finalist to lead Georgia’s public university system

Fanning was selected following a national search to succeed retiring Chancellor Sonny Perdue.

ATLANTA (41NBC/WMGT) – The Georgia Board of Regents named longtime business leader and Georgia Tech alumnus Thomas A. Fanning as the sole finalist of the USG (University System of Georgia) Chancellor. This follows a national search and the retirement of the former Chancellor Sonny Perdue after 40 years of service.

“I’m honored to be named the sole finalist,” Fanning said.  “I look forward to working with the Board of Regents, campus leaders, faculty and staff to build on our momentum, support our students and prepare them to lead Georgia’s future workforce.”

USG Board Chair David B. Bone said Fanning stood out because of his reputation and his experience in Georgia.

“With four decades of experience running one of the largest energy companies in the nation, Tom knows how to manage complex operations, solve big problems and lead people. He cares deeply about Georgia, understands the power of higher education and has the proven leadership to guide USG forward, ” Bone said.

Fanning earned his bachelor’s and Masters in Industrial Management. He also holds an honorary Ph.D. from the university.

Fanning spent 13 years as Chairman, Executive Chairman and CEO of Southern Company, the parent company of Georgia Power. He began his career there as a financial analyst, and held 15 roles across multiple departments.

“Having earned my degrees here and worked alongside these campuses throughout my career, I know how much this system means to Georgia families,” said Fanning.

Fanning also served as chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Advisory Board.

The Board of Regents is expected to name a chancellor at a future board meeting, no sooner than 14 days after Fanning was named the sole finalist.