James L. Fritze appointed NewTown Macon President and CEO

The NewTown Macon Board of Directors has unanimously appointed James L. Fritze as president and CEO of the organization, effective immediately. Fritze, who has served as NewTown’s chief financial officer since 2018, succeeds Josh Rogers, who died unexpectedly on November 24 at the age of 42.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The NewTown Macon Board of Directors has unanimously appointed James L. Fritze as president and CEO of the organization, effective immediately. Fritze, who has served as NewTown’s chief financial officer since 2018, succeeds Josh Rogers, who died unexpectedly on November 24 at the age of 42.

“James is an experienced, competent and mission-driven leader who is perfectly suited to preserve the phenomenal momentum that NewTown has experienced under Josh Rogers’ great leadership,” said William D. Underwood, board chair and president of Mercer University.

According to a news release from Mercer, during his tenure as CFO, Fritze has helped structure transformative development projects like Hotel Forty Five and the soon-to-be-completed Neel’s Lofts. He manages a $4 million annual budget and oversees more than $45 million in assets, including NewTown’s loan program.

“James will bring continuity and a deep understanding of the progress of NewTown as he and his colleagues step up and move forward to achieve the full promise of NewTown,” Dr. R. Kirby Godsey, one of NewTown Macon’s founders, said.

Fritze, a certified public accountant with an MBA from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, brings 25 years of leadership experience, including time as a hospital executive and business owner.

“While we are heartbroken by the loss of Josh, his passion and vision for downtown Macon will forever guide our path forward,” Fritze said. “Together, we will build on the incredible momentum he created and ensure downtown Macon thrives for generations to come.”

“Fritze and his wife, Denise, are avid supporters of downtown businesses and can be found listening to live music at downtown venues or enjoying dinner at one of downtown’s 54 restaurants,” the release added. “They have two adult children and a grandson.”