In a message to the committee that conducted the search, Peterson thanked members for identifying four highly qualified candidates, one of whom was ultimately offered the position. Despite his very strong interest in the role, that candidate declined the offer for personal reasons not associated with the search or Georgia Tech, Peterson said.

“While I understand that this is disappointing, I feel that suspending the search and giving the Institute’s next president the opportunity to restart the process is in the best interest of all concerned,” Peterson told the search committee.

In addition to notifying the committee, Peterson said he informed the external search consultants that the Institute had paused the search and expected to begin it again after a new president is named. He said it will be Georgia Tech’s new leader’s decision whether to ask the search committee members to serve again or to form a new panel.

James “Jim” Fortner, who has served as interim executive vice president for Administration and Finance (EVPAF) since early August, will continue in this role, which has oversight for the Institute’s administrative, business, financial, facility, and budget activities. “We are grateful that Jim has agreed to continue in this strategic role,” Peterson said.

The search for the new executive vice president for Administration and Finance was one of four searches announced last fall to identify newly vacant leadership roles. Two of those – general counsel and vice president for Ethics and Compliance, and vice president for Institute Communications – have been filled.