J. Mack Robinson College of Business Announces Executive Director of Georgia Fintech Academy Resignation

ATLANTA – Georgia Fintech Academy executive director Tommy Marshall has announced his intention to leave his directorship before the end of 2022.

The Georgia Fintech Academy is a University System of Georgia (USG) collaboration between the State of Georgia’s fintech industry, the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University, and the colleges and universities of the USG. Marshall has served since 2019 as the academy’s inaugural director. Under his leadership, the academy has educated more than 4,300 students from more than 20 different institutions across the state, enabling them to obtain specialized educational experiences needed to enter the fintech sector regardless of where they live in the state or their institution of enrollment. The student population of the academy is 71 percent historically excluded populations and 31 percent women.

“The academy made great progress under Tommy’s leadership, and we wish him success in his future career pursuits,” said Richard Phillips, dean of the Robinson College. “The outlook for fintech talent in Georgia remains phenomenal, and we look forward to naming a successor who will continue the academy’s tremendous momentum.”

The Robinson College has played a leading role in the Fintech Academy since its inception, including curriculum development and teaching, providing career placement services, and serving as the academy headquarters on Georgia State’s downtown campus. Following its incubation period with USG, in 2021 the academy was transitioned to the Robinson College where it continues to serve students systemwide. Institutions and students access the academy’s credit curriculum through eCampus, a service unit of USG that helps its institutions administer online degrees and credentials that address workplace needs. Other USG institutions that have played a leading role in the academy’s early development include Kennesaw State University, the University of Georgia, and the University of North Georgia.

Weekly student events and monthly career fairs have helped the program place approximately 1,600 students into fintech internships and full-time jobs since 2019. More than 50 fintech employers in Georgia engage with the academy through projects, speaking opportunities, career fairs, and podcast episodes. The Academy is proud to have over ten fintech companies sponsor the initiative, including FIS Global, Visa, Inc., US Bank-Elavon, Incomm, Truist, ICE, Deluxe, Invesco, Fleetcor, and Fiserv.

“I joined this initiative to help our state continue to lead the fintech industry globally,” said Marshall. “I am proud of what we have all accomplished in the past three years. This Academy is unique, and the fact that we have helped over 1,600 students find a place in the fintech industry proves our success.”

A search committee is being formed to name the next director of the academy, which will consist of faculty and leaders from multiple USG institutions, a member of the academy advisory board, students and alumni who have participated in academy programming, and a member of the staff representing USG.