Cybersecurity Expert
Fanning earned his bachelor’s in industrial management from Georgia Tech in 1979 and his master’s in 1980. He rose through the ranks at Southern Company, one of the country’s largest energy providers, holding 15 positions across eight business units before becoming president in August 2010 and chairman and CEO in December 2010.
In addition, Fanning served as chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and the Conference of Chairs of the Federal Reserve Banks. He also served as chairman of the Edison Electric Institute and as a co-chair of the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council, where he acted as the primary liaison between the federal government and the electric power sector. With his experience in these leadership roles, Fanning became a national expert on cybersecurity, including speaking at the White House on cybersecurity issues.
“Tom Fanning lives out Georgia Tech’s motto of progress and service,” says Jimmy Mitchell, CE 05, chair of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association Board of Trustees. “Not only has he contributed on a national level as a leader in cybersecurity and to industry at Southern Company, but he has also contributed significantly to his alma mater through Roll Call, individual giving, and with his personal and professional engagement. I expect he’ll bring that dedication to service to the USG.”
Proud Alumnus
Fanning's many contributions to Georgia Tech include serving on the Georgia Tech Foundation Board of Trustees, the Georgia Tech Advisory Board, the Alexander-Tharpe Board, the Scheller College of Business Advisory Board, and co-chairing Transforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech. In 2013, Georgia Tech recognized his service with an honorary doctorate.
Fanning is also a champion of Tech’s athletics. In fall 2026, the Thomas A. Fanning Student-Athlete Performance Center opened on campus. The state-of-the-art center was named in honor of his sustained support and service to Georgia Tech.
At the ribbon-cutting, Fanning told the crowd he was honored by the recognition and looking forward to seeing the facility’s impact on student-athletes. “Let’s celebrate today, but let’s really look forward to what this institution is going to build for the future and the future of the athletic program,” Fanning said.
USG History
Since its founding, the USG has had 14 permanent chancellors. From 1980 to 1985, Vernon Crawford, a 30-year faculty member at the Institute and honorary alumnus of Georgia Tech, served as USG chancellor. However, until Fanning’s appointment, no Georgia Tech graduate has served in the role.
Georgia Tech is one of four designated public research universities within the USG and is the system's largest contributor to the state economy. The Institute contributed $6.3 billion to the state’s economy in fiscal year 2025, the most recent on record.
