MACON, Ga. — James Fritze - the former Chief Financial Officer of NewTown Macon - has been appointed as the new president and CEO of the company effective immediately, according to a press release from NewTown Macon.
“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,” NewTown Macon Board Chair William D. Underwood said. “He has served alongside Josh over the past seven years and has been at the center of downtown Macon’s resurrection. I am grateful he is willing to accept this responsibility.”
Fritze will succeed Josh Rogers after Rogers unexpectedly died on Nov. 24, after leading the organization since 2014.
As CFO, Fritze played an instrumental role in ushering along the restructuring of downtown Macon, including the construction of Hotel Forty Five and the soon-to-be-completed Neel’s Lofts.
In his former role, Fritze managed an annual budget of $4 million and over $45 million in assets, including NewTown’s loan program.
Fritze is a certified public accountant, who earned an undergraduate degree in accounting and a master’s degree from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.
He has served as a hospital chief executive and an owner/operator of several independent companies, prior to joining NewTown Macon.
“While we are heartbroken by the loss of Josh, his passion and vision for downtown Macon will forever guide our path forward,” Fritze said. “The board, staff, and I are steadfast in our commitment to fulfilling NewTown’s mission of revitalizing the heart of our community and creating a downtown that lifts up all Maconites. Together, we will build on the incredible momentum he created and ensure downtown Macon thrives for generations to come.”