Atlanta civic leader, chairman emeritus of 100 Black Men Thomas W. Dortch dies at 72

ATLANTA – Atlanta civil servant, civic chief, philanthropist and entrepreneur Thomas W. Dortch, Jr. has died. He was 72.

Dortch was born 80 miles exterior Atlanta within the metropolis of Toccoa, Ga. on April 12, 1950. After graduating from Whitman Avenue Excessive Faculty in 1968, he attended Fort Valley State College the place he obtained his Bachelor’s diploma in sociology in 1972.

“It is a unhappy day for our metropolis. We have now misplaced one other soldier. Tommy Dortch wasn’t born in Atlanta. He got here right here to attend faculty, and by no means left. And Atlanta is the higher for it. Whether or not throughout his days in authorities or throughout his tenure main 100 Black Males of Atlanta and later 100 Black Males of America, Tommy by no means overlooked his mission,” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens wrote.

Dortch confirmed his early management and group abilities, serving as the coed physique president and getting practically all of his classmates to register to vote.

Two years later, he would transfer to Atlanta and change into the affiliate director of the Georgia Democratic Occasion.

In1978, he would start to work for U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn. He first took the function of administrative support, however by 1990, he would change into his state director and function his chief administrator, turning into the primary African-American to take action in that capability.

He would earn his Grasp’s diploma in prison justice administration from Clark Atlanta College in 1986 and later would attend Georgia State College as a Ford Fellow within the city administration program.

Dortch was a member of 100 Black Males of Atlanta, and several other civic and faith-based organizations. He additionally was a good friend and advisor to The King Middle’s CEO, Dr. Bernice A. King, who affectionately known as him “Tommy.”

He was elected to 6 phrases because the nationwide chairman of 100 Black Males of America, Inc. He would go on to function chairman emeritus.

“Lengthy earlier than we known as it range, fairness and inclusion, Tommy was onerous at work in that house. In issues of fairness, not an excessive amount of occurred right here that Tommy wasn’t concerned in. Tommy was a connector and a facilitator. He knew tips on how to get the fitting individuals collectively to make one thing good occur for Atlanta,” Mayor Dickens wrote.

Thomas W. Dortch, Jr.  (U.S. Division of Vitality)

Dortch was the chairman and CEO of TWD, Inc. He additionally served as CEO of the Atlanta Transportation Techniques, Inc., chairman and CEO of Cornerstone Parking, chairman of Lancor Parking Administration, LLC, managing associate of FAD Consulting, LLC,

He based the Nationwide Black School Alumni Corridor of Fame Basis, Inc., co-founding the Georgia Affiliation of Minority Entrepreneurs (GAME), and co-founding the Better Atlanta Financial Alliance.

He served on the board of trustees for Management Atlanta, was vice chairman of the board for the Grady Memorial Hospital Company, was chairman of the board for Friendship Drive Worldwide, and chairman of the board for the Fulton/DeKalb County Hospital Authority.

Dortch sat on the board of trustees for Operation Hope, Florida A&M College, Talladega School, Clark Atlanta College, and was chairman of the board for the Nationwide Coalition on Black Civic Participation.

“He was additionally a tireless advocate for our younger individuals. Once we determined that 2023 could be Atlanta’s 12 months of the Youth, I knew that I might depend on him sharing his assist and knowledge. Tommy as soon as stated that he wished his legacy to be that he put our younger individuals first. With out query, mission achieved,” the mayor concluded in his assertion.

“We’re deeply saddened to study of Tommy Dortch’s passing. A trailblazer and fixed advocate for alternative in our capital metropolis, Tommy introduced individuals from all walks of life collectively. Our ideas and prayers are along with his buddies and family members throughout this time of mourning,” Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp wrote.

There was no fast phrase on when any companies or memorials could be held.