Augusta University President Russell T. Keen, Georgia Cancer Center Director Jorge Cortes, MD, and retired U.S. Army Col. Eric Toler, executive director of the Georgia Cyber Innovation & Training Center, have been named to the Georgia Trend magazine’s Georgia 500 list for 2025. The annual list recognizes influential leaders across the state who contribute to economic growth.
Keen, Cortes and Toler are among 15 Augusta-area individuals included in this year’s selection. Two Augusta University alumni—Jeff Arnold, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Sharecare, and Jim Bailey, CEO of Sterling Seacrest Pritchard—were also honored.
According to a report from the University System of Georgia on its economic impact for fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023–June 30, 2024), Augusta University contributed $1.62 billion to the state economy and generated more than 11,500 jobs—a rise of nearly five percent compared to the previous year.
The university employs about 6,770 faculty and staff members and has seen continued growth in student enrollment. For seven consecutive years it has been recognized as one of Georgia’s top employers by Forbes’ “America’s Best-In-State Employers.” Student enrollment reached a record high with over 12,300 students for fall 2025—a six-and-a-half percent increase from fall 2024—and an overall growth of nearly fifty percent since 2015.
Russell T. Keen became president on July 1, 2024 after holding leadership roles at Augusta University since joining in 2015 as executive vice president and chief of staff. He played a significant role in establishing partnerships such as Wellstar MCG Health with Wellstar Health System.
Keen is involved with several boards including the Georgia Research Alliance Board of Trustees and local chambers of commerce. He stated: “It is a tremendous honor to be included on this list with so many influential leaders from across Georgia, including Dr. Jorge Cortes and retired Col. Eric Toler and several Augusta University alumni and supporters, as well as members of the Augusta community,” Keen said. “At Augusta University, we are focused on driving research, empowering student success and engaging with our community. As the state’s designated health sciences university, our faculty are leaders in their fields, and our research leads to life-changing, life-saving discoveries. We prioritize student success, supporting our students both in and out of the classroom. Our students, faculty and staff make a real difference in people’s lives, not only here in Georgia but around the world.”
Jorge Cortes has led the Georgia Cancer Center since September 2019 with an ongoing goal to achieve National Cancer Institute designation while focusing on cancer care innovation statewide and globally. He has overseen more than two hundred grants as principal investigator; his work includes approval for five leukemia drugs currently available to patients.
Cortes holds editorial positions at multiple medical journals including editor-in-chief at Blood Global Hematology for the American Society of Hematology; he serves or has served on numerous professional boards related to leukemia research both nationally and internationally.
“I am humbled and grateful to be recognized and honored once again,” said Cortes. “Being a part of the Georgia Cancer Center means being a part of an institution filled with passionate people working toward the goal of being Georgia’s Cancer Center. A place where everyone can have access to the best possible cancer care, cancer clinical trials, cancer research and cancer screening opportunities.”
Eric Toler joined Augusta University in 2018 after retiring from military service where he specialized in cyberspace operations within Army Cyber Command and other national security agencies. As executive director at the Cyber Innovation & Training Center he manages collaboration between government agencies academia private industry addressing cybersecurity challenges through education training research development practical application.
Toler holds degrees from Henderson State University (BSc Chemistry), University of Kansas (MPA), National Defense University (MSc National Security Strategy) along with various military honors including Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medals.
“I am extremely blessed to work with an amazing team on such an important mission,” said Toler.” I am both grateful and humbled that Georgia Trend continues to recognize our efforts to help protect our citizens government institutions businesses from cyber threats.”
