Martin Pirrman has been promoted to vice president for finance and operations of LaGrange College.

He will take over the responsibilities held by Phyllis Whitney, who is leaving the institution this month for a similar post at Iowa Wesleyan College.

“As we began to review the skill set we needed in a replacement for Phyllis, it soon became apparent that the abilities we were searching for were already present on campus,” college President Dan McAlexander said. “Marty brings a great deal of knowledge and insight regarding the institution’s financial picture, expertise honed through his 10 years of service as controller and his most recent service as assistant vice president for administration and controller.

“He has long been a valued advisor to the board of trustees on financial matters, and he carries great respect in the LaGrange and banking communities. It seems fitting, then, that he become the institution’s chief financial officer.”

Pirrman said his work with Whitney and past president Stuart Gulley over the last decade has prepared him for the role. He pointed to the $65 million spent in upgrades to the institution’s infrastructure as a strong base for future growth.

“I am honored that Dr. McAlexander has provided the opportunity for me to serve LaGrange College in this role,” Pirrman said. “It has certainly been my privilege to have had such wonderful mentors over the last 10 years. Now, I am excited about the future of the institution under Dr. McAlexander’s leadership.”

Pirrman has been at the college since 1999. He came to LaGrange from Midway College in Kentucky, where he worked with Whitney. While at Midway, he served as interim vice president for business affairs, director of budgeting and director of finance and was the recipient of the trustee’s award of staff excellence in 1998.

He is a member of the National Association of College and University Business Officers, a finance reader for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, a past board member of the Boys and Girls Club of West Georgia and board treasurer and past board chairman of United Way of West Georgia.

He has been married for 31 years to Kathy Pirrman, who works in the admission office at the college. They have three children: Jennifer Pirrman and Chris and Joni Pirrman, all LaGrange graduates, as well as a granddaughter, Ada McKenzie Pirrman, 2.