September 13, 2004 (ATLANTA, GA) - James A. (Al) Cochran, chief financial officer for TurboChef Technologies, joins the School of Accountancy at the Robinson College of Business as an Alumni Executive-in-Residence. Cochran will work with the School to help students broaden their understanding of current trends in the accounting industry as well as help expand the School's strategic alliances.
Cochran, an undergraduate and graduate alum of Robinson's School of Accountancy, began his accounting career with Harris, Kerr, Forster after taking just two accounting courses. He was later made partner in the firm. In 1999, Cochran joined VitalWorks as chief financial officer and transitioned into a position with PracticeWorks , a spinoff company. In 2003, he completed the due diligence process and negotiated the sale of PracticeWorks to Eastman Kodak for $500 million.
"Al is an extraordinary individual who has achieved a level of success that makes us all proud," said School director Jane Mutchler. "Having him share his knowledge and experience will be incredibly beneficial for our students as they prepare for their careers in accounting."
The J. Mack Robinson College of Business is one of the top-ranked business schools. The College's Flex (part-time) MBA program has been listed in the top ten by U.S. News for the past nine years and its undergraduate business program is ranked among the top 50 in the nation. The College's Executive MBA program is listed on The Financial Times list of the world's top ranked offerings and BusinessWeek magazine ranks it 24th in the world. Georgia State University's Robinson College of Business has an enrollment of more than 8000 students and is located in downtown Atlanta.
