DENVER  Promise Keepers named Thomas S. Fortson Jr. president and chief executive officer of the international men's ministry. Fortson, who was executive vice president of administration and operations, replaces founder Bill McCartney.
According to a news release, Fortson plans to increase the organization's foundation in the United States and further expand the ministry worldwide.
"If I could paint a big picture of where I think PK needs to go, it's to build on our foundation in the U.S. and to reach the world," Fortson said. "That's our vision - Men Transformed Worldwide. It may take a little time to get there, but God's heart is for the world and that's where He's called us."
Before joining PK in 1996, Fortson was an administrator at General Motors Corporation in Detroit and was vice president of human resources at Edwards Baking Company in Atlanta. He served as dean at the Atlanta Center for Theological Studies and as president of Next Step Consultants, a Christian consulting group also based in Atlanta.
Board Chairman and retired U.S Army General Alonzo Short told the PK staff Fortson was unanimously elected with great confidence and great expectations.
"Tom's talents will be put to great use as he leads Promise Keepers in our service to our Lord, to the men of this nation and to the Christian men's movement worldwide," Short said.
McCartney recently stepped down as head of the ministry to spend more time with his family.
