Robert McGrath, who has served as director of the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) for the past four years, will leave that post to take a more focused role within the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research, supporting large research opportunities that encompass GTRI, Tech’s Interdisciplinary Research Institutes, and external partners.

McGrath publicly announced his plans yesterday as part of his monthly communication with GTRI employees.

“I’m very proud of all that we have accomplished together over the past few years,” he said. “I know that under Steve Cross’ leadership and with your enthusiastic support, GTRI will continue to be the trusted and respected partner that it has always been for our clients and sponsors. It was an honor to have served as your director.”

Executive Vice President for Research Steve Cross will serve as interim director of GTRI — a position he held from 2003-2010 — while a search is conducted for a new GTRI director.

“I look forward to serving in the dual role in the months to come,” said Cross. “I am confident that I can do both jobs given both the team I have assembled across Tech in my EVPR role and with the able assistance of the senior leadership team at GTRI. All of them are people I have worked with for many years and hold in high esteem.”

With GTRI’s External Advisory Council planning to meet later this month, Cross also said he hopes to dedicate a part of the meeting updating the GTRI vision and strategy, a process that McGrath and the GTRI leadership team initiated last month. Cross and his leadership team will also continue to pursue operational improvements reflective of an organization that has grown rapidly over the past five years.

“The work of GTRI is critical to the nation and it is aligned and integral to the success of our Institute’s strategy for our research enterprise,” Cross said. “We will use this opportunity to further enhance our management and leadership acumen under a philosophy of continuous improvement.”

During McGrath’s tenure, GTRI has grown from 1,521 employees to more than 2,000 and contract awards have grown from $205 million to $363 million. GTRI also initiated a minority scholarship program, awarding $150,000 in scholarships to deserving students.