GMC-Columbus Announces New Executive Director

Staff Report From Columbus CEO

Wednesday, February 19th, 2020

Georgia Military College’s (GMC) Columbus campus welcomes Major General, USA (Ret.) David C. Coburn as its new Executive Director. In March, Coburn joins the GMC team after retiring from the U.S. Army after a distinguished 37-year career. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1982 in the Infantry after graduating from Columbus State University with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He later obtained a Master of Business Administration degree from Syracuse University and a Master’s degree in Resourcing National Strategy from the Industrial College of Armed Forces.

Coburn spent several years of his childhood in Japan with his father who was in the Army. At age 11, his
father retired at Fort Benning in Columbus, where the Coburn family would eventually reside long-term.
Coburn went on to serve at Fort Benning himself from 1985 to 1990 as a Ranger Instructor and Airborne
Company Commander. His final assignment for the U.S. Army was the Commanding General for the
United States Army Financial Management Command in Indianapolis, Indiana. Now after retiring from
the Army earlier this year, Coburn returns to Columbus for a new adventure as Executive Director at
GMC’s campus there.

Coburn says he’s excited to take the next step in his career in the place he calls home.

“The reputation of Georgia Military College not only across the state, but nationally in the military, is
just great,” Coburn said. “Georgia Military College gives an opportunity to civilians and military students
that might not have the educational background or financial ability to attend other colleges or
universities, for them to come in and earn a two-year degree, and then either pursue a Bachelor of
Applied Science degree with us, or to move on to another institution for a four-year degree. When you
leave GMC, you’ll be prepared because here, you’re set up for success.”

Coburn and his wife Denise are excited to be back in Columbus. Georgia Military College is excited to
have Major General Coburn join the team in Columbus!