J Thomas Forbes is the president and chief executive officer of the Indiana University Foundation. Prior to this appointment, he was the chief executive officer of the Indiana University Alumni Association.
J T. returned to Indiana University after a stint in the private sector, where he served as director of state government relations for Cummins Inc., and as a principal private sector staff leader for the United States–Brazil CEO Forum.
An experienced higher education leader, JT. has served in senior-level communications, marketing, public affairs, and government relations roles at IU and Michigan State University, and provided consulting on these issues for other major public research and land grant colleges. His service to the advancement field includes work as a consulting vice president for Grenzebach Glier and Associates and active service with the Council of Alumni Association Executives (CAAE) and Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).