In the realm of college football officiating, Bryan Fortier’s story stands out. He juggles a demanding career as the Northern Vermont commissioner for high school football officials and works as a field judge in the American Conference.
Fortier’s dedication and passion are hard to miss. This blog post takes a look at his journey, his time officiating big games like Navy at Notre Dame, and the mark he’s left on football officiating.
The Dual Life of Bryan Fortier
During the week, Bryan Fortier is the Chief Financial Officer at FoodScience in Williston, Vermont. But when the weekend rolls around, he swaps spreadsheets for a referee’s whistle, taking the field at some of the most prestigious college football games in the FBS.
His path from a high school graduate in Montpelier to a respected field judge in the American Conference didn’t happen overnight. It’s really a testament to his grit and commitment—he’s put in the work, that’s for sure.
From Humble Beginnings to the Big Leagues
Fortier’s officiating career started in a pretty unremarkable way. His father, Marc Fortier, was a longtime Vermont official, and his brother Justin works the FCS level, but Bryan wasn’t immediately sold on officiating himself.
Things changed when his brother invited him to an interview for officials. Looking back, Fortier says it was one of the best decisions he’s ever made, and you can tell he means it.
He worked his way up, starting with Division III games. Some key feedback from an ex-NFL official nudged him to Division II. Then came his first Division I experience at the University of Central Florida, which set the stage for his current gig in the American Conference.
The Rigorous Routine of a College Football Official
The life of a college football official? It’s not exactly glamorous. There’s a ton of prep, a lot of travel, and you’ve got to know the game inside out.
Fortier’s routine kicks off in February with film review and testing. He’s on the field for spring games and practices, too. The grind just keeps going through the summer with more film sessions.
Weekly Preparations
Here’s what a typical week looks like for him:
- Sunday and Monday: Reviewing the last weekend’s game.
- Tuesday and Wednesday: Scouting and breaking down video for the next matchup.
- Friday: Traveling to wherever the next game is, if it’s a weekend assignment.
This discipline keeps Fortier sharp and ready for those moments that can swing a game.
Challenges and Rewards
Officiating at the top level of college football? It’s not for the faint of heart. Staying calm under pressure is a must, and Fortier prides himself on that steady presence.
When things heat up with coaches and players, he manages to keep his cool. That’s what lets him make the tough calls, even when everyone’s watching.
The Support System
Fortier’s quick to point out he doesn’t do this alone. His wife, Nicole, holds things down at home, making it possible for him to chase his passion.
He’s the first to admit that without her support, juggling both roles would be nearly impossible.
The Brotherhood of Officials
One of the best parts of Fortier’s journey? The camaraderie. When he officiated the Navy at Notre Dame game, at least 20 Vermont high school officials gathered at The Pour House in South Burlington to watch together.
It’s a tight-knit community, and those friendships run deep.
Mentorship and Leadership
As the Northern Vermont commissioner, Fortier oversees around 38 officials. He’s big on mentorship and really wants to see more diversity in officiating.
He’s especially passionate about encouraging women to join, insisting that officiating football isn’t just for one gender.
Since he took over, the number of officials in Northern Vermont has climbed to its highest. Fortier hopes to keep building this community, bringing in new officials every year and keeping the pipeline strong.
Looking Ahead
Fortier’s journey isn’t anywhere near finished. Every game, he sharpens his skills a bit more and finds new ways to give back to the sport he genuinely loves.
His path’s been full of hard work and a kind of quiet humility. Honestly, it’s tough not to feel inspired by someone like that, especially if you’re just starting out as an official.
If you want more about Bryan Fortier’s story or a peek into the life of a college football official, check out the full article on the Burlington Free Press.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
