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In a significant announcement from Savannah, Georgia, Griff Lynch, the long-serving President and CEO of the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), has revealed plans to retire in 2027. Lynch’s career with the ports spans over 15 years, a period marked by substantial expansion and development.
Under Lynch’s leadership, the ports have become a powerhouse of economic activity. By 2025, the ports were responsible for supporting more than 650,000 jobs throughout Georgia, highlighting their vital role in the state’s economy.
The Port of Savannah, recognized as one of the busiest hubs for containerized trade in the U.S., along with the Port of Brunswick, the nation’s leading port for automobiles and heavy equipment, exemplify the strategic importance of Georgia’s maritime facilities, according to officials in 2025.
“The ports in Georgia have been a cornerstone of our economic growth, thanks to Griff Lynch’s exceptional leadership and forward-thinking vision,” remarked Governor Brian Kemp, praising Lynch’s contributions.
Griff Lynch is set to retire on August 1, 2027, as confirmed by a GPA spokesperson on Tuesday. During the transition period, Lynch will maintain his CEO responsibilities until his successor, Kevin Price, assumes the role of president on July 1, 2026.
Price will report to Lynch, with a longer-term transition plan for him to assume the role of president and CEO in mid-2027, a spokesperson said.
Before becoming executive director, Lynch served as GPA chief operating officer for
five years. He took over as CEO and president in 2016.