Walters elected to 2nd term as Georgia Ports Authority chairman

The Georgia Ports Authority’s Board of Directors re-elected James Walters from Gainesville as GPA chairman on Monday. 

In 2012, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal named Walters as GPA board chairman. Walters, previously GPA's vice chairman, has completed his first term, which lasted one year. He now will serve for another year.

"At a time of unprecedented growth and the start of construction for the deepening project, Jim's continued, steady leadership sends a strong message to those who choose Georgia as their gateway to global commerce," Deal said. "Business leaders can be comfortable with Jim's background in economic development, coupled with a strong vision for the future of Georgia's ports."

The Port of Savannah is unmatched in its ability to handle cargo, Walters said.

"I am honored by the board's vote of confidence," Walters said. "I am also excited by the opportunities before us as this body prepares our port facilities to handle the new demands of an evolving logistics industry."

"The Savannah model, of a large, single-operator container terminal supported by an array of near-port distribution centers, direct interstate access and on-terminal rail has proven to be the right model to meet today's container trade demands," Walters said. "Beyond containerized goods, GPA's diversified terminals, focused on bulk, break bulk and automotive cargo, provide the right solutions to serve all segments of the logistics industry."