NEWS FLASH: GPA chief Foltz to step down

Curtis Foltz will be replaced as head of the Georgia Ports Authority by current Cheif Operating Officer Griff Lynch.    Executive Director of the Georgia Ports Authority Curtis Foltz has tendered his resignation effective June 30, the end of the authority’s fiscal year, and will be replaced by Chief Operating Officer Griff Lynch, GPA announced Wednesday.
   Foltz, who is highly regarded within the port industry for his management skills, has led the GPA for six years and before that served six years as chief operating officer under Doug Marchand. 
   Since Foltz took the helm in 2009, the Port of Savannah has become the fastest growing container port in the nation and solidified its position as the fourth-largest container port in the nation.
   He was instrumental in getting the Savannah Harbor Deepening Project through the regulatory and funding process. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last year began work on the $706 million project to dredge the Savannah River to 47 feet to handle larger cargo ships. 
   “In addition to record cargo growth, GPA, under Curtis’ leadership, modernized its terminals and developed operational practices that increased efficiency, improved safety and focused on environmental stewardship. The Board is grateful for the many contributions he made to the Authority during his distinguished career,” Jim Walters, chairman of the board, said in a statement.
   Foltz will continue to provide consulting services to the GPA for a year after his departure.
   According a report in the Savannah Morning News, Foltz notified the board of his intentions late last month.
   Nominating Committee Chairman Jimmy Allgood praised Lynch for his role as COO. “Griff’s extensive operational and port management skills make him the perfect candidate to replace Curtis and continue the success the Authority has achieved.”