Georgia Ports Authority Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Georgia Ports Authority has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, operations, human resources, communications, and regional leadership.

Focused on driving international trade and economic prosperity, Georgia Ports Authority maintains a commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth for the benefit of all Georgians.

Leadership Roles at Georgia Ports Authority

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Griffith Lynch
  • Chief Financial Officer - Michaela Thompson
  • Chief Operating Officer - Issa Ali
  • President - Kevin Price
  • Chief Information Officer - Susan Gardner
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Lise Marshall
  • Chief Communications Officer - Tom Boyd
  • Griffith Lynch - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Griffith Lynch, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Georgia Ports Authority, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. This leadership role involves managing complex maritime logistics and infrastructure development to ensure the highest levels of productivity across all port facilities. By prioritizing technological integration and cargo efficiency, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures a competitive advantage within the global shipping market. Griffith Lynch oversees the alignment of long-term capital investments with the broader mission of fostering economic growth throughout the state. Through rigorous oversight of terminal operations and stakeholder engagement, the executive maintains the facility's status as a premier hub for international trade. This position requires constant evaluation of market trends to sustain performance and security for future generations. Ultimately, Lynch drives the organizational culture toward innovation and operational excellence.
    Griffith Lynch

    Michaela Thompson - Chief Financial Officer

    Michaela Thompson, the Chief Financial Officer at Georgia Ports Authority, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies necessary for large-scale port development. This role involves overseeing financial planning, budgeting, and risk management to support the organization's commitment to infrastructure expansion. By optimizing revenue streams and controlling operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the financial stability required to sustain long-term growth. Michaela Thompson collaborates with the executive team to align fiscal policies with the strategic goals of enhancing port productivity and cargo throughput. This leadership function includes monitoring economic indicators to mitigate risks associated with international trade fluctuations. Through precise financial reporting and investment analysis, the executive provides the necessary data to guide board decisions. Ultimately, Thompson secures the capital resources required to maintain the competitive edge of the state's maritime assets.

    Issa Ali - Chief Operating Officer

    Issa Ali, the Chief Operating Officer at Georgia Ports Authority, manages the daily terminal operations and cargo handling processes that define the organization's productivity. This role involves coordinating labor, equipment, and facility resources to ensure the rapid movement of goods across North American supply chains. By streamlining terminal workflows and implementing lean operational practices, the Chief Operating Officer maximizes throughput and minimizes turnaround times for shipping partners. Issa Ali oversees the maintenance and expansion of physical assets to meet the demands of increasing international trade volumes. This leadership function requires constant interaction with logistics providers and terminal staff to maintain safety and efficiency standards. Through rigorous operational oversight, the executive ensures that the ports remain the most productive facilities in the nation. Ultimately, Ali drives the operational performance necessary to support the state's economic development goals.

    Kevin Price - President

    Kevin Price, the President at Georgia Ports Authority, focuses on regional market expansion and the cultivation of strategic partnerships within the transportation sector. This role involves identifying new business opportunities and strengthening existing relationships with global shipping lines to increase cargo volume. By analyzing regional trade patterns and infrastructure needs, the President ensures that the organization remains responsive to the evolving demands of the international market. Kevin Price collaborates with the executive team to implement growth initiatives that enhance the competitive position of the ports. This leadership function requires a deep understanding of the logistics landscape and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments. Through proactive market development, the executive supports the broader mission of creating jobs and economic benefits for the state. Ultimately, Price drives the regional initiatives that secure the long-term viability of the port facilities.
    Kevin Price

    Susan Gardner - Chief Information Officer

    Susan Gardner, the Chief Information Officer at Georgia Ports Authority, architects the digital infrastructure and technological frameworks that drive cargo movement efficiency. This role involves implementing advanced logistics software and cybersecurity protocols to protect critical port data and operational systems. By integrating leading-edge technology into terminal management, the Chief Information Officer enhances the speed and accuracy of global supply chain processes. Susan Gardner leads the digital transformation initiatives that allow the organization to remain at the forefront of the transportation industry. This leadership position requires close coordination with operations teams to ensure seamless data flow across all facilities. Through the deployment of scalable IT solutions, the executive supports the broader mission of increasing productivity and business opportunities. Ultimately, Gardner optimizes the digital ecosystem to ensure high-performance standards for all port stakeholders.
    Susan Gardner

    Lise Marshall - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Lise Marshall, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Georgia Ports Authority, directs the talent acquisition, workforce development, and organizational culture initiatives. This role involves designing comprehensive training programs to ensure the workforce possesses the skills required for modern, technology-driven port operations. By fostering an environment of safety, inclusion, and professional growth, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the organization's mission to create jobs and business opportunities for the state. Lise Marshall manages labor relations and employee engagement strategies to maintain a highly productive and motivated team. This leadership position requires aligning human capital strategies with the broader operational goals of the authority. Through effective talent management, the executive ensures that the organization retains the expertise needed to sustain long-term performance. Ultimately, Marshall builds the human infrastructure that powers the success of the state's maritime operations.

    Tom Boyd - Chief Communications Officer

    Tom Boyd, the Chief Communications Officer at Georgia Ports Authority, manages the organization's public image, media relations, and stakeholder engagement strategies. This role involves crafting messaging that highlights the economic impact of the ports and the commitment to sustainable growth. By coordinating outreach efforts with government officials, industry partners, and the public, the Chief Communications Officer ensures alignment with the authority's mission. Tom Boyd oversees the development of marketing campaigns that promote the efficiency and productivity of the facilities to a global audience. This leadership function requires managing complex communication channels to maintain transparency and trust with all stakeholders. Through strategic messaging, the executive amplifies the importance of the ports in driving international trade and investment. Ultimately, Boyd shapes the narrative that positions the organization as a vital engine for the state's economic prosperity.
    Tom Boyd

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Georgia Ports Authority Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Georgia Ports Authority?
    Georgia Ports Authority is led by Griffith Lynch (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Michaela Thompson (Chief Financial Officer) and Issa Ali (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Georgia Ports Authority’s executive team?
    The executive team of Georgia Ports Authority includes leaders such as Griffith Lynch (President & Chief Executive Officer), Michaela Thompson (Chief Financial Officer), Issa Ali (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Georgia Ports Authority have?
    Georgia Ports Authority has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Georgia Ports Authority’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Georgia Ports Authority includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Chief Information Officer.