2015 State of the Port Address 

The 2015 State of the Port Address, hosted by the Georgia Ports Authority and the Propeller Club of the United States - Port of Savannah, will be held at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center. GPA's Executive Director Curtis J. Foltz will present the latest developments at the GPA during a networking-lunch reception.

About the Georgia Ports Authority

Georgia’s deepwater ports and inland barge terminals support more than 369,193 jobs throughout the state annually and contribute $20.4 billion in income, $84.1 billion in revenue and $2.3 billion in state and local taxes to Georgia’s economy. The Port of Savannah handled 8 percent of the U.S. containerized cargo volume and 11 percent of all U.S. containerized exports in FY2014. 

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About the Savannah Propeller Club

The Propeller Club United States - Port of Savannah is comprised of more than 260 people from more than 120 organizations in the Savannah maritime community.  The membership comprises a cross section of the marine, maritime, and associated industries throughout the United States and in many cities overseas. "Propeller" in the name refers to the propulsion of ships, and is symbolic of the driving force of the nation's heavily-maritime-reliant economy.

AGENDA
10:30 a.m	Networking Reception / Registration
11:15 a.m.	Doors Open
11:30 a.m.	Announcement to be seated
11:35 a.m.	Ringing of Propeller Club Bell – be seated
11:45 a.m.	Program Begins Michael Forbes, Propeller Club President Welcome | Call Propeller Club Meeting to order Chaplain Terry Kesling, Garrison Chaplain, HAAF Invocation | Pledge of Allegiance | Lunch
12:20 p.m.	Michael Forbes Recognition of Guests | Introduction of GPA Chairman
12:25 p.m.	James Allgood, GPA Vice Chairman Remarks | Video Introduction
12:30 p.m.	Video
12:35 p.m.	James Allgood Introduction of GPA Executive Director
12:40 p.m.	Curtis J. Foltz, Executive Director, Georgia Ports Authority State of the Port Address
1:25 p.m.	Michael Forbes Announcements | Wrap-up

James A. Walters
Chairman : Georgia Ports Authority

James A. Walters was appointed to the Georgia Ports Authority in June 2008.  He was first elected board chairman in June 2014, and re-elected to that post in June 2015.

James A. Walters is the President and CEO of Walters Management Company, Gainesville, Georgia, which provides oversight and management for over 110 consumer finance companies located in Georgia, Tennessee and Texas.  In addition, Walters Management Company owns and manages income producing properties and real estate related entities.

Mr. Walters is a former Director of First National Bank of Gainesville and its holding company, First National Bancorp.  Subsequent to the sale of First National to Regions Bank, Mr. Walters continued to serve as an Advisory Board Member of Regions Bank of Gainesville.  Mr. Walters currently serves as Chairman of the Board of The Georgia Ports Authority, and as Chairman of the Board of Chattahoochee Bank of Georgia, a Gainesville, Ga.-based bank that he helped found.

 

Curtis J. Foltz
Executive Director : Georgia Ports Authority

Curtis Foltz is the Executive Director of the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), a 1,000-person strong state port authority that owns and operates strategic gateways serving the U.S. Southeast.

Following five years as Chief Operating Officer for the Authority, Mr. Foltz took the helm of the GPA January 1, 2010. 

As Executive Director, Mr. Foltz oversees all port activity involving the deepwater ports of Savannah and Brunswick, as well as inland terminal operations in Bainbridge and Columbus. Directing one of Georgia’s largest economic engines, he administers an annual capital and operating budget of $336 million. 

As the GPA’s Chief Operating Officer from 2004 to 2009, Mr. Foltz provided direction for day-to-day operating activities with responsibility to help ensure long-term growth in service performance, revenue, profitability, and market share. 

Prior to joining the GPA, Mr. Foltz was the Vice President of Operations for CSX World Terminals in Charlotte, N.C., where he was responsible for all business unit accountability throughout North and South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Australia, and Europe. He previously held the position of Vice President and General Manager of the Americas, as well as General Manager of Terminal Management Resources for CSX World Terminals. 

During 13 years at Sea-Land Service, Inc., Mr. Foltz held several different positions, including Manager of Port Operations in Tacoma, Wash., Manager of Port Operations in Charleston, S.C., Manager of Port Operations in New Orleans, La., Manager of Operations and Rolling Stock for the Americas in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and Liberty Corners, N.J., and held supervisory positions in New Orleans, La. Prior to joining Sea-Land, he held various management positions with Overnite Transportation in Charlotte, N.C. and McLean Trucking in Winston-Salem, N.C.

A native of Charlotte, N.C., he earned his BSBA from East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., with a concentration in business management. He also received his Master of Business Administration from East Carolina University. Mr. Foltz lives in Savannah with his wife, Donna.

 

 

Michael A. Forbes
President : Propeller Club of Savannah

Michael A. Forbes is a Savannah native, the third of seven children born to John J. Forbes Sr. and Loreta S. Forbes. Michael attended Cathedral Day School, St. James Parochial School, and Benedictine Military School and graduated from Statesboro High School in 1970. 

Michael later served in the U.S. Army before going on to attend Armstrong State College.

Michael has worked many careers in his life. He found his passion when he began working for a company started by his mother, Loreta S. Forbes Felix. Michael handled the vessel spare parts department of Colonial Couriers of Savannah for many years, working up to Vice-President of the company. In 1995, he and his brother, Jimmy, bought out their mother’s business. In 2003, Michael left Colonial Couriers to start his own business. Today, Michael owns and operates Coastal Ship Services, LLC, a Customs and Border Protection Bonded Company specializing in the transportation and delivery of vessel spare parts shipments both locally, nationwide and worldwide.

Michael is married to the former Donna Dillon of Savannah.  Michael and Donna attend St. John the Baptist Cathedral. Michael is active in civic organizations such as the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Knights of Columbus, Council 631, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.

Michael’s greatest joy is his family.  He has four grand buddies with whom he enjoys spending time. In Michael’s free time you can find him golfing, fishing, swimming, boating, or shooting skeet with his family.